Gaeltacht Businesses Showcasing Exceptional Craftsmanship at Showcase 2025
The finest Irish craftspeople and designers will be displaying their work at Showcase 2025, celebrating 50 years of excellence in Irish craft and design.
The participants demonstrate the diversity and richness present in contemporary Irish craftsmanship, from traditional products to sustainable innovations.
From Galway, LESS Watches is providing an innovative solution to the problem of ocean plastic. After spending years working as a designer in Dublin, the Netherlands, and the United States, Ruairí Ó Faoláin returned to Galway to make watches with straps made from ocean-bound plastic, linking luxury design with sustainability. In recognition of their innovative approach and exceptional design quality, LESS Watches has been shortlisted for The Edit Display Area at Showcase 2025, a prestigious curated selection featuring the highest quality products at the event.
In Connemara, C Beauty is presenting their handmade skincare products from An Spidéal, with natural ingredients and unique production processes based on the lunar calendar. In the same area, West Ireland Art, led by Caroline Cullen, is showcasing a beautiful collection of greeting cards and fine art prints that reflect Ireland’s cultural richness.
Dara Mats is the newest business among the participants, with Laura Fahey showcasing her elegant yoga mats decorated with original art inspired by Ireland’s landscape.
In Donegal, the strong tradition of craftsmanship is evident in the work of DONEGAL SOCKS, which has been producing wool socks in traditional Donegal tweed colors for three generations. Donegal Copper Crafts, led by Neil Ferry, is demonstrating mastery in copper craftsmanship, offering custom pieces and training workshops.
In County Waterford, Criostal na Rinne is showcasing premium hand-cut crystal from their family workshop in Ring. In Kerry, there are two exceptional craft companies – Dingle Crystal, led by master craftsman Sean Daly, and Louis Mulcahy Pottery, which has left its mark on the history of Irish craftsmanship with its beautiful pottery.
“Showcase 2025 is a historic event as we celebrate fifty years of excellence in Irish craftsmanship,” said Rónán Mac Con Iomaire, Director of Regional, Community & Language Planning Development. “These businesses demonstrate the talent and innovation found in our Gaeltacht areas, fostering employment while preserving our traditions. It’s important that the world sees the high standard of craftsmanship and design being created in Ireland, especially in our Gaeltacht areas.”