Design & Crafts Council Ireland

🏺 Thinking about a future in ceramics? Read this 👇 “I attended the Pottery Skills and Design course from 2012 to 2014: an inspiring two-year immersion in pottery and design in the beautiful, bucolic landscape of Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny with the Design & Crafts Council Ireland. It was rigorous and demanding, yet deeply formative—long days at the wheel learning to truly see, to think through clay, to honour form and proportion. Guided by remarkable tutors, I gained skills and sensibilities I carry with me every day. If you feel called to clay and want to throw with confidence and soul, this is the course for you.” — Bernadette Tuite ✨ 🎓 BA (Hons) Ceramics Skills & Design 📍 Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny ⏳ Apply by April 30, 2026 If you feel called to clay… this is your moment. Apply via the link: bit.ly/3OK8KMY

"Made Local 💚 With over 1,500 makers and 300+ retailers, Made Local has become a shared space where creativity across Ireland comes together 🇮🇪 It’s not just about being listed, it’s about being part of something bigger. When you join #MadeLocal, you’re stepping into a community that celebrates originality, backs local talent, and believes in the power of creative businesses shaping something real. ✨ A place where your work is seen and valued 🤝 Where connections turn into collaborations 🌱 Where independent brands grow together, not alone This isn’t just a campaign, it’s a movement supporting the people behind the products. Be part of it with the link here: bit.ly/46nyAMC Featured: koko Designs

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Andrew Eadie. Andrew is remembered as a beloved figure of the Irish textile making community, whose dedication and values left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him and on the craft and design sector as a whole. His legacy will continue in the work and community he helped shape. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all at Kerry Woollen Mills at this difficult time. May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Design & Crafts Council Ireland ☘️ Today we celebrate the creativity, heritage and talent that makes Ireland so special and unique. We are proud to champion the makers, designers and craftspeople who shape Ireland’s creative identity. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir! Featured work: Liz Christy Hand-Woven in Ireland

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Design & Crafts Council Ireland ☘️ Today we celebrate the creativity, heritage and talent that makes Ireland so special and unique. We are proud to champion the makers, designers and craftspeople who shape Ireland’s creative identity. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir! Pictured: Scarves from Liz Christy Hand-Weaving Studios

Meet ILgemstones Jewellery Founded by Irena Leahy, ILgemstones Jewellery reflects Irena's passion for creating elegant, charming, handmade Irish jewellery. Each piece celebrates individuality and self-expression, combining a love of colourful semi-precious stones with the timeless appeal of precious metals. She creates jewellery designed to help people express their personal style — whether dressing for a special occasion, choosing a meaningful gift, or simply adding a little brightness to their day. Her designs are for those who value colour, simplicity, craftsmanship, and quality jewellery at accessible prices. To read the full interview, follow the link here: dcci.ie/meet-irena-lea…

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the makers, mentors and creative forces who inspire us every day. 🌸 Whether sharing creative traditions or encouraging the next generation of designers and craftspeople, mothers play a powerful role in keeping creativity alive across Ireland. Today we honour the care, patience and imagination that shape both families and the creative community. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Design & Crafts Council Ireland. Featured: Pillows and Patterns, Bláithín, Nandi Knitwear

Step into the world of timeless craftsmanship with the DCCI Academy Jewellery & Goldsmithing Short Courses! 🛠️ Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your skills, these courses give you hands-on experience in creating beautiful jewellery while honoring centuries-old techniques. By joining, you’re helping preserve Ireland’s rich jewellery-making tradition and culture for future generations. 💚 🔗 Learn more & book your spot: bit.ly/4l8ezQ4

We are delighted to announce the shortlist of finalists for the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award 2025. The award honours the legacy of filmmaker David Shaw-Smith and celebrates the master craftspeople who continue to shape and sustain Ireland’s rich craft heritage through skill, creativity, and innovation. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. Peter Young – stained glass (Dublin) Stevan Hartung – wood, furniture (Wicklow) Stephen O’Briain – wood, furniture (Carlow) Martha Quinn – stone sculptor (Sligo) Beth Moran – weaver (Mayo) Holger Lonze – sculptor and boat builder (Kerry) Laura O’Hagan – architectural ceramics and mosaics (Wicklow) Lucina Lennon – interior architect (Wicklow) Patricia Millar – clay (Antrim) 🏆 The winner will be announced at a special reception in The Castle Yard, Kilkenny on March 26th 2026. Follow the link to learn more: bit.ly/4loplC2

The Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD) has just debuted its Spring/ Summer 2026 Collections film. Discover the latest pieces from some of Ireland’s most exciting designers as they unveil fresh looks, craftsmanship and creativity for the new season. ✨ CIFD is an organisation that supports and empowers its members, helping them to grow their businesses while celebrating and sharing the best of Irish fashion both at home and around the world. Featured work by Leonora Ferguson Follow the link to watch: bit.ly/40s96u5

🏺Have you ever considered a career in the craft of ceramics? This is a reminder that applications are now open for the new Bachelor of Arts Honours course in Ceramics Skills and Design. 📍This three-year course delivered by DCCI Academy Ceramics, in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), will take place in a new purpose-built state-of-the-art educational facility in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. This is a hands-on, practical, industry-focused course, which will prepare students for work in the world of ceramics. The course builds on the legacy of the highly regarded BA (Ord) Ceramics Skills and Design in Thomastown – a programme previously delivered by DCCI that served as the foundation for many leading Irish and internationally recognised ceramists. Applications are now open for this exciting full-time course, with applications closing on April 30th 2026. To apply, follow the link here: bit.ly/3OK8KMY

Maker Spotlight: Culu Design Irish handmade jewellery brand Culu Design is launching LUMEN, a new Spring collection inspired by nature, soft Spring light and joyful self-expression. Designed and handcrafted in Co. Wicklow by founder Louise O’Hara, the collection features 25 pairs of earrings in a soft, muted colour palette while keeping the playful Culu spirit. When - Launching Sunday March 22nd Price range - €38 – €58 For more information visit: bit.ly/3NvoG5h

Meet Dean Stapleton Dean Stapleton is a Dublin-based designer and handweaver specialising in traditional Irish tweed. Trained in Donegal under master weaver John Heena, he works on a traditional handloom using 100% Irish wool. Through Stapleton Tweed, he creates handcrafted pieces that celebrate Ireland’s textile heritage while promoting sustainable, locally made craft. His mission is to preserve the art of handweaving and inspire a new generation to appreciate this historic skill. Read his interview here: bit.ly/3NrDxh2

Today marks 115 years of International Women’s Day. What better time to take a closer look at the work of designer maker Seliena Coyle, and her project entitled ‘Women's Stories', which was recently showcased in the DCCI exhibition at Collect 2026? 'Women’s Stories' presents a selection of female characters - historical, fictional, and contemporary - through visual storytelling. Utilising traditional bench skills and taking a narrative approach, these wall pieces seek to tell stories. "On International Women’s Day 2026, I return to the moment in 2017 when struck by the realisation of just how many women had been written out of the history I was taught. Standing in the 1916 exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, I felt a profound anger at the silence - at the absence of women’s names, their courage, their labour, their impact. Women’s Stories grew from that reckoning: a determination to challenge erasure and to honour the women history overlooked. Through contemporary icons, I reclaim their narratives and insist on their presence. The project remains painfully relevant, because the structures that once silenced these women still shape whose stories are told today. Each piece is a reminder that visibility is not guaranteed, that change is still needed, and that the work of recognising women’s contributions - past and present - must continue.” - Seliena Coyle #IWD2026

Made Local is bigger than ever, and growing every day 💚 With 1,500 makers and 300+ retailers now part of the community, Made Local has become one of Ireland’s most exciting spaces for independent brands to connect, collaborate, and grow 🇮🇪 When you join #MadeLocal you get: 🚀 More visibility through PR features, social promotion, and your place in the Made Local directory 🤝 Meaningful connections with retailers and fellow makers across the country 🌟 A supportive platform designed to help creative businesses stand out and sell more This is more than a directory, it’s a nationwide community backing local talent. Ready to be part of #MadeLocal - click the link: bit.ly/46nyAMC Pictured: Tatiana Dobos of Dobos Ceramics

Meet Annabel Langrish Artist and maker Annabel Langrish combines her creative practice with retail, running gallery spaces in both Bantry, West Cork and Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Through her galleries, Annabel presents her own colourful, nature-inspired work including prints, ceramics and homeware, while also creating space to showcase the work of other artists and craftspeople. Her stores bring together a carefully curated selection of Irish craft and design, offering visitors the opportunity to discover unique handmade pieces. Alongside her own collections, Annabel stocks work from other makers, championing Irish creativity and helping bring a diverse range of craft to local and visiting audiences. By combining her own practice with a thoughtful retail offering, she has created welcoming spaces that celebrate art, craft and the makers behind the work. Read her interview here: bit.ly/4aTsjuL

Looking for a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift this year with real meaning? 💝 These beautiful #MadeLocal pieces celebrate homegrown craft, creativity, and quality. When you choose one of these gifts, you’re not just treating Mam, you’re supporting skilled craft members across Ireland. ✨ Bláithín – Mini Irish Saying Hoops Sweet, meaningful, and easy to wear every day. 🧶 Lana Dullaghan Designs – Donegal Stripes Pure Wool Throw Cosy, timeless, and perfect for curling up at home. 🛁 Soap and More – Self Care Set Everything she needs for a relaxing pamper night. 🕯️ Brownstown Handmade Crafts – Soy Wax Candle A beautiful scent to brighten her space. To find more beautiful gifting inspiration, visit bit.ly/4aS8uEf #MadeLocal #MadeToLast

Unlock your creativity with our hands-on DCCI Academy Jewellery & Goldsmithing Short Courses - perfect for beginners & pros alike 💍🛠 Learn a new craft or develop your skills further with the following courses: • Forging 🔨 • Fold‑forming 🔄 • Sinking & Raising a Bowl 🥣 • Introduction to Anticlastic Raising 🌿 • Enamelling for Small Batch Production 🎨 • Chasing & Repoussé 🖌 • Introduction to Lost Wax Carving 🕯 • Introduction to Keum‑Boo 💛 • Mitsuro Hikime Wax Modelling 🖤 • Granulation in Gold & Silver ✨ 👉 Explore the courses & book here: bit.ly/4l8ezQ4

Design and Crafts Council Ireland Academy Ceramics is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the new Bachelor of Arts Honours course in Ceramics Skills and Design. 📍This three-year course is in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and will take place in a new purpose-built educational facility in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. This is a hands-on, practical, industry-focused course, which will prepare students for work in the world of ceramics. 🏺Topics covered will include and contemporary practice, clay and glaze technology, kiln theory and operation, surface treatments, drawing and design, and the history of ceramics. The course builds on the legacy of the highly regarded BA (Ord) Ceramics Skills and Design in Thomastown – a programme previously delivered by DCCI that served as the foundation for many leading Irish and internationally recognised ceramists. Applications are now open for this exciting full-time course, with applications closing on April 30th 2026. To apply, follow the link: bit.ly/3OK8KMY

As we draw a close on Collect 2026, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the exceptional makers who represented Ireland with such dedication and creativity. Cathy Burke, Hugo Byrne, Mike Byrne, Seliena Coyle, Paola Di Legge, Noel Donnellan, Jennifer Hickey, John Lee, Cara Murphy, Jane Murtagh, Helen O’Shea, Mary Palmer, Michael Rice, Emer Roberts, Andrea Spencer, and Zelouf & Bell, whose talent and dedication to their craft is an inspiration and testament to the community of designer makers in Ireland, past and present. A huge thank you must go to our curator Julia Ravenscroft, whose vision and professionalism brought the DCCI exhibition to life, highlighting the strength and diversity of contemporary Irish craft and making it shine on an international stage. For more information on the makers who represented Ireland at Collect, follow the link here: bit.ly/3ZXULoZ #Collect2026