Highlighting the best of Irish creativity, the RDS Showcase returned to the RDS, Dublin, on 18-21 January, with over 450 exhibitors, including leading Irish designers and manufacturers, aiming to woo buyers at home and abroad. Organised by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, the annual four-day creative expo is valued by industry experts as one of the most important trade events for the Irish craft sector.

In 2010, Local Enterprise offices supported 35 small businesses at the RDS Showcase through subsidised stands, but this figure has tripled to a record-breaking 105 businesses this year – which is an extra special achievement for local designers and makers as they celebrate Irish Design 2015.

Local Enterprise offices are committed to the craft sector nationally, providing supports such as mentoring, training, financial grants, networking initiatives, business advice and export initiatives, where applicable.

www.localenterprise.ie www.showcaseireland.com

Shuttle Knit, Wicklow

Established in 2001 in Co Wicklow with the aim of “knitting communities together”, Shuttle Knit is a business partnership model that brings people from both the settled and travelling communities together to create a range of stunning knitwear.

This year sees Shuttle Knit’s most exciting range yet, using soft baby alpaca yarns that are luxurious to the touch and stunningly feminine, yet affordable and long- lasting. Shuttle Knit is a unique brand, maintaining real integrity around its ethos, while producing an accessible but high-quality product range.

www.shuttleknit.com

Blumáin Organic Skincare, Cork

Launched in January 2014 by beauty therapist Sinead Murphy, Blumáin Organic Skincare aims to make affordable salon-quality skincare products available to everyone. Based in Ballydesmond, Co Cork, the range includes certified organic facial and body skincare products, traditional handmade soaps and bath bombs, as well as some eco soy candles made from the purest organic vegetable oils and butters, floral waters, essential oils and botanical extracts.

www.blumainorganicskincare.ie

Kerry Woollen Mills, Kerry

In operation for over 300 years, Kerry Woollen Mills is currently run by the fourth generation of the Eadie family, who have been in the business for over 110 years.

Known for the quality of its throws and blankets, the mill also produces hand-knitting yarn, home textiles, scarves, shawls and capes.

For 2015, Kerry Woollen Mills is offering a new range of throws in its signature window pane check, new styles in lambs’ wool ladies knitwear and additions to the Emlagh blanket range, combining colours inspired by the Kerry landscape.

www.kerrywoollenmills.ie

Loominations, Cork

Loominations introduces an exciting new retail product never before available here: Ireland-inspired throws.

Portraying the beautiful Irish landscape, almost eight miles of premium full-colour cotton is woven into every contemporary design, such as the Wild Atlantic Way throw.

What’s more, the designers can create a throw exclusively to your design, with photographs reproduced with amazing clarity.

Machine washable, Loominations throws look great draped over a sofa, folded at the foot of a bed or even used as a picnic rug.

www.loominations.ie

The Soapbox, Leitrim

The Soap Box, established in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, in 2009, grew out of a desire to create natural, handmade soap, free of synthetic additives and other chemicals.

With a range that also includes shaving soap for men, products are scented with a blend of high-quality essential oils and include natural exfoliants in the form of flower buds and seeds, citrus rind, whole grains and seaweeds.

Meanwhile, colours are obtained from plant roots and seeds, so the range is completely free of harsh chemicals, drying alcohol or petroleum products.

www.thesoapbox.ie

MoonRiver Chocolates, Limerick

Established in 2011 by Louise O’Brien, Moonriver Chocolate is a truly artisan chocolate company, using luxury, exceptional and honest ingredients. Located close to Limerick city, Louise’s business started while she was experimenting with chocolate truffle using fruit and herbs grown in her garden.

Inspired by a combination of locally grown ingredients and foreign travel, products include decadent drinking chocolate, truffle bars with fillings including blackberry, hazelnut and mocha ganache, and gift boxes for all occasions.

www.moonriverchocolate.com

Aleks Designs, Cork

Based in Clonakilty, Aleksandra Winiarska is known for her fashionable yet timeless felt clothing, hats, accessories and jewellery, with customers as far afield as Poland, the US and Australia.

Her favourite technique is nuno felt, which allows her to experiment with textures, colour and materials, while she also works with merino wool, silk, cotton and linen.

This year, Aleksandra plans to strengthen her brand on the Irish market and expand her collection.

www.aleksandrawiniarska.com