ONE OF MONAGHAN’S BEST CRAFT & DESIGN BUSINESSES SET FOR SHOWCASE 2026

One of Monaghan’s best up and coming craft and design business Stephen Kieran Ceramics will be part of over 100 companies from across Ireland who will get a chance to meet with buyers from all over the world as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at the 2026 Showcase event in the RDS, running from the 18th – 20th January. 

An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, the Local Enterprise Showcase, is a special area at Showcase that houses a range of Ireland’s newest design talent. Stephen Kieran Ceramics are unique hand-crafted designs that focus on lines and surface markings in the clay as a prominent feature, giving them a very distinct style. Stephen is also the master potter for Mullan Ceramics, part of the Mullan Lighting brand, based in Mullan Village, Emyvale.

The event, which is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar, will open its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa, generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show.

Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.

In 2025 there were thousands of national and international buyers in attendance at the event in the RDS and it is expected this will increase again in 2026.

Local Enterprise Office Monaghan has been working with Stephen on merchandising for his stand, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the three-day event.   

Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, Monaghan County Council, and Head of Craft & Design for Showcase 2026, said:

“This is an opportunity like no other for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that break through. To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business starting out. If things go well at this event, a business could fill their book for the year and may well establish a partnership that could extend longer than that and help them grow. While that won’t happen for every business, just to be here, see other clients, get new ideas and develop their skills in marketing and sales will stand by them going forward.”

Showcase 2026, which is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar, will open its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa, generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.

Local Enterprise Showcase is one of several enterprise initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices across the year to foster entrepreneurship and help small businesses to start and grow. Other events include Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme and the Local Enterprise Village as part of the National Ploughing Championships. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices and the supports they can provide, please visit LocalEnterprise.ie