Some of Mayo’s best up and coming craft and design businesses will get a chance to meet buyers from all over the world at Local Enterprise Showcase – part of the 2026 Showcase event in the RDS, running from the 18th – 20th January.
“Local Enterprise Showcase” is a special zone within Showcase, supported by Local Enterprise Offices nationally, that hosts a range of Ireland’s newest design talent. 3 businesses will represent Mayo at this year’s event:
1. Slainte Sea Moss - Jamie Dent – A Foxford skincare producer, with a range of products based on naturally harvested seaweeds from the West of Ireland. www.slainteseamoss.com
2. Kate Barrett Studios - Kate Barrett – A Westport based artist, jewellery designer and manufacturer, producing pieces inspired by water/fluids https://www.instagram.com/katebarrettstudio?igsh=dnB1YnJvaWplYWR6
3. Mouse House Studios - Christina Maguire – A Killala artisan of soft pastel paintings and ceramic sculptures. www.mousehousestudio.eu
Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.
In 2025, thousands of national and international buyers attended the event, including buyers from Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa. It is expected to increase in size in 2026, and generate millions of euros of sales orders during the show.
Local Enterprise Office Mayo has been working with the three Mayo representatives on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the three-day event.
Recent participants from Mayo include:
House of Achill. The Achill based business produces scents and candles inspired by Achill Island. It is the creation of Anna Sutcliffe and all products are hand made. www.houseofachill.ie
Brenda Flannery Art. This Straide business produces Landscape & Seascape paintings inspired by Mayo and the Wild Atlantic Way. www.brendaflannery.com
The Mood Designs. This business produces handcrafted ceramics mirroring the sea and landscape of Ireland. It is the business of Ella and Lukas Szczerbak, Castlebar. www.themooddesigns.ie
John Magee, Head of Enterprise, Mayo County Council, believes 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 accept many orders and/or establish a partnership that could help them grow into the future. 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.”
Business of Craft Awards
This year all Local Enterprise Showcase clients were entered into the Business of Craft Awards. This is the third year of the awards that celebrate the business behind the amazing craft and design products that are created across the country.
The awards have three categories;
1. Best Newcomer, for the best craft and design business who is exhibiting for the first time,
2. One to Watch, for the best craft and design business who has excellent export and international potential and
3. Sustainability Champion, for the best craft and design business who is excelling in sustainability.
Shortlisted finalists for this year’s awards are:
1. Best Newcomer,
a. Beyond the Ferns supported by LEO Wicklow,
b. Bó Bar Soap supported by LEO Kilkenny and
c. Carmel Grant Designs supported by LEO Waterford.
2. One to Watch
a. Appleberry Atelier supported by LEO Wicklow,
b. Polly & Andy supported by LEO Waterford
c. CAYO supported by LEO Limerick.
3. Sustainability Champion
a. EcoKinly supported by LEO Wexford,
b. Bean Around supported by LEO Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown
c. WASI Seaweed supported by LEO Cork North and West.
The awards will take place Monday, 19th January at Showcase in the RDS as part of the overall event.
