Showcase 2005 craft fair opens at the RDS

Ireland's largest trade fair for crafts and gifts opened to traders today at the RDS in Dublin.

Showcase 2005 is expected to attract up to 10,000 visitors, with 30 countries represented, at the three-day event.

It has been organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland alongside Enterprise Ireland.

Leslie Reed, Chief Executive of the Crafts Council, said that he is confident that the craft industry will benefit from the showcase, which is expected to generate €10m to €12m in orders for small craft enterprises.

The craft industry is set to contribute in the region of €100m to the economy in 2005.