Hopes craft show to generate €40m

IRELAND’S largest arts and craft exhibition, which opened in Dublin yesterday, is expected to generate €40 million in sales orders.

The annual event acts as a showcase for some of the country’s leading artists and designers of crafts, fashion, jewellery and other gift items at a trade fair that will will be attended by more than 9,000 trade buyers, including 2,000 from overseas.

More than 550 exhibitors representing all sectors of Irish craft and design industries will have stands at the show. Showcase Ireland 2008, which is organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland, was formally opened by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, at the RDS yesterday.