Craft in Ireland is a dynamic and vibrant sector in Ireland, a key employer it makes a significant contribution to the Irish economy. Encompassing a range of different skills including textile making and clothing, pottery and ceramics, jewellery, glass and woodworking and furniture; Irish craft businesses are characteristically small in scale and are geographically widespread, but taken nationally the industry is a significant employer, currently sustaining 5,700 jobs in this sector.
Further details on craft in Ireland are available from the following websites.
Crafts Council of Ireland
The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) is the main champion of the craft industry in Ireland, fostering its growth and commercial strength, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality design, innovation and competitiveness. Find our more about the history of CCoI here.
Craft Northern Ireland
Craft Northern Ireland is the sector-lead body for the promotion and development of the design-led contemporary craft industry in Northern Ireland.
National Craft Gallery
The National Craft Gallery based in Kilkenny is one of the most exciting artistic venues in the country. Open to the public and with free admission its commitment to excellence and innovation allows us to showcase some of the finest examples of contemporary craft.
Give Irish Craft
A consumer website promoting gifts that are imagined, designed and made in Ireland by talented artisans. Browse by category, maker or price. Each piece tells a story. Hand-crafted, using local skills and materials each ceramic goblet, vase or serving plate is a living piece of art, made to be used.
Showcase
Showcase is Ireland’s largest, craft, gift, fashion and interiors show, which takes place in the RDS, Dublin in January every year for national and international trade buyers.
Irish Craft Portfolio
Irish Craft Portfolio represents contemporary craftwork created by Irish makers that combines the highest quality craftsmanship with a consideration of material and technique that sits comfortably on the international stage.
Future Makers
The Crafts Council of Ireland’s ‘Future Maker Awards and Grants’ provide support for the next generation of makers to learn, experience, investigate, develop, create and shape the future of Irish Craft.
Learn Craft Design
A new digital resource that supports learning about craft & design for children of all ages nationally in Ireland. It provides support and information for teachers at primary and second level and for craftspeople delivering craft based education programmes in schools, communities, museums, galleries and other learning centres.
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