Louth's finest creative entrepreneurs set to shine at Showcase 2024

Above: Representing Louth at Showcase 2024 are local makers Caóilfíonn Murphy O’Hanlon of Cushla of Gullion, Fiona Lynch of Almond Rose Designs and Caroline Duffy of Caroline Duffy Designs. They are proudly supported by Local Enterprise Office Louth, represented here by Sarah Mallon. Photo: Jenny Callanan Photography

Showcase 2024 at the RDS, from 21-23 January, is where Louth's finest creative entrepreneurs are making big waves. This year's contingent from Louth are truly showcasing local talent and Irish creativity, bringing a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation.

Sarah Mallon from Local Enterprise Office Louth explains: "Showcase is a fantastic  opportunity for local creatives to get in front of global buyers. We all know that people buy from people, and Showcase provides the chance for makers to meet buyers face to face, forge relationships and talk about their products.

"We are delighted to support three incredible makers as they step onto a global stage, highlighting their talent and Louth's creative gems.”

Showcase - Ireland’s Creative Expo is now the foremost place for retailers to discover unique, design-led fashion and knitwear, jewellery, craft, gift and interiors. The event showcases the very best emerging, homegrown creative talent. Attendance is free, but for trade only. 

New to Showcase 2024 is Fiona Lynch of Almond Rose Design, with a really innovative and creative new product offering. Celebrating the way that animals communicate with humans on a daily basis,

Fiona has created a large range of pet cards to celebrate the big (and little) occasions in life. All cards are designed in-house, printed in Ireland on sustainably sourced card paper with eco-friendly inks.

A visit to Fiona’s website almondrosedesigns.ie will reveal cards for every occasion including Good Luck, Get Well, Love, Sympathy, Wedding cards and much more, there’s even pet cards as Gaeilge! 

Visual artist Caóilfíonn Murphy O’Hanlon, of Cushla of Gullion, creates stunning wall art and home accessories from her base in Dundalk. Founded in 2014, textile artist Caóilfíonn is inspired by the land, legends and lore of her surroundings.

Her quirky, nostalgic and vibrant prints, gifts and homewares bring the rugged Irish Landscape into homes across Ireland and the world. Cushla Of Gullion's stunning work has been exhibited and exported internationally and is designed and made in Ireland. Visit cushlaofgullion.com to see her work. 

Caroline Duffy of Caroline Duffy Designs is showcasing her stunning hand printed floral artwork at Showcase for the second year running.

Her collection includes a range of striking art, prints, silk dresses, kimonos, scarves and woven blankets. Her signature style is instantly recognisable and has garnered significant media and buyer interest in the past year. View her collection on carolineduffydesigns.com 

Sarah Mallon concludes “Showcase 2024 is not just a display of products; it's where creativity, sustainability, beautiful materials and incredible makers come together to remind Irish and international buyers how local talent can make a global splash.

"Visitors will find unique, handcrafted Irish products, each with its own story. From exquisite jewellery to bespoke textiles, and so much more, Showcase 2024 is the highlight of the year in Ireland's craft sector and we are thrilled to offer three local makers the chance to be part of it.”