Businesses from Meath had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world earlier this month as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2025 at the RDS in Dublin. There were over 100 Local Enterprise Office supported businesses from across the country present at the event with six in attendance from Meath.
Marlese Made, Brownstown Handmade Crafts, Íon Candles, Púróga Pebble Art, Boyne Valley Wools and LUS Aromatherapy were all exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Showcase, part of Showcase 2025, that saw over 4,500 buyers from 27 countries attend the three-day event in Dublin looking to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead. Upwards of €25 million in business was expected to have been transacted across the three-day event.
Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, officially opened Showcase at the RDS, Dublin, highlighting how important trade shows such as Showcase are to the design and crafts sector in what was the 50th anniversary of the event
Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said: “I’m delighted to open Showcase 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of this incredible event. Over the past five decades, Showcase has become a cornerstone of Ireland’s craft and design sector, offering a vital platform for our makers to showcase their exceptional talents. This milestone celebrates the ingenuity and craftsmanship that Ireland is known for, and it is fantastic to see such a diverse international audience gathered here today.
“Showcase provides invaluable opportunities to elevate Ireland’s reputation in the global creative industries and with a global market. Many of the talented craftspeople exhibiting here today are based in rural communities, and my department remains committed to supporting the growth of this sector in these areas across Ireland and further afield. Craft plays a vital role in Ireland’s economy and cultural identity, and I look forward to seeing what the next 50 years will bring for Irish makers.”
The Meath companies were selected by Local Enterprise Office Meath to take part in this year’s Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2025. They have been working closely with them in recent months to ensure they are in the best possible position to maximise their appearance at the event including sales technique, marketing materials and stand production.
Caoimhe Delany, Business Advisor at Local Enterprise Office Meath said: “The standard of products on offer in the Local Enterprise Showcase was phenomenal this year and the Meath businesses were up there with some of the best in the country, we have an abundance of quality craft and design businesses here in County Meath and it was great to see the Meath businesses secure orders in retail shops throughout Ireland and for others to have secured their first orders to the USA.
“It can be daunting for a small business to attend one of the biggest trade shows in Ireland, but all of the Meath businesses really represented themselves and their products to the highest professional standards and I wish them continued success as they build on the connections they made with trade buyers at Showcase 2025.”
Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, said: “I am delighted that the Meath businesses fared so well at Showcase 2025, securing orders and making vital connections in the industry. But I am not surprised, as Meath’s thriving craft and design industry is up there with the best in the country. Local Enterprise Office Meath did fantastic work with the selected companies, and I am excited to see what’s to come from this buzzing sector in the next few years.”
Nicola McMurray, owner of Íon Candles speaking from her studio in Ratoath said: “Showcase 2025 was a monumental milestone for Íon Candle Co. As first time exhibitors, we were blown away by the electric atmosphere of the Local Enterprise Hall, buzzing with creativity and passion from entrepreneurs and designers. It was an incredible opportunity to share our heritage, our story and the person behind the brand with so many amazing retailers and buyers who shared their passion for our sustainable journey, wanted to hear it, see it and experience it. After securing lots of new retailers across the island of Ireland and with interest from the US market too; we’re excited to bring Íon Candle Co. to many corners of the country and partner with these retailers to introduce our brand to their customers.
“The journey to Showcase involved plenty of hard work and dedication however it has truly paid off. We’re beyond excited for what 2025 holds.”
Rebecca Maguire, Owner of Púróga Pebble Art said: "Showcase Ireland 2025 was an incredible experience for Púróga Pebble Art! I had so many visitors to my stand and fantastic interest in my work. It was a wonderful chance to share my story, showcase my products, and connect with others. I’m thrilled to announce that Púróga Pebble Art will soon be available in retail spaces across the country as a result of Showcase. With exciting opportunities in the pipeline, there’s plenty to look forward to—watch this space! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by to support Púróga, and to Local Enterprise Office Meath for their incredible support every step of the way."
