About this Sector

Overview

Ireland has a strong heritage in craft and design, for example the famous Kilkenny Design Workshops (learn more about KDW here. Our skills in creating are renowned worldwide. Irish craft and design are part of the 'creative industries', a sector which is growing rapidily Read more here. Craft and design’s contribution is both economic, social and cultural. It is about growing new innovative businesses and cherishing our rich heritage.

Currently the Design Crafts Council Ireland, has a over 2,500 Registered Client Enterprises. Updating of these figures is ongoing to keep current with the active client enterprises on our register.

Key craft and design disciplines in Ireland include:

woodworking and furniture making
fashion and textiles
glass
metalworking
jewellery
goldsmithing
ceramics

Learn more about the Craft and Design sector with these industry reports:

Policy Framework for Design in Enterprise in Ireland
Indecon Crafts Industry Report, Economic Analysis of the Current Status and Future Clustering Potential for the Crafts Industry in Ireland
Economic Significance and Potential of the Crafts Industry in Ireland, Report by Indecon International Economic Consultants

Size and scope of this sector

The craft industry is estimated to be valued at €122M.

The range of activities includes design and production of craft for retail and wholesale markets; for gallery exhibitions and collectors and craft education and training.

DCCoI are currently conducting a comprehensive survey of the craft industry and findings will be posted on this site when they become available.

Current issues

The Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s current strategy is focused on:

Developing the market for Irish craft and design
Developing the knowledge and skills for emerging and existing craftmakers
Raising awareness, understanding and appreciation of Irish craft and design
Supporting membership organisations in the development of the sector
Developing innovation, enterprise and design capability

Anticipated changes

Innovation in design of products and production methods is likely to continue to play an important role in the development of the Irish craft industry. The sector is likely to continue to experience competition from imported goods therefore product marketing and particular branding for Irish craft will be critical.

Interesting statistics

DCCoI are currently conducting an industry survey of the craft sector and findings will be posted on this site as soon as they become available.

Current skills shortages

There are certain areas within the craft sector that may experience skills shortages in coming years due to the lack of training courses available in Ireland.

There are a number of craft disciplines that are no longer taught through an apprentice type structure and costs for equipment and materials for certain crafts mean they are no longer offered through our further education or third level institutions.