Mayo businesses meet thousands of buyers at local enterprise show
Three Mayo businesses met buyers from over the world last week at Local Enterprise Showcase – part of the Showcase 2026 exhibition at the RDS in Dublin.
The three businesses were:
Slainte Sea Moss - Jamie Dent – A Foxford skincare producer, with a range of products based on naturally harvested seaweeds from the west of Ireland. The Slainte Sea Moss website is here.
Kate Barrett Studios - Kate Barrett – A Westport based artist, jewellery designer and manufacturer, producing pieces inspired by water/fluids. The Kate Barrett Studios Instagram page is here.
Mouse House Studios - Christina Maguire – A Killala artisan of soft pastel paintings and ceramic sculptures. The Mouse House Studios website is available here.
Over 3,300 buyers from 27 countries attended the three-day event in Dublin looking to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead. Upwards of €32 million in business is expected to have been transacted across the three-day event.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited the Local Enterprise Showcase as part of Showcase at the RDS and highlighted how important trade shows such as Showcase are to the design and crafts sector and the impact they can have in helping these businesses to reach new markets.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I’m delighted to visit Showcase 2026, an event that continues to highlight the very best of Irish craft and design.
"Showcase remains a vital platform for our makers, providing them with the opportunity to present their work to national and international audiences and to build meaningful connections in global markets.
"The creativity, skill and innovation on display here today reflect the depth of talent that exists across Ireland, particularly within our rural and regional communities.
"Craft is not only central to our cultural identity but also plays an important role in supporting sustainable enterprise and employment throughout the country, contributing to the national economy and Ireland’s export market.
"The government remains committed to supporting Ireland’s craft and design sector as it continues to grow, adapt and compete internationally. I wish all the exhibitors every success at Showcase 2026 and look forward to seeing Irish creativity continue to thrive on the world stage.”
The Mayo businesses were selected by Local Enterprise Office Mayo to take part in this year’s Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2026. They have been working closely with them in recent months to help them capitalize on this opportunity, including sales technique, marketing materials and stand production.
John Magee, Head of Enterprise, Mayo County Council said: “Local Enterprise Showcase continues to connect international buyers with small craft businesses from around Ireland, and this year’s event was larger than ever.
"Hundreds of connections have been made, and the three businesses that represented LEO Mayo were right at the heart of this, in the Local Enterprise Showcase area of the exhibition.
"Mayo craft businesses continue to grow their offering and their professionalism, and it is fitting that they be given every opportunity to meet international buyers and show what they are capable of.”
This is also the third year of the Business of Craft Awards at the exhibition.
This initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices recognises the businesses behind the amazing craft and design products that are created across the country.
For more information on Local Enterprise Showcase 2026 and supports available to those operating in the design and crafts sector, visit here, and for more information on Showcase 2026, visit here.