Three Cavan craftspeople to be showcased at National Crafts and Design Fair

Cavan's thriving arts and crafts sector will see three local exhibitors showcased in the biggest ever National Crafts and Design Fair at the Dublin's RDS from December 2-6.

Among the local craftspeople who will be showing off the best of Cavan talent are contemporary jewellery designer Elena Brennan from the Jewellery Studio, Lisreagh, teddy bear creator Anke Morgenroth whose Bear Essentials Silver Bear Centre is based at Bawnboy and artisan cheesemaker Silke Cropp of Belturbet-based Corleggy Cheeses.

“The Fair gives a vital economic stimulus to the crafts and design industry in Cavan and elsewhere with a spend in excess of €1 million per day,” said festival organiser Patrick O’Sullivan.

“The annual RDS fair is vital to the crafts industry as a whole and it is estimated that it generates enough business to keep most of the exhibitors’ busy for at least four months into the New Year.

'We are particularly pleased to have many excellent craftspeople from Cavan involved and showing off such a wide array of skills and talents at the show.'

Record-breaking crowds of over 40,000 are due to attend the five day event in the RDS which will feature over 600 stands this year.

The show features the best of contemporary crafts plus a spectacular Christmas food emporium with over 120 artisan food producers from all over Ireland.

The range of stands varies from jewellery, textiles, ceramics, woodcrafts and leatherwork to paintings, photography and naturally crafted beauty products.

“Many of Ireland’s most established and exciting new craftspeople will be there and because the goods are handmade, they have the added distinction of each one being unique,' said Patrick.

The National Crafts and Design Fair 2015 takes place at the RDS Main Hall from December 2-6 from 10am each day. Full details and booking can be found at www.nationalcraftsfair.ie

*Admission €10, OAP's €8, children under 16 free