A delegation of fifteen US buyers met designers, artists, and makers from across Donegal at a ‘Meet the Makers’ event in Lough Eske Castle last weekend. Organised by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, Meet the Makers also marked the launch of a new "Meet the Makers Donegal – Craft Directory" which showcases the diverse range of makers living and working in Donegal.

The delegation of US buyers who attended the Meet The Makers event last weekend

The delegation of US buyers attending the event were from The North American Celtic Trade Association (NACTA). The US buyers visiting Donegal were from a range of retailers located in New York, Rhode Island, Maryland, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Canada. NACTA provides the optimum platform in the Celtic Marketplace for the sale and promotion of Celtic products. It connects Celtic stores from across North America and is integral in bringing Celtic products to customers all over America.

John Collins of John Collins Designs who attended the Meet The Makers event last weekend

Commenting on the event, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise for Donegal, said: “We had an excellent showcase of Donegal craft at our Meet the Makers event last weekend, where we welcomed a delegation of US buyers to Donegal. They were really impressed with the quality of the products and the makers they met in Donegal last weekend.” 

Ciara Martin of Triona Design at the Meet The Makers event last weekend

Adding to this, Grace Korbel, Assistant Head of Enterprise Donegal, said: "Meet the Makers served as a remarkable platform to highlight Donegal’s thriving community of creatives to a delegation of top US buyers. Meeting the US delegation from NACTA presents an opportunity to expand the reach of Donegal's craft sector, fostering international collaborations and promoting the region's exceptional crafts on a global scale. Members of the delegation also took copies of our new Craft Directory with them back to the US, which serves as a testament to Donegal's rich craft heritage and its promising future."          

Orla O’Hagan of Orla Vera Accessories and Kevin Callaghan at the Meet the Makers Craft Showcase

As part of the event, MC Noel Cunningham hosted a panel discussion with the Donegal Tweed Association to hear about their efforts to secure PGI status for Donegal Tweed. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with talented makers, explore their work, and gain insights into the enduring partnership between tradition and innovation in Donegal's craft community. 

MC Noel Cunningham hosted a panel discussion with the Donegal Tweed Association.

If you have an idea to start or grow your creative or craft business within Donegal, get in touch to find out how the Local Enterprise Office can help. Email info@leo.donegalcoco.ie or call (074) 916 0735.

The new Meet the Makers Donegal – Craft Directory which was launched on Friday.