This summer, the historic Ballymaloe Grainstore will again become the epicentre of Irish creativity as it hosts Irish Design Works 2026. Running from Friday, 24th July to Sunday, to Sunday 16th August, this free-to-attend exhibition brings together a curated selection of Ireland’s most prestigious designers and makers for a three-week celebration of world-class craftsmanship.
Following its successful move to Cork in recent years, Irish Design Works has firmly established itself as a must-visit event for interior designers, collectors, design enthusiasts, and anyone seeking unique, heirloom-quality pieces. The 2026 exhibition features a diverse range of disciplines, including bespoke furniture, contemporary lighting, ceramics, glass, leather, willow, and sculptural works in wood and metal.
At a time when mass-produced products dominate the marketplace, Irish Design Works offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience authentic, handcrafted design. Every piece on display has been designed and made in Ireland, reflecting the exceptional skill, creativity and craftsmanship of its maker. Throughout the exhibition, a selection of exhibitors will be present each weekend, giving visitors the chance to meet the makers, hear the stories and inspiration behind their work, and learn about the materials and processes that bring each piece to life.
“We’re delighted to bring the work of Ireland’s finest makers back to the beautiful Ballymaloe Grainstore this summer,” says Alan Horgan of Alan Horgan Studio, co-organiser of Irish Design Works 2026. “Irish Design Works is a celebration of contemporary Irish design and an antidote to the mass-produced products flooding the market. Every piece tells a story and represents a direct connection between maker and owner. These are objects designed to be cherished and built to last a lifetime.”
The 2026 exhibition features work by:
The 2026 lineup features Alan Horgan Studio, Ann McBride Ceramics, Alison Byrne Glass, Daniel Gill Furniture, Eirlume Studio, Elements of Action, Esker Design, Garvan de Bruir Leather, Gabriel Furniture, Glasshammer Studios, Hanna Van Aelst, Laura O’Hagan Ceramics, Monica Fergus Ceramics, Shane Holland Design, Shane Tubrid Furniture, Stephen O’Briain Furniture, Studio Harris and Studio Kinnard.
Together, these makers demonstrate the remarkable breadth and quality of contemporary Irish design, presenting everything from functional furniture and lighting to collectible ceramics, glass and sculptural artworks.
Event Details:
- Opening Reception: Friday, 24th July at 7 – 9 p.m. (all welcome for wine and canapés)
- Dates: 25th July – 16th August 2026
- Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- Location: Ballymaloe Grainstore, Shanagarry, Co. Cork
- Admission: Free of charge
For more information, a full list of exhibiting artists, and to view a gallery of past works, visit www.ballymaloegrainstore.com/irish-design-works.
About Irish Design Works:
Irish Design Works is a collective exhibition showcasing contemporary work by a select group of Ireland’s leading designers and makers. Originally established to highlight exceptional bespoke furniture, the exhibition has evolved to encompass a wide range of craft disciplines while maintaining its commitment to quality, sustainability and the enduring value of handmade Irish design.
Artists’ Profiles:
- Alan Horgan Studio creates contemporary furniture and lighting that balance sculptural form with everyday functionality. Designed and handcrafted in East Cork, the studio’s distinctive pieces are inspired by nature and modern living.
- Alison Byrne Glass is a Dublin-based studio where award-winning artist and activist Alison Byrne creates layered glass works that merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques to explore themes of home and narrative.
- Ann McBride Ceramics creates colourful handcrafted ceramics that bring together illustration, sculpture and contemporary design. Based in Co. Clare and inspired by nature and decorative arts, she creates joyful pieces that add character and playfulness to modern interiors.
- Daniel Gill Furniture is a Galway-based fine furniture maker creating elegant, handcrafted contemporary pieces from native Irish timber, with a focus on timeless design and traditional craftsmanship.
- De Bruir Atelier is a Kildare-based workshop where designer Garvan de Bruir crafts contemporary travel and sports bags using durable bridle leather, blending equestrian heritage with timeless, functional design.
- Elements of Action is an East Cork design practice creating handcrafted contemporary furniture that combines natural materials with innovative design.
- Eirlume Studio is a rural Leitrim-based workshop where artists Vanessa Power and Charlie Perpoil create bespoke stained glass and mosaics, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design to craft vibrant, timeless pieces.
- Esker Design is the furniture studio of John Farrell, based in Co. Offaly, who designs and handcrafts bespoke and made-to-order pieces in Ireland. His work celebrates the natural beauty of wood, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
- Gabriel Furniture creates beautifully crafted contemporary furniture that balances simplicity, functionality and timeless design. The family-run Co. Galway studio produces bespoke pieces for homes and commercial spaces.
- Glasshammer Studios creates contemporary fused glass artworks. Founded by Michelle O’Donnell, the Rhode-based studio produces sculptural pieces and bespoke commissions that celebrate colour, light and craftsmanship.
- Hanna Van Aelst creates handcrafted willow baskets and sculptural pieces that combine traditional basketry with contemporary design. Inspired by nature and made using sustainably grown willow, her work brings texture and warmth to modern interiors. Hanna is based in Co. Tipperary.
- Laura O’Hagan Ceramics is an Irish practice based in Co. Wicklow. Artist Laura creates expressive clay sculptures and large-scale mosaics. Her work blends contrast and balance to transform architectural spaces with energy.
- Monica Fergus Ceramics is based in Kinsale, where Monica crafts unique, hand-shaped marine sculptures, hand-painting every piece with custom, layered glazes inspired by the incredible diversity of ocean life.
- Shane Holland Design creates handcrafted lighting, furniture and sculptural pieces inspired by nature. Based in Co. Meath, the studio produces timeless works that are both beautiful and functional.
- Shane Tubrid Furniture creates bespoke contemporary furniture that blends timeless design with exceptional craftsmanship. From his Co. Wexford workshop, Shane produces one-of-a-kind pieces and limited-edition collections using carefully selected natural timbers.
- Stephen O’Briain Furniture creates handcrafted contemporary furniture from its studio in Co. Carlow. Founded by award-winning designer and maker Stephen O’Briain, the studio is renowned for its sculptural forms, timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship.
- Studio Harris creates contemporary furniture defined by understated elegance and thoughtful functionality. Based in Co. Kerry, its refined, made-to-order pieces are designed for modern residential and commercial interiors.
- Studio Kinnard creates bespoke hardwood furniture designed to bring warmth, elegance and lasting quality to contemporary interiors. Combining clean lines with thoughtful details, the studio produces beautifully crafted pieces for homes and commercial spaces. It is based in Monaghan.
Press inquiries
Alan Horgan
alan@alanhorganstudio.com
0876842349