Irish Design Week 2026 returns from 7-14 November, celebrating design across Ireland through a nationwide programme spanning fashion, architecture, craft, and graphic design. Coinciding with Ireland’s EU Presidency, this year’s edition highlights design’s role in addressing societal, cultural, and economic challenges.
A key highlight will be the European Creative Industries Summit, hosted by DCCI and the Federation of European Creative Industries. Under the theme Fáilte Future Europe, the week will showcase Irish design, creativity, and innovation on an international stage.
Saturday, 7th November
- Standing Ground exhibition in Collins Barracks (Partner: National Museum of Ireland). A highlight of this year’s programme is the unveiling of the Standing Ground exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland, a collaborative showcase of Irish fashion couture featuring designer Michael Stewart, designer-educator Natalie B. Coleman, and Monaghan-based Carrickmacross Lace artisans.
Monday, 9th November to Wednesday, 11th November inclusive
Flagship partnership events:
- Design and Craft Conference at NCAD (Monday, 9th November), IADT Ireland’s Design History from Arts and Craft to AI (Tuesday, 10th November) and TU Dublin (Wednesday, 11th November) conferences.
Tuesday, 10th November
Flagship partnership event:
- IDEA exhibition in DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny – opening
Wednesday, 11th November
- Flagship event: Official opening of European Creative Industries Summit and Keynote address
Thursday, 12th November
- Flagship event: Full day programme at RIAM, Westland Row
Friday, 13th November
Flagship event:
- Series of commissioned third-party regional events attended by delegates from the previous day’s summit – immersion in heritage craft and landscape followed by design led discussion and reflection featuring icons such as Donegal Tweed, Connemara Marble and Waterford Crystal plus a trip to the Kenmare Design Festival
Saturday, 14th November
- Design Kenmare – the Regional Wrap Up