Co Kildare is part of biggest ever National Crafts and Design Fair

Co Kildare's thriving arts and crafts sector will see nine local exhibitors showcased in the biggest ever National Crafts and Design Fair at the Dublin RDS this December.

Among the local craftspeople who will be showing off the best of Kildare talent are Celbridge-based Bernie Everard’s contemporary tableware Splate designs, artist Chris McMurrow, Chocolatier Nicolas Bateau of Sallins and Maynooth's Paddy O'Connor of Irish Pebble Art who creates beautiful artworks using pebbles.

Others exhibiting at the fair include Naas's handmade shoemaker Marian Tutty, Newbridge textile artist Laura Jordon and Kilcullen handmade soap makers The Art of Soap.

This is the Year of Irish Design and our top craftspeople and designers from fashion to jewellery and beyond will be exhibiting their cutting-edge wares alongside the more traditional fare.

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

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.

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