Showcase Ireland, the largest craft and trade fair held in the Republic, is expected to attract 12,000 buyers from 36 countries. The craft, gift, fashion and interiors exhibition will take place at the RDS Main Hall from January 23rd to 26th and will host more than 700 exhibitors from all over Ireland.

All available space has been sold to exhibitors and this year there will be a particularly strong representation from Northern Ireland.

The fair will include a craft village with more than 120 exhibitors; a hall of classical fashion and internationally acclaimed knitwear; and New Faces, comprising first-time exhibitors.

Results released yesterday show orders of £32.4 million (€41.14 million) were taken by exhibitors at last year's Showcase Ireland, an increase of almost 100 per cent in the last four years. An independent survey of exhibitors revealed that 170 new full-time jobs were created as a direct result of last year's fair.

At the launch of Showcase Ireland yesterday, the chairwoman of the Crafts Council of Ireland, Dr Frances Ruane, said: "Ireland is in and there has never been a better time for craftspeople. The big story is that both in fashion and interiors people are just tired of the sameness of the High Street."