Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI ) is calling on designers across Galway to take part in Irish Design Week 2025 from 17–21 November.
Now in its fourth year, DCCI Irish Design Week is a national celebration of design as experience, connection and innovation, spanning disciplines from fashion and architecture to digital design and sustainable practice.
This year’s theme, “The Ties that Tie, and the Links that Link,” is inspired by a quote from William (Bill ) H. Walsh, founder of the Kilkenny Design Workshops (KDW ), which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. KDW was a key influence on Ireland’s modern design identity, inspiring some of the most recognisable innovations and brands we see today. The 2025 programme will explore how Irish design can lead in sustainability, technology, storytelling and social impact, while remaining rooted in collaboration and craft.
Last year, under the theme “Imagination for Opportunity,” Tuam Library hosted a hands-on fashion workshop with award-winning designer Kathy Ross, where participants of all ages created bespoke tote bags using applique, painting and embroidery techniques. ATU Connemara also presented Making, a documentary celebrating the annual Making In gathering at Joseph Walsh Studio in Cork, which highlights making as a way of thinking, exploring and expressing.
DCCI is pleased to announce that funding is available for selected events during Irish Design Week 2025. This is a unique opportunity for Galway-based designers and organisations to secure support for workshops, talks, exhibitions and other creative events that align with this year’s theme. Successful applicants will not only receive financial backing but also gain visibility through a nationwide campaign promoting Irish Design Week.
Interested designers, organisations, and creative professionals in Galway are encouraged to apply for funding by submitting their proposals to DCCI. Applications are now open via www.IrishDesignWeek.ie with the deadline for submissions set for 5pm on Friday 12 September 2025. Proposals should clearly outline how the event will address the theme “The Ties that Tie, and the Links that Link” and its potential impact.
The theme for Irish Design Week 2025, “The Ties that Tie, and the Links that Link”, invites reflection on the many ways design connects us through ideas, disciplines, generations and geographies, and how those connections can shape a better-designed future.
Mary Blanchfield, CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said Irish Design Week has quickly become a national stage for the power of design as a source of inspiration and as a problem-solving force that can address critical challenges from climate change to housing.
"In just a few short years, we’ve seen the week bring together remarkable talent, spark collaborations, and influence conversations well beyond the design sector.
“This year’s theme invites designers, studios, and organisations to take part in shaping a future where Irish design continues to innovate, connect, and make an impact at home and internationally.”
Emmett Scanlon, Director of the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF ), said the IAF is really thrilled to be part of Irish Design Week again. Architecture is a deeply collective and collaborative design practice. The built world is a reflection of our values, who we are, and how we are all connected. Therefore we look forward to discussing architecture in the context of the 2025 theme this November.”
Applications are now open via www.IrishDesignWeek.ie with the deadline for submissions set for 5pm on Friday 12 September 2025.
DCCI Irish Design Week is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment through Enterprise Ireland.
