For the first time, shortlisted makers will exhibit at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, giving contemporary Irish craft a national stage within one of the country’s most significant cultural institutions. The move brings together funding and public exposure at a level rarely seen in the craft sector.
Despite the scale and reputation of the awards, opportunities like this have not always reached all eligible makers. This year’s programme aims to address that — ensuring work is both supported and widely seen.
A Major Opportunity for Makers
Applications for the 2026 awards, which ran from 2 March to 13 April 2026, have now closed following a competitive call attracting submissions from across Ireland and internationally. Judging is currently underway.
Widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in Irish craft, the awards draw a diverse field of makers across ceramics, textiles, wood, glass and metal - reflecting the strength of contemporary practice.
The sector continues to face challenges, including declining specialist skills, limited progression pathways, and the need for greater visibility. Opportunities at this scale remain rare, making access and exposure critical.
Longstanding Support, New Platform
The RDS has supported craft and applied arts for decades, backing generations of makers since the awards began in 1968.
This partnership builds on that legacy while reconnecting two institutions with shared roots. The National Museum of Ireland originated from collections transferred from the RDS in 1877, linking historic collections with contemporary practice.
Exhibition at Collins Barracks
Curated by Dee Morgan, the exhibition will present shortlisted works at the National Museum of Ireland - Collins Barracks, home to the Decorative Arts and History collections.
By placing contemporary makers alongside Ireland’s material heritage, the show highlights craft as a living, evolving practice, rooted in tradition and engaging with modern life.
Joe Hogan, Chair of the Judging Panel, said:
“The strength and range of submissions this year has been exceptional. What stands out is not only the technical skill, but the confidence with which makers are engaging with materials, heritage, and contemporary issues.”
Paul Kelly, CEO, RDS, said:
“The RDS has supported Irish craft for generations, and this partnership with the National Museum allows us to take that further, combining one of Europe’s most respected craft awards with a national platform for makers.”
Dr Éimear O’Connor, Interim Director, National Museum of Ireland, said:
“This partnership brings contemporary craft into dialogue with our collections, showing how making continues to evolve while remaining connected to Ireland’s cultural heritage.”
About the 2026 Awards
The €62,000 fund includes:
- €60,000 for the Established & Emerging Maker Awards
- €2,000 for the RDS Branchardière Lace Bursary Award
The return of the Branchardière Lace Bursary supports Ireland’s lace-making traditions, including Carrickmacross, Limerick, Kenmare, Youghal and Irish crochet lace.
2025 Winners
Established: Céline Traynor, Jennifer Hickey, Lorna Donlon
Emerging: Hugo Byrne, Mark Newman, Vinh Truong
Exhibition Details: National Museum of Ireland – Collins Barracks | Opening: September 2026
Looking Ahead: Find out more here
ENDS
For further information, contact the RDS Marketing & Communications Team:
Leah Keogh — leah.keogh@rds.ie | 083 464 5503
About the RDS
Founded in 1731, the RDS is a philanthropic organisation and one of Ireland’s leading multi-purpose venues, supporting progress across Agriculture, Arts, Enterprise, Equestrianism, and Science & Technology.
About the National Museum of Ireland
Founded in 1877, the National Museum of Ireland preserves and promotes Ireland’s heritage through a collection of over four million objects spanning archaeology, decorative arts, history, folklife and natural history.Welcoming more than one million visitors annually across its four sites, the Museum delivers inclusive and accessible public programmes designed to inform, engage and inspire diverse audiences.
Collins Barracks, a former military site dating back over 300 years, houses the Decorative Arts & History collections. It showcases Irish craft, design and applied arts, bringing historic and contemporary work together to highlight both tradition and innovation.