Craft fairs- where to find out what's on and where?

[Mum on the Go]

Hi guys,
I'm just wondering if there's a database anywhere of the various craft fairs on around the country between now and Christmas?
I'm booked into the big into baby the end of November but would like to make it to a few more and just looking for the details.
Anybody know where I could find this out?
cheers
Louise

[ThereseM]

Hi Louise
I would check out the Crafts council of Ireland website plus the likes of dublive.com, wicklowlive.com & entertainment.ie which would do all of Ireland.

[Miriam K]

i had this query last year and found it really hard to get info... often the smaller craft fairs are just advertised locally and often if you DO see an add there isnt even a contact number... just the date and time of the fair? I would keep an eye in the local papers (northsider etc) and also check the notice boards in your local parish hall, and community centre.
There is usually quite a good return on doing local shows cos the charges for the table is often very very cheap (€20-50 or so) but you will need to get your own insurance sorted for a lot of them. Its a great way of getting your product out and about.. but does eat up a lot of your weekends! Once you get "in the loop" you will come across people who sell at alot of these fairs and will get to hear about more... always ask the other stall holders what they are doing next. Some of them can be very cagey but others are happy to help!

[Mum on the Go]

Thanks Therese and Miriam,
I had a look at the CC website and got a few details alright, but it seems to be mainly the larger fairs aimed at the arty field. That said it did give details of farmers markets, but again I'm not sure if that's what I'm looking for.
I thought there would be info on say Xmas market/fairs that would be looking for exhibitors- so I'll have to do as you say Miriam and keep my eyes/ears open rather than anything else!
And if I come across anything I'll let you guys know
Louise

[HelenK]

I know some of the bigger craft fair like the one in Cork City Hall in Dec. and the one at Fota House are purely for handmade items. Maybe if you go along to some of the farmers markets and ask some of the stall holders that do crafts the might tell you about others or will have some contacts.
Or maybe try the crafters in the Unitarian Church on Princes St. they hold craft market they on some saturdays every month. Also try the notice board as you enter Cork Art Supplies.

[Mum on the Go]

Thanks Helen,
I know I'm wondering what sort of fair really I'd get into, as I guess the Planner (which is defined as a book I guess) doesn't fit into the 'crafts' definition as such.


While I'll still go the retail outlet route this year, I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket this time - and just working out all the options-

will keep looking
Louise!

[ThereseM]

Hi Louise
A lot of the farmers markets around South County Dublin sell more than food - handbags, jewellery from many places, organic composters, non-alcoholic bottled drinks, crafted items and much more. I think that it would be a good way of seeing the appeal of your product to the local population.

Just my two cents Best of luck with it.

[Mum on the Go]

HI therese
Yep I am going to contact a few farmers markets down here and see if they have a specific Christmas one that I could attend,
thanks for all the input and I'll keep you posted,
Louise!

[doodles]

Hi Louise,
Came across this in my travels - might interest you!

Designer Arts and Crafts, Natural Health/Beauty Fair

Sunday 11th November 2007. Celtic Ross Hotel,
Rosscarbery, Co Cork
Open to the public 10.30 am - 6pm.
Stands Available - 6ft x 2ft tables wall tables €140.
Centre Tables €110.

For further information contact T: Jennie White
023 22868 or 086 170 3635

[Anne Kiely]

An e-mailed newsletter for craftspeople is produced by Karen Harper. She's based in Dublin but includes events and news from all of Ireland. Her e-mail address is harperkaren@eircom.net.

Anne Kiely

www.val.ie/profile/annekiely

[aism]

Check in with the farmers markets managers early - they usually want stallholders to be at the market in the run up to Christmas as well as the coveted Christmas-time fairs, otherwise the other stall holders can be a bit peeved...and of course this way they get more stall holders beforehand as well...all good for business.

ais.

[Anne Kiely]

I've just had an e-mailed newsletter from Karen Harper (see above) - the content has now transferred to www.irishcraftupdate.com/blog/.

Anne Kiely
www.val.ie/profile/annekiely

[karen harper]

Hi I am Karen Harper, editor of NOTICEBOARD, newsletter to all artists and crafts people in Irleand.

Just to give you some information.

MARKETS/FAIRS

The IOMST (International Operators, markets and Street traders) look after all the aspects that come with setting up markets, plus they will represent the trader if the need arises.
Their site www.eventsmarketsireland.com can give you information about all the markets in Ireland, and they also provide insurance for the stall holder.
A link to their list of markets is:
Their dairy of events is found at:
http://www.eventsmarketsireland.com/news.php
This might be good if you have not a craft to sell and want a different audience.


Another place to look for fairs is yahoos Upcoming...

http://upcoming.yahoo.com/

A couple of fairs in Dublin are:

Nov 16
Friday Winter Fair –2007
Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown County Enterprise Board are now seeking applications for the third annual Winter Fair. This rapidly developing retail fair is being held for the second year in the Dalkey Castl... Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
Dalkey village, DU
Nov 23
Friday Marlay Christmas Fair
Christmas fair in Rathfarnham, Dublin, is ready to take bookings and I have to say it is a fantastic Fair to be involved in. The atmosphere and Christmas buzz is perfect to get you in the Christmas s... Marley Park
Dublin, DU



For a list of markets in Ireland, check out:
http://www.bordbia.ie/go/Consumers/Buyi ... sting.html


Also:

Christmas Craft Fair

Date: Sunday 18th November 2007 12pm- 6pm
Fee: 50 Euro per table.
Conditions: All Articles For Sale Must Be Handcrafted In Ireland.
The Christmas Craft Fair,
please call Mary Lee Beegan for an Application Form.
Hilamar Hotel,
Main Street,
Kinnegad,
Co. Westmeath

tel: 087-6288919 or 087-2902607

---------------------------

Designer Arts and Crafts, Natural Health/Beauty Fair

Sunday 11th November 2007. Celtic Ross Hotel,
Rosscarbery, Co Cork
Open to the public 10.30 am - 6pm.
Stands Available - 6ft x 2ft tables wall tables €140.
Centre Tables €110.

For further information contact T: Jennie White
023 22868 or 086 170 3635


The roscarbery fair has a fantastic reputation, get in quick if there is still places.

----------------------------------

Craft Fair at The Linenhall Arts Centre

Will be held on Saturday 8th December with application
forms available in September.

For further information contact Alex Nicholson 087 6320705
alecman@eircom.net
or
Brendan Murphy 087 6987340 murphyshalfacre@eircom.net.

The Linenhall Arts Centre
Castlebar
County Mayo
--------------------------


I have done markets for four and a half years and loved it all! If I can be of any help just ask.

I will add to this list if anything comes up.

Any new events will be added to www.irishcraftupdate.com/blog, or if you want to be added to the NOTICEBOARD newsletter mail list just email me at karen.noticeboard@gmail.com

[Mum on the Go]

Wow! That's great information above- thanks Karen, and thanks also to Anne, Aism and Doodles!
Now I'm just wondering how to split myself in two for the RDS show on the 24/25 and the Marlay Park fair! (or is that the day before- must check it out!)
thanks so much!
Louise

[karen harper]

Just found another...
-----------------------------------

Laois christmas craft fair.

17th-18th November, St Mary's Hall, Portlaoise


For application forms please email:

teresa@derrincrafts.ie

--------------------------------

Karen Harper
karen.noticeboard@gmail.com