Irish Paralympian Ellen Keane has been announced as Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) Made Local 2024 Brand Ambassador, just in time for the Christmas gifting season.
This year’s Made Local campaign, led by DCCI, encourages shoppers to buy Irish and support local designers and craft makers. The Made Local initiative has been a driving force since its launch in 2020, highlighting the originality, quality, and sustainability of Irish-made products. As the cost of living continues to rise, shoppers are reminded that purchasing locally crafted gifts this Christmas offers more than just value – it supports small businesses and the Irish economy while promoting sustainability.
Supporting Local Craftspeople
In the past year, 1,402 designers and craft makers, along with 361 retailers, participated in the Made Local campaign, with 84% of them reporting positive impacts. The campaign underscores the importance of buying locally made products, not only to help small businesses thrive but also to invest in high-quality, well-crafted items that showcase Irish talent and creativity.
The Made Local campaign continues to play a pivotal role in showcasing the incredible diversity of our design and craft industry. Locally made products embody authenticity and quality and they are a uniquely desirable gift at Christmas. Choosing local isn’t just a purchase – it’s a statement of support for craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation.
Mary Blanchfield
Interim CEO | DCCI
2024 Made Local Christmas Launch
For this year’s launch, 68 Made Local makers took part in the Christmas launch alongside Paralympian Ellen Keane, showcasing the incredible talent and craftsmanship that the Made Local campaign promotes. Their participation highlights the commitment of Irish makers to creating high-quality, locally crafted products, just in time for the gifting season.
I am proud to be a part of the Made Local campaign, which promotes the incredible talent and craftsmanship of Irish designers and makers. This Christmas let’s support them by choosing top-quality, locally crafted gifts for our friends and family. As a Paralympian who has represented Ireland, and has been supported on my journey, it is very important to me to champion Irish designers.
Ellen Keane
Irish Paralympian
Community Driven Campaign
To amplify the Made Local 2024 message, hundreds of makers joined forces for a digital outburst, using social media to promote the campaign and encourage shoppers to support local this Christmas. Through engaging posts, videos, and stories, the craftspeople showcased their unique products, highlighting the importance of choosing Irish-made, high-quality, and sustainable gifts.
Made Local Directory
For those looking for locally crafted gifts, the full list of Made Local makers is available on DCCI’s online directory
Made Local Directory
