Showcase Ireland, the country's largest trade fair, is expected to attract about 12,000 buyers, among them 2,000 from abroad representing 36 countries.

The craft, gift and fashion event takes place between January 17th and 20th in the RDS. Some 680 exhibitors will come from all over Ireland, with a special area designated to the most talented and creative in The Craft Village.

There will be an extensive hall of classical fashion which includes some of the best of Ireland's knitwear. Space has also been made for emerging designers in the New Faces section.

Among the vast array is glass, custom-made furniture, decorative ceramics, soft leathers, crafted silver, gold jewellery, Irish tweed, and hand-painted silks. Showcase Ireland is the main annual event of the Craft Council's continuing promotion of the crafts sector, and exhibitors took £32 million (#40.6 million) at last year's fair, resulting in the creation of 750 new jobs.

Mr Les Reed, chief executive of the Crafts Council of Ireland, recalled that 23 years ago the fair had just 32 stands and a turnover of £100,000.