Irish craft producers return to QVC for 24-hour St Patrick’s Day sales event

Cable knits and Claddagh rings at the ready: Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland will return to live ecommerce platform QVC this St Patrick's Day to sell Irish craft goods to an audience of millions of US consumers in an event broadcast live for 24 hours from Slane Castle.

The Co Meath show, which marks the 33rd annual "Made in Ireland" broadcast on QVC, will showcase brands including Killarney Crystal, Charles Gallen Irish Linen and Fadó jewellery to an American audience, while also highlighting Ireland as a tourist destination.

“Made in Ireland” will begin from 12am ET, which is currently 4am GMT, after the event was extended to 24 hours for the first time in 11 years. It can be viewed on QVC.com or from QVC’s apps.

Earlier this month, QVC also hosted a 30-minute livestream event from Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co Clare, on its website and Facebook page, putting a spotlight on the west of Ireland.

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"This is an incredible opportunity for Irish designers and creators," said Minister for Enterprise Leo Varadkar.

Profile raising

“As well as raising the profile and increasing the sales of those businesses featured, it’s also a great opportunity to promote Ireland as a tourist destination and reinforce our reputation for exceptional craftsmanship.”

Sue Schick, senior vice-president of content and broadcast production for QVC US, said the St Patrick's Day show was "a wonderful addition" to its line-up.

“The QVC customer always looks forward to hearing the storied history behind the Irish artisans, and we are thrilled to bring these products to them live from the beautiful countryside of Ireland, in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland.”

Other Irish craft producers set to be featured include Aran Woollen Mills, Fisherman out of Ireland knitwear, Connemara Marble and jeweller Solvar.