Expo to showcase 'world-class' Clare artisan food and crafts producers 

Artisan food and craft producers across County Clare are being offered a unique opportunity to expand their market reach and secure new retail opportunities during a business-to-consumer retail buyers’ event at the world-famous Cliffs of Moher Experience.

Supported by the Clare Local Enterprise Office, Clare County Council and the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the second annual Cliffs of Moher and Clare Retail Exposition 2024 will see local producers and craftspeople showcasing their products and network with national and regional buyers. 

The event takes place on Monday next, February 19 from 11am to 4pm.

Buyers will have a chance to “Meet the Maker” and touch, taste a variety if products from cheeses to jewellery, whiskey to designer clothing and from wild salmon to art. The event also includes a ‘Taste of County Clare’ Geo-food event showcasing the award-winning and globally renowned food produce of the Burren.

According to the organisers, the number of participating businesses is up on last year and includes Wix & Wax Ireland, SIAR Photography, Óir Tonics, Cheeky Stitcher, NAIIAD Designer Jewellery (Ennis), Airmid, St. Tola Goats Cheese (Ennistymon), Cratloe Hills Sheep's Cheese, Ballymorris Pottery (Cratloe), Creative Clay (Sixmilebridge), Ekotree Knitwear, The Clare Jam Company, Elaine Farrell Photography (Doolin), JJ Corry Whiskey (Cooraclare), Hurst Botanicals (Clarecastle), Moher Soap (Kilshanny), Irish Slate Craft, Irish Tshirts.ie (Lahinch), Ramona Mulvey Jewellery (Newmarket on Fergus), MacCóda Hurleys (Inagh), GEOfood (Burren), Wilde Irish Chocolate (Tuamgraney), Doreen Drennan Art Studio, The Burren Smokehouse (Lisdoonvarna) and Quin Art Shop (Quin).

Commenting ahead of the expo, Cllr Joe Cooney, cathaoirleach of Clare County Council said: “County Clare has many world-class artisan food and craft producers whose reputation continues to grow both nationally and internationally."

He added, “This event brings them together under one roof and provides them with a platform from which to explore business expansion opportunities and to engage directly with consumers. Clare County Council is delighted to support these wonderful small and medium enterprises in securing new business and opportunities for growth.”

Bobby Kerr, chair of the Board of Cliffs of Moher Centre DACcommented: “The success of last year’s event in opening new retail opportunities for local food and artisan producers has led to an increase in the number of businesses participating in this year’s Expo. As one of Ireland’s leading visitor attractions, we look forward to continuing to directly support local businesses and showcasing the breadth and quality of produce offered across County Clare.”

Geraldine Enright, general manager of Cliffs of Moher Clare Tourism North West, added: “Our ‘Meet The Makers’ and Cliffs of Moher & Clare Retail Expo initiatives have opened new opportunities for participating suppliers by introducing their products to new customers. By demonstrating the huge number of amazing local food and crafts businesses, we have helped to promote sustainable jobs and commercial activity in County Clare and the wider region.”

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Padraic McElwee, head of enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Clare says next weeks event is very important to for the local economy in Clare. “In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of food and artisan enterprises established in County Clare, many of which have benefitted from the broad range of mentoring, upskilling and practical supports provided through from Local Enterprise Office Clare. This Expo acts as a launchpad for these businesses to take the next step in their ongoing development by introducing their products to a wider consumer and retail audience.”

Complimentary public admission to the Cliffs of Moher and Clare Retail Exposition 2024 is available here using the promo code ‘expo24’.