Launching a Bold Creative Platform in County Kerry
The inaugural Design Kenmare festival arrives in Kerry with a mission: to celebrate creativity and design across disciplines, from architecture and interiors to fashion, graphics, photography and product design. Spearheaded by a lineup that includes renowned designers and public figures, the event promises a multi-day program that educates, inspires, and connects the global design community with local talent and audiences.
A Diverse Lineup: From TV Homes to Transformational Spaces
Among the featured voices are Dermot Bannon, widely recognized for his expertise in architecture and design that has shaped contemporary Irish homes, and Paul Galvin, whose influential perspective on product design and media has helped redefine consumer experiences. Their participation signals the festival’s aim to fuse practical design insight with bold, forward-looking ideas. Attendees can expect lectures, panel discussions, and live demonstrations that cover everything from sustainable materials and smart home tech to scalable design processes and storytelling through space.
What to Expect: Talks, Workshops, and Live Demos
Design Kenmare isn’t just about high-profile talks. The festival emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications. Workshops led by industry professionals will explore topics such as sustainable interiors, digital fabrication, and visual identity across brands. Live demonstrations offer a glimpse into design thinking in action, showing how ideas move from concept to final product. The inclusive program invites students, professionals, and enthusiasts to engage directly with experts and each other, fostering collaboration beyond the keynote stage.
A Festival for All Disciplines
While architecture and interiors form a backbone of the festival, Design Kenmare broadens the conversation to graphics, photography, fashion, and product design. The cross-disciplinary nature mirrors contemporary practice, where collaborations across fields often spark the most impactful innovations. Festival organizers emphasize accessibility and curiosity, encouraging attendees to explore unfamiliar terrains and discover new sources of inspiration.
Impact on Kerry and the Creative Economy
Beyond the lectures and demonstrations, Design Kenmare is positioned as an economic and cultural catalyst for the region. By attracting international speakers and local participants, the festival supports hospitality, arts education, and creative entrepreneurship in Co. Kerry. The event also offers a platform for regional designers to showcase work, build networks, and gain visibility on a national and global stage. In doing so, Design Kenmare aligns with broader efforts to spotlight Ireland’s design ecosystems and to foster sustainable, community-driven growth.
How to Engage: Tickets, Access, and Community
For those wanting to experience Design Kenmare, the festival provides tiered ticketing and program access designed to maximize engagement. Whether you’re attending a keynote, participating in a workshop, or simply exploring pop-up showcases around the town, the event invites visitors to immerse themselves in design thinking and to exchange ideas with peers and mentors. The festival’s inclusive ethos aims to welcome students, professionals, and curious locals alike, reinforcing Kerry as a growing hub for creativity.
Looking Ahead: Design Kenmare as a Seasonal Milestone
As the inaugural edition unfolds, expectations are high for a repeating, evolving festival that captures the evolving language of design. The organizers envision Design Kenmare not only as a one-off celebration but as a yearly milestone that tracks emerging trends, showcases regional talent, and cultivates enduring collaborations. With Dermot Bannon and Paul Galvin among the early roster of speakers, the festival signals a commitment to high-caliber discourse and practical, tangible outcomes for attendees and the broader design community.
