Introduction: A bold new stage for creativity in Kerry
The newly launched Design Kenmare festival marks a pivotal moment for creative communities across Ireland and beyond. Set in the picturesque town of Kenmare, County Kerry, this inaugural festival brings together leading voices from architecture, interiors, fashion, graphics, photography, and product design. It’s a celebration of cross-disciplinary collaboration, where ideas collide to spark practical, inspiring outcomes for homes, streets, and small businesses alike.
High-profile voices: Dermot Bannon and Paul Galvin among the lineup
Among the distinguished speakers are Dermot Bannon, a familiar face to design enthusiasts, and Paul Galvin, whose inventive approach to branding and product design continues to shape consumer experiences. Their presence signals the festival’s ambition: to bridge the gap between theoretical design ideas and real-world application. Attendees can expect insights into how design thinking can transform not just spaces, but brand narratives and user experiences.
What to expect: A multi-disciplinary program
Design Kenmare is structured to appeal to a broad audience, from students and graduates to seasoned professionals. The program combines talks, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, enabling participants to explore architecture’s impact on our daily lives, the role of interiors in shaping wellbeing, and how fashion, graphics, and product design intersect with sustainable living. The festival emphasizes practical outcomes—sketches turned into prototypes, case studies of successful design-led projects, and opportunities for local businesses to rethink spaces and services.
From architecture to aesthetics: Topics shaping the festival
Key themes include the integration of sustainability into built environments, the craft of Scandinavian-inspired interiors, and the renaissance of handmade graphics in a digital age. Attendees will hear from practitioners who champion accessible design, inclusive spaces, and the democratization of good design. The festival also spotlights Kenmare’s unique cultural backdrop, showing how landscape, climate, and local heritage influence contemporary design decisions.
Workshops and intimate conversations
Beyond talks, Design Kenmare offers workshops designed to foster collaboration. Participants can engage in rapid-prototyping sessions, learn about material reuse, and experiment with lighting and acoustics in small-group settings. The intimate conversations aim to demystify the design process, offering practical tips for pitching ideas, securing funding, and collaborating across disciplines. This is design as a team sport—where architects, designers, marketers, and artisans co-create.
Why Kerry is the perfect home for a festival of design
Kenmare’s scenic backdrop provides an ideal environment for reflection and ideation. The town’s vibrant cultural scene, combined with its access to rugged landscapes and coastal beauty, invites participants to draw inspiration from place. The festival aligns with Kerry’s growing reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation, attracting a local audience as well as visitors from Ireland and abroad who want to see how regional centers can drive global ideas.
What this means for attendees and the region
For attendees, Design Kenmare offers more than inspiration; it delivers practical networks, real-world case studies, and take-home strategies to apply in studios, showrooms, and client projects. For Kerry and broader Ireland, the festival signals a commitment to nurturing creativity as an economic and cultural cornerstone. Expect local collaborations, the infusion of international design sensibilities, and a renewed spotlight on how design elevates everyday life.
Looking ahead: The future of Design Kenmare
As an inaugural event, Design Kenmare sets a high standard for inclusivity, depth of content, and accessibility. The organizers are keen to build year after year, expanding programming to include more regional voices, emerging designers, and partnerships with educational institutions. The festival’s DNA is clear: celebrate design across disciplines, empower practitioners, and inspire communities to see the spaces they inhabit as canvases for creativity.
