The Makers Academy

What is The Makers Academy?

The inaugural Kilkenny Design Makers Academy has officially launched in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices. The Makers Academy is a hands-on programme designed to support Ireland’s next generation of makers, designers and creative entrepreneurs. With over 200 applicants from around the country, a total of 25 makers has been selected for the academy. The initiative celebrates the richness of Irish while helping a new generation of creatives shape the future of design under New Irish Energy.

What Will Makers Enjoy Under The Academy?

Bringing together practical skills, creative thinking and industry insight, the Academy gives emerging talent the opportunity to scale their business, build confidence and expertise, plus turn their craft into meaningful, market-ready products. Over a six-month period, business participants will receive mentorship and guidance from industry experts, attend practical workshops and enjoy a pop-up in a Kilkenny Design store, plus so much more.

Maker Of The Month Spotlight

Cocoa By Judit

Judit McNally, founder of Cocoa by Judit, creates award-winning artisan chocolates in West Waterford. With 20 years of experience, Judit has perfected the craft of hand-painted, small-batch chocolates, bringing together artistry, flavour, and locally sourced ingredients. For her, chocolate is more than a treat – it’s an expression of creativity and indulgence, designed to be savoured.
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BY IZZY

Isabella McKeown is a Home Economics and textile artist from Leitrim. Creating sustainable bags through her brand BY IZZY, Isabella was inspired to learn crochet and knit by her granny. She creates contemporary and colourful handbags using recycled and sustainable textile yarn and slow fashion principles.
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PAPERDUCK Designs

Inspired by the rich beauty of Irish architecture, the charm of our landscapes, and the unique character of our animals and culture, PAPERDUCK brings these iconic elements to life in bold, playful designs. Each print has a little twist of wit, a splash of quirk, and a generous helping of Irish soul.
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The Crochet Dolls

Founded by Arzu Gorbil, The Crochet Dolls creates handcrafted dolls inspired by childhood memories, bringing together creativity, craftsmanship and the joy of handmade. The Crochet Dolls are beautiful keepsake dolls and cuddly teddies and ideal companions for playtime or bedtime. Made with soft, durable yarn, they’re designed to be loved for years to come.
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The Family Silver

The Family Silver is a jewellery design and manufacturer based in Cavan who specialise in personalised jewellery in particular fingerprint jewellery, paw and nose print jewellery, kids art jewellery, Ogham writing jewellery, family crests/coat of arms jewellery, and handwriting jewellery. Each piece is custom made and therefore is truly ‘one of a kind’. At The Family Silver, creating precious pieces from cherished moments is what they do best.
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Meet More Of The Makers Academy 2026

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