Kilkenny
Design
Workshops

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Get an interactive insight in to the extraordinary impact and legacy the Kilkenny Design Workshops had on design in Ireland and worldwide.

  • UNIQUE ORGANISATION

    In order to advance the standard of Irish design the Irish Export Board funded workshops to produce designs, prototypes and services to meet the needs of Irish industry.

  • ICONIC PRODUCTS AND DESIGNS

    Kilkenny Design Workshops created a reputation for best practice in design. Many KDW products gained international interest and the name Kilkenny became synonymous worldwide with good design.

  • SETTING

    The Kilkenny Design Workshops were located in rural Ireland in beautifully preserved buildings that were once the stables for Kilkenny Castle.

  • DESIGN PROMOTION

    KDW promoted design through their shops, exhibitions, seminars, competitions, promotions, events and design consultancy in Ireland and across the world.

  • LIFESTYLE

    International teams worked together in a new approach at KDW. The rich archival footage, photographs and audio gives a flavour of the people and life at KDW from the 1960s to the 1980s.

  • LIVING LEGACY

    KDW operated in Ireland from 1965 to 1988 with aspects of its model replicated internationally. Irish Design 2015 celebrates the contribution that KDW made to design culture and industry in Ireland and globally.

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