MONDAY 19TH JANUARY
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
IRISH CRAFT AND DESIGN
On this evening’s Nationwide, the team meets some of Ireland’s most creative people working across the art, craft and design sectors. The programme visits workshops where high-quality products are designed and made, exploring the journey from initial concept to final creation. It also looks at how social media has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for makers and designers.
WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
SHOWCASE IRELAND 2026
Nationwide is at the RDS in Dublin, where buyers from Ireland and across the world have gathered to meet some of the country’s most talented craft designers at Showcase 2026. The event highlights the very best of Irish craft, created in communities right across the country and on display over the past few days at Showcase. Nationwide meets the makers to find out what buyers are looking for in 2026.
Reporter Zainab Boladale also visits Castlecomer Craft Yard in County Kilkenny, where crafters work side by side in a specialist workshop, making and selling their products. She meets the makers to learn more about their craft.
FRIDAY 23RD JANUARY
PRESENTER RICHARD DOWNES
HOLIDAYING IN IRELAND FOR 2026
This evening’s Nationwide comes from County Kildare, as the team looks ahead to summer and explores holiday ideas and destinations to visit in Kildare and around Ireland in 2026. The programme features a range of interesting places to see, including the new state-of-the-art museum in Athy. Presenter Richard Downes also speaks with travel writer Eoghan Corry about what to do and see on a holiday in Kildare and across the country.
First on the programme is a new visitor centre in the heart of Athy. Inside, the story of one of the world’s most famous explorers is brought to life. It’s hoped the new attraction will draw visitors from Ireland and abroad who want to learn more about Ernest Shackleton. Anne Cassin followed the development of this new Kildare tourism attraction called the Shackleton Experience.
