From Enterprise Ireland; Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
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Ireland and Irish craft producers will be celebrated and showcased in a broadcast on live ecommerce shopping platform QVC, which will reach millions of potential customers in the United States on St. Patrick’s Day.
The St. Patrick’s Day ‘Made in Ireland’ broadcast on QVC US, one of the world’s largest video commerce platforms, is an important annual event for Irish producers as QVC boasts a highly engaged shopping community of millions of customers in the United States and beyond.
The 33rd ‘Made in Ireland’ event, which is a collaboration between Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland, will also showcase Ireland as a tourist destination, this year broadcasting live from the historic Slane Castle in Co Meath. Beginning at 12am ET on 17 March 2022, the 24-hour live event will kick off and can be viewed at QVC.com or from one of the many QVC apps. 'Made in Ireland' is available to shop now and additional digital content from Ireland can be viewed on QVC’s livestream destination at QVC.com, search “livestream”.
Some of Ireland’s most prolific traditional brands are amongst the craft producers who will be showcased on the platform during the broadcast, including Killarney Crystal, Charles Gallen Irish Linen, and Fadó.
Due to the success of a series of popular ‘Made in Ireland’ events on QVC last year, in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland, the annual St. Patrick’s Day show broadcast time has been extended to run for 24 hours for the first time in 11 years.
Earlier this month, QVC also hosted a 30-minute livestream event from Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare on their website and Facebook page. As well as showcasing some Irish-made products, this event on 4 March also put a spotlight on Ireland’s western region to QVC’s social media community which has millions of followers.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar said:
"This is an incredible opportunity for Irish designers and creators. The QVC ‘Made in Ireland’ broadcast reaches millions of people in the U.S., giving Irish entrepreneurs the chance to showcase the quality and uniqueness of their products to a huge audience. As well as raising the profile and increasing the sales of those businesses featured, it’s also a great opportunity to promote Ireland as a tourist destination and reinforce our reputation for exceptional craftsmanship."
Sue Schick, SVP Content and Broadcast Production, QVC US said:
"For 33 years we have celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on QVC and this year we’re so excited to present the 24-hour live event across multiple platforms from Slane Castle in Co Meath. As a world leader in video commerce, we are constantly developing fresh programming with exciting products to delight our passionate community of engaged customers, and these ‘Made in Ireland’ broadcasts are a wonderful addition to our lineup. Earlier this month, we hosted a live event from Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on our social channels and our customer absolutely loved the livestream. The QVC customer always looks forward to hearing the storied history behind the Irish artisans, and we are thrilled to bring these products to them live from the beautiful countryside of Ireland, in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland."
Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland said:
"We are delighted to support the annual QVC St. Patrick's Day programme. There is a long-standing relationship between Enterprise Ireland and QVC that presents a key opportunity for the Irish craft industry to showcase their work to millions of customers."
Tourism Ireland CEO, Niall Gibbons, said:
"Tourism Ireland is delighted to collaborate with QVC and Enterprise Ireland on this event. As well as showcasing high-quality Irish craftmanship, this important opportunity will also bring the iconic and historic Slane Castle to millions of homes around the world. This annual broadcast is of particular significance in the context of tourism this year, as it offers a chance to showcase Ireland’s Ancient East and the broader destination to potential visitors as leisure travel returns."
Mr Gibbons continued:
"St. Patrick’s Day is the highlight of the early vacation season and what a year 2022 is going to be. We have fabulous new attractions including the Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, just a short drive from Belfast, the newly designated UNESCO City of Music; and we are also celebrating the 100th anniversary of James Joyce’s revered masterpiece Ulysses, one of the world’s most iconic works of literature."
Home to the Conyngham family since 1703 and world-famous concert venue, Slane Castle Estate extends over 1500 lush acres in the Boyne Valley. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of royalty and rockstars as they soak up the history on guided Castle tours taking in 18th century interiors and the colourful family history. Slane Castle is one of the most architecturally exciting buildings in Ireland. The Ballroom is a highlight, completed in 1821 for the visit of King George IV, this impressive rotunda with a magnificent domed ceiling is one of the finest examples of Neo Gothic works in Ireland. Renowned for perfect acoustics, it is where U2 recorded The Unforgettable Fire album.
The Irish producers to be featured on the QVC St. Patrick's Day Show: