Little Beetle Press at Showcase Ireland 2026 – Our First Year at Ireland’s Creative Expo

In January 2026, Little Beetle Press, an Ireland-based children’s publishing house, proudly participated in Showcase Ireland for the first time. The event marked an important milestone for the publisher as it presented its children’s books and storytelling projects to the Irish and international creative industry.

What Is Showcase Ireland?

Showcase Ireland – Ireland’s Creative Expo® – is the country’s largest trade-only event for Irish design, craft and creative businesses. Held annually at the RDS Dublin, Showcase brings together buyers, retailers, librarians, cultural organisations, press and industry professionals from Ireland, the UK, Europe, the USA and beyond.

In 2026, Showcase Ireland featured almost 400 Irish brands, representing sectors such as design, gifts, homeware, jewellery, fashion, publishing and creative products. The event plays a key role in supporting Irish businesses, promoting creativity, and opening doors to new retail locations, partnerships and export opportunities.

Little Beetle Press in the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Hall

Little Beetle Press exhibited in the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Hall, a dedicated section of Showcase that supports small and growing Irish creative businesses. The LEO Hall provides exhibitors with visibility, professional support and access to buyers and decision-makers looking to work with innovative Irish brands.

Being part of the LEO Hall allowed Little Beetle Press to introduce its children’s books to new audiences and position itself within Ireland’s wider creative and publishing ecosystem.

Children’s Books with Meaning

At Showcase Ireland 2026, Little Beetle Press presented a curated selection of children’s books and storytelling projects focused on:

– emotional development and wellbeing

– resilience and healing through stories

– environmental awareness for children

– imagination, creativity and cross-cultural understanding

As an independent children’s publisher in Ireland, Little Beetle Press creates books that support families, educators and libraries, combining strong storytelling with thoughtful themes and inclusive formats.

A key highlight of the stand was the display of Braille children’s books, reflecting Little Beetle Press’s commitment to accessibility and inclusive publishing. These titles sparked strong interest from educators, librarians and education professionals, many of whom expressed the growing need for accessible reading materials for children with visual impairments and diverse learning needs.

The response confirmed that inclusive formats such as Braille are not a niche offering, but an essential part of modern children’s publishing.

Visit from Minister Peter Burke

The Little Beetle Press stand was honoured by a visit from Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Minister’s visit highlighted the importance of creative industries, small businesses and cultural entrepreneurship within Ireland’s economy and international presence.

What Comes Next?

Participation in Showcase Ireland 2026 opened new conversations and opportunities for Little Beetle Press. As a result of the event, the publisher hopes to see its children’s books appear in new bookshops, libraries and cultural spacesacross Ireland and beyond in the near future.

In the meantime, Little Beetle Press books are available to order directly through the Little Beetle Press website and on Amazon, making them accessible to families, educators and readers worldwide.