Celebrating Irish-made jewellery, unique headpieces, sustainable fashion and the incredible people behind Ireland's creative businesses.
Some nights remind you just how far you've come, and the Irish Made Awards 2026 was certainly one of those nights for me.
I didn't come home with an award, but I genuinely came home feeling like I'd won.
To have Siobhán Daly Designs nominated in the Jewellery category of the Irish Made Awards was an achievement in itself. To find myself in a room surrounded by some of Ireland's most talented designers, makers, creatives and independent business owners was something very special.
There was so much emotion in that room. So much heart, pride and genuine support for one another. It was a celebration of far more than beautiful Irish-made products. It was a celebration of the people, the stories, the determination and the passion behind them.
And I was absolutely delighted to be part of it.
Celebrating Irish Designers and the Power of Community
One of the highlights of the evening was getting to meet and catch up with some of my fellow members of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD).
Being part of the CIFD has been such an important experience for me. To be surrounded by established Irish fashion designers, learn from their experiences and share in their successes is incredibly inspiring.
As someone who didn't take the traditional route into fashion and design, I sometimes still find it hard to believe that I'm sitting at the same table as people whose work I've admired for years.
But that's exactly what made the evening so special. There was a real sense of encouragement, connection and celebration of Irish creativity.
I was also thrilled to share the night with members of The Biscuit Community, a wonderful creative group I'm part of. And in true Biscuit style, we had the biggest table in the room!
There is something so powerful about finding your people. People who understand the highs and lows of running a creative business, who celebrate your achievements as if they were their own and who genuinely want to see one another succeed.
That support, friendship and sense of community were among my biggest takeaways from the night.
Wearing Irish, Of Course!
Naturally, an evening celebrating Irish fashion and design called for a little bit of dressing up!
I wore a beautiful dress from Irish brand Yaas Vintage, paired with one of my own handcrafted statement headpieces from Siobhán Daly Designs.
For me, fashion has always been about individuality, creativity and confidence. I love putting together an outfit that feels completely my own, and I particularly love supporting other Irish designers and independent brands.
Designing and creating unique headpieces for weddings, race days and special occasions is one of my favourite parts of my work. There is something wonderful about taking an outfit and transforming it with a striking accessory.
Whether it's a sculptural leather headpiece, a contemporary fascinator, a statement hairband or a pair of bold, lightweight earrings, I believe accessories have the power to completely change how we look and, more importantly, how we feel.
My philosophy has always been simple: Look good, feel good.
And I certainly felt good wearing Irish design at an event dedicated to celebrating it!
Proudly Irish-Made Jewellery and Accessories
When I started Siobhán Daly Designs in 2016, I never imagined that my jewellery and accessories would bring me to nights like this.
What began with a love of making and experimenting with materials has grown into a multi-award-winning Irish jewellery and accessories brand, with thousands of women wearing my designs.
Every piece is designed and handcrafted in Co. Meath, Ireland, with an emphasis on distinctive design, colour, comfort and sustainability.
My collections include handmade Irish earrings, statement necklaces, contemporary headpieces and unique occasion accessories, created using premium leather offcuts, brass, glass and semi-precious stones.
Sustainability is at the heart of the business. Much of the leather I use comes from high-quality offcuts sourced through Irish designers and suppliers, giving beautiful materials a new purpose. I work with a near-zero-waste approach, passing on surplus materials to schools and other creatives for their own projects.
I want to create jewellery that makes women feel confident, stylish and completely themselves, while showing that beautiful design and environmentally conscious choices can go hand in hand.
Sometimes Winning Isn't About the Trophy
There were moments during the Irish Made Awards when I found myself simply looking around the room, taking it all in.
The talent. The creativity. The incredible businesses. The stories behind them.
And I realised that being there was already a win.
Building a small creative business takes an enormous amount of work, resilience, determination and belief. There are long days, late nights, moments of doubt and plenty of challenges along the way.
But there are also moments like this.
Moments when you realise how far you've come, how many wonderful people you've met and how much you've achieved simply by continuing to do something you love.
To be recognised alongside such incredible Irish jewellery designers and makers is something I'm genuinely proud of.
I may not have brought home a trophy, but I brought home inspiration, wonderful memories, new connections and an even greater appreciation for the Irish creative community.
And that's a pretty incredible prize.
Thank You for Supporting Irish-Made
Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for Siobhán Daly Designs in the Irish Made Awards 2026.
To everyone who shared a post, clicked the voting link, sent an encouraging message or cheered me on, thank you.
Your support is what allows independent Irish designers and makers like me to keep creating, experimenting and growing.
When you choose Irish-made jewellery, accessories or fashion, you're supporting so much more than a product. You're supporting creativity, craftsmanship, local enterprise and the people behind small Irish businesses.
Last night reminded me just how special that community is.
I didn't win the award, but I absolutely felt like a winner. And I couldn't be prouder to be part of Irish design.
With love,
Siobhán
Founder and Designer, Siobhán Daly Designs
Discover Irish-Made Jewellery and Unique Occasion Headpieces
Looking for something a little different for your next special occasion?
Explore the Siobhán Daly Designs collection of handcrafted Irish statement earrings, necklaces, fascinators and unique headpieces for weddings, race days, mother-of-the-bride outfits and special events.
Designed and made in Co. Meath, each piece celebrates individuality, creativity and the confidence that comes from wearing something you truly love.
Look good, feel good.