There has been an increase in the demand for Irish-made gifts this Christmas according to the Crafts Council of Ireland.

Retailers such as Arnotts, Kilkenny Group, Irishdesignshop.com, makersandbrothers.com, Stonechat and Ardmore Pottery have reported an increase in sales of Irish made items this year.

The news comes as retailers are expecting this weekend to be one of the busiest shopping days in over five years.