--- title: Creating the Future from an Iconic Legacy description: Dolmen Design proudly celebrate our 60 year link to Kilkenny Design Workshops and our founder Sean McNulty with a 3 month exhibition at the National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny Castle Yard --- [![sticky-header-logo](https://www.dolmen.ie/hubfs/sticky-header-logo.svg "sticky-header-logo")](https://www-dolmen-ie.sandbox.hs-sites.com/) [![Contact](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2822537/63771b00-f3c8-4196-a096-96592fcd5c32.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2822537/63771b00-f3c8-4196-a096-96592fcd5c32) ** ** ** [![sticky-header-logo](https://www.dolmen.ie/hubfs/sticky-header-logo.svg "sticky-header-logo")](https://www-dolmen-ie.sandbox.hs-sites.com/) [![Contact](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2822537/63771b00-f3c8-4196-a096-96592fcd5c32.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2822537/63771b00-f3c8-4196-a096-96592fcd5c32) ** ** ** Search Making ideas work. ** ** [![Contact](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2822537/63771b00-f3c8-4196-a096-96592fcd5c32.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2822537/63771b00-f3c8-4196-a096-96592fcd5c32) ![](https://www.dolmen.ie/hubfs/Picture2-1.jpg) [Product Design](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/tag/product-design) | [Medical Design](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/tag/medical-design) | [Consumer Goods](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/tag/consumer-goods) | [Design Exhibition](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/tag/design-exhibition) | 2 min read # Creating the Future from an Iconic Legacy Written by [Dhriti Aggarwal](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/author/dhriti-aggarwal) Nov 25, 2025 12:01:17 PM # Dolmen launches exhibition to celebrate 60 year link to Kilkenny Design Workshops. At Dolmen Design & Innovation, we proudly carry forward a tradition that began 60 years ago with Kilkenny Design Workshops (KDW), the world’s first government-backed design agency. Established in 1965, KDW pioneered a design collaboration model that fused creativity with industry, setting new global standards for design excellence and competitiveness. ![Picture1-1](https://www.dolmen.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture1-1.jpg?width=644&height=484&name=Picture1-1.jpg) # **Dolmen: Using the past to shape the future ** The story of Dolmen is deeply intertwined with this [legacy](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/christopher-murphy-5612b650_im-really-proud-to-acknowledge-the-pioneering-activity-7397016274251333632-j_mn?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADBYV58BnhYRvYLK1KNOb8QAiZkuMz0n7NA). Founded in 1991 by Sean McNulty, a former KDW designer, Dolmen embodies the evolution of Irish design into a global force. Today, Dolmen stands as Ireland’s modern-day hub for **product design excellence**, helping the world’s most ambitious brands to deliver breakthrough product pipelines. From concept to commercialisation, Dolmen’s work spans diverse sectors, from medtech to consumer goods, proving that Irish design continues to lead on the world stage. Our success is built on values that matter:  - **Innovation **– Creativity is our engine. We push boundaries to design products that not only meet expectations but redefine them. - **Teamwork & Collaboration** – We believe the best ideas emerge when diverse minds work together. Every project is a partnership, every solution a shared achievement.  - **Flexibility** – Innovation demands agility. We adapt quickly to changing needs, ensuring our clients stay ahead in dynamic markets. - **Authenticity **– We stay true to our purpose: delivering honest, meaningful design that resonates with users and stands the test of time.   ![Picture4-1](https://www.dolmen.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture4-1.jpg?width=648&height=594&name=Picture4-1.jpg) # Why Heritage Matters The legacy of KDW is not just history, it’s a living influence. The principles of collaboration, craftsmanship, and creativity, that shaped KDW, remain at the core of our practice. Every product we design carries forward this DNA, blending timeless design values with cutting-edge technology. # Experience the Journey This November marks the 60th Anniversary of Kilkenny Design Workshops, celebrated through a landmark exhibition at the National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny Castle Yard. The showcase, The Ties that Tie and the Links that Link, runs from 15th November 2025 to 28th February 2026, offering a rare glimpse into the visionary initiative that made Kilkenny the beating heart of Irish design. Join us at the National Design & Craft Gallery to explore how Ireland’s design story continues to evolve. Discover Dolmen’s contribution to shaping the future while honouring the past. 📍 Exhibition: *The Ties that Tie and the Links that Link* 📅 15th November 2025 – 28th February 2026 🏛 National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny Castle Yard [![Follow us on LinkedIn](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2822537/b6750b21-e9b8-4150-8f04-a31ca4323ecb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2822537/b6750b21-e9b8-4150-8f04-a31ca4323ecb)                                            [![Follow our Story](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2822537/901e0bc8-6906-4489-8193-5164c1190287.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2822537/901e0bc8-6906-4489-8193-5164c1190287) Previous Story [← Guinness NitroSurge has the Design Advantage](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/guinness-nitrosurge-has-the-design-advantage) [** ](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news) ## You May Also Like These Stories on Product Design [![](https://www.dolmen.ie/hubfs/2022/GUINNESS-Nitrosurge_03%20%281%29.png) ](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/guinness-nitrosurge-has-the-design-advantage) [Product Design](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/tag/product-design) ### [Guinness NitroSurge has the Design Advantage](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/guinness-nitrosurge-has-the-design-advantage) Apr 11, 2023 10:18:33 AM | 1 min read [![](https://www.dolmen.ie/hubfs/20220620_223242430_iOS.jpg) ](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/dolmen-celebrates-triple-red-dot-award-win-with-guinness) [Product Design](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/tag/product-design) ### [Guinness awarded world's most prestigious product design award, Red Dot](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/dolmen-celebrates-triple-red-dot-award-win-with-guinness) Jun 20, 2022 9:00:00 PM | 3 min read [![](https://www.dolmen.ie/hubfs/CB9A5323.jpg) ](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/dolmen-30-years-of-innovation-celebration) [Product Design](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/tag/product-design) ### [Dolmen - 30 Years of Innovation Celebration](https://www.dolmen.ie/awards-news/dolmen-30-years-of-innovation-celebration) Dec 17, 2021 2:07:15 PM | 3 min read ** ### Subscribe to stay up to date! ## No Comments Yet Let us know what you think [![dolmen-logo-white](https://www.dolmen.ie/hubfs/dolmen-logo-white.svg "dolmen-logo-white")](https://www.dolmen.ie/) Copyright © Dolmen Design & Innovation Ltd. 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