More than 50 exhibitors for Inishowen Co-Op Home Build & Energy Efficiency Hub 

The Inishowen Co-Op Home Build & Energy Efficiency Hub, a one-day event designed to bring together homeowners, builders, local tradespeople and industry experts, is taking place on Saturday, March 21, at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana from 11am to 4pm.

The event  provides practical advice, expert talks, and access to suppliers who can help at every stage of building, rebuilding or upgrading a home. 

The event will feature over 50 exhibitors, bringing together suppliers, specialists and advisors from across the building and home improvement sector. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Whether you are planning a new build, navigating a rebuild, improving energy efficiency or simply gathering ideas, the event offers an opportunity to meet experts and explore solutions all in one place.

It is designed for anyone interested in building, rebuilding, or improving their home, including people planning a new build, homeowners rebuilding due to defective concrete blocks, families renovating or extending their homes, homeowners interested in energy upgrades, DIY enthusiasts and tradespeople, and anyone exploring grants, heating systems, or building materials.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet experts and suppliers covering all aspects of the building journey, including timber frame and structural building specialists; roofing, insulation and ventilation solutions; windows, doors and security systems; flooring, kitchens and interior finishes; paint and decorative suppliers; renewable energy systems and heating solutions; BER, Part L and air tightness testing professionals; and SEAI grant guidance and retrofit supports.

The event allows visitors to discuss their plans, ask questions and explore options with trusted suppliers and advisors.

Expert Speaker Series?New for 2026, the event will include a short-format Expert Speaker Series titled, From First Step to Finished Home.Each session will run for approximately 15 minutes, followed by a short audience Q&A, allowing visitors to ask questions directly to the speaker. Talks begin at 12:30pm.The series will guide visitors through the key stages of the building journey, helping people avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions.

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What topics will be covered in the talks?

This talk will explain how to prepare for a mortgage application, what lenders are currently looking for, how to understand your real build budget, and when to engage with a mortgage advisor during the process.

Planning, Design and Virtual Reality: Avoiding Costly MistakesSpeaker: Shane Doherty, Shane Doherty Architecture

This session will cover the planning permission process, important site considerations, designing homes for long-term living, and how virtual reality can help homeowners walk through their home before it is built to identify design issues early.

Energy Efficiency and the Build Process from Ground UpSpeaker: Phil Doyle, Sales Technician

Efficient Renewables

This session explains the build process from start to finish with a focus on energy efficiency, including insulation, ducting, heat pumps, solar panels, ventilation and how early decisions can significantly impact long-term energy performance.

SEAI Grants and Supports: What Applies to Your HomeSpeaker: Claire Irwin, Irwin Consulting & Retrofit Grants

This talk will outline SEAI grants and supports available for homeowners building, rebuilding or retrofitting. It will also cover grant timelines, paperwork, and tips for avoiding common application mistakes.

Homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks?

Inishowen Development partnership (IDP) will be present on the day to provide advice and information for homeowners affected by Defective Concrete Blocks. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the supports available and the processes involved in rebuilding.

Community, Trades and Services Noticeboard

To support local businesses, the event will feature a Community, Trades and Services Noticeboard.Local tradespeople and service providers are invited to leave business cards or small promotional flyers into Inishowen Co Op Carndonagh branch  to allow  visitors to discover local trades even if those businesses are not exhibiting at the show.The trades table will be located beside the complimentary tea and coffee area, making it easy for visitors to browse local services during the event.

Live demonstrations?

Yes. A large Power Tools in Action display will take place during the event. Visitors will be able to see tools demonstrated from leading brands including. The brands featured include DeWalt, Einhell, Makita, and Milwaukee.These demonstrations will show tools being used in real situations, from DIY projects to professional trade applications.

Competitions or prizes?

There will be free prize draws on the day. Visitors attending the event will have the opportunity to enter the draw during the day. Prizes include a 1st prize of a €300 Crown Paint voucher, a 2nd prize of a €200 Canadia Flooring voucher, and a 3rd prize of a €100 Inishowen Co-Op voucher.

Where can I get more information?

For further details please contact: Inishowen Co-Op 074 9374555 or follow Inishowen Co-Op on social media for updates.