Irish Comic Cons, Toy Fairs & Pop Culture Events 2026

Comic Cons are your one-stop shops for all things pop culture. Think of them as festivals for geeks (in the best way possible!). You'll find everything from comics and collectibles to celebrity guests, gaming areas, and cosplay competitions. They range from massive events like Comic Con Ireland, Dublin Comic Con, Gamerfest and Comic Con Northern Ireland to smaller, more intimate local cons.

Cosplay Meet-ups are more casual gatherings where cosplayers can show off their work, take photos, and hang out with like-minded folks. They're usually free or very low cost, super friendly to newcomers, and a great way to dip your toe into the cosplay world without the pressure of a full convention.

Toy Fairs & Toy Cons are perfect for collectors and anyone after a bit of nostalgia! These events focus more on buying, selling, and trading collectibles. You'll find everything from vintage toys to modern collectibles, and usually at better prices than you'd see online. They're typically smaller, more relaxed events held in hotels, community halls, GAA clubs, and similar venues — where you can actually chat with sellers and other collectors.

We list the bigger, more well-known card shows here, but we don't have them all due to the sheer number that are popping up all the time. If there's one missing, you can submit it using the form below!

Events are popping up all over the island these days! From Dublin to Cork, Galway to Belfast, and plenty of spots in between. The bigger conventions tend to stick to the main cities, but you'll find smaller events and meet-ups in towns across Ireland.

Keep an eye on our calendar — we update it regularly with new events as they're announced! This is the most up-to-date and complete comic con and geeky events calendar for the island of Ireland you will find. We're constantly updating it with new events as they're announced or as we're notified, so bookmark this page and check back regularly!

First up, check the event schedule! Smaller events might have free entry or cheap meet-and-greets, while bigger cons charge more for autographs and photos. Pro tip: most events list their celebrity guest prices beforehand, so you can actually plan your spending without having a heart attack on the day.

Here's what to factor into your budget:

🚗 Getting There

• Parking can be €10–40 at bigger venues (RDS, Convention Centre), and city centre parking can be €30+ per day
• Public transport return tickets (remember to check if there's a Night Link if you're staying late)
• Taxi fare if you're carrying lots of merch home

🍕 Food & Drinks

• Convention food usually runs €15 upwards for a decent lunch
• Bring a water bottle — you'll thank us later!
• Factor in coffee money if you're doing an early start

🛒 Shopping

• Small traders: most items €10–30
• Art prints & small collectibles: €15–40
• Larger collectibles & special items: €50+
• Pro tip: bring cash — not all vendors have card machines!

📸 Meeting Guests

• Autographs: usually €40 upwards per signature
• Photo ops: €60 upwards depending on the guest
• Some guests offer combo deals for both
• Remember to factor in print costs if you want them to sign something specific

Make yourself a little list of must-dos and maybe-ifs. Based on all the above, we'd suggest having at least €100 for a basic day out (entry, food, bit of shopping), or €200+ if you're planning to meet guests and do serious shopping. Trust us, your bank account will thank you for the heads up!

Here's the deal with money at these events:

• Most venues don't have ATMs on site
• If they do have an ATM, it usually runs out of cash quickly (everyone has the same idea!)
• Most vendors now use card machines (SumUp, Revolut, PayPal etc.)
• But it's totally up to each vendor whether they take cash, card, or both

Bring a mix of both cash and card to be on the safe side. And maybe scope out where the nearest ATM is to the venue, just in case!

Depends on your convention style, really! If you're just there for a browse and some shopping, one day will do you grand. But if you're planning to queue for celebrity meet-and-greets, get involved in cosplay competitions, hang out with mates, or see everything without rushing — then yeah, a weekend pass might be your best bet. It's all about knowing what kind of experience you're after!

Unlike the massive cons abroad, you're not going to miss any mad exclusive drops by showing up later. However, early bird tickets are brilliant if you have young kids who might get overwhelmed, deal with sensory issues, want to scope everything out before it gets mental busy, or like to grab the best spots for photos.

Right, let's be straight up about this — yeah, you might find some dodgy stuff at these events. Here's what to watch out for:

• Imitation LEGO (usually labelled as "custom mini figures")
• Anime figures that seem too cheap to be true (especially tricky with the Asian text on boxes)
• Anime mystery bags — generally contain items that are counterfeit or not worth the price you pay
• AliExpress stuff being passed off as "handmade"

Most organisers are pretty good at weeding out the chancers, but if you're unsure, just ask the vendor straight up. Dodgy sellers usually don't get invited back after complaints, so the community does help police this.

Honestly, this stereotype is way overblown these days! Most events are grand, but if you do encounter any issues, there's usually good ventilation and plenty of space to move around. Don't let outdated stereotypes put you off attending!

These events are generally grand, but here are some important tips:

Safety & Conduct

• Always ask before taking photos of cosplayers (those "Cosplay is Not Consent" signs aren't just decoration)
• Keep your hands to yourself unless you've got permission
• Plan meet-up points with your mates — phone signals can be brutal with so many people in one spot
• Most events have security and staff around if you need help with anything

Accessibility

Accessibility really varies by venue. Here's the scoop on some common locations:

• Convention Centre Dublin: Multiple floors with limited elevator access. Escalators get packed during busy times.
• Comic Con Northern Ireland (Eikon Centre) & Gamerfest (RDS): Both are on one level with plenty of space — generally easier to navigate.
• Smaller Venues: Usually in hotels or community centres. Most have basic accessibility but some older buildings may have limitations.

If you've got specific accessibility needs, reach out to the organisers beforehand — most are happy to help sort you out!

Absolutely not! After 8 years in the scene, we can tell you that about 95% of people at these events are in regular clothes. Cosplay is brilliant and always welcome, but it's completely optional. You'll fit right in whether you're dressed as your favourite character or just rocking a nerdy t-shirt. No one's judging — everyone's there for the same reason: to have a great time and geek out over the stuff they love.