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Card Shows Near Me: 2025-2026 Ireland Events Guide

Ethan Caleb Mercer Mitchell • 2026-06-26 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where the next trading card show is happening in Ireland, you’re not alone. With Pokémon, sports cards, and collectibles drawing more enthusiasts each year, the scene has grown from small meetups to proper events with hundreds of visitors — this guide pulls together confirmed dates, practical tips, and insider advice so you can find card shows near you this weekend, today, or later in 2026.

Card shows in Ireland (2025–2026): 10+ ·
Average vendor tables per show: 50–100 ·
Most common show day: Weekend (Saturday or Sunday) ·
Entry fee range: €5–€15 ·
Age range of attendees: 5–65 years

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact 2026 schedule for Ireland Card Show beyond spring and winter
  • Number of vendors at smaller regional shows in Cork and Galway
  • Whether entry fees will remain stable for 2026 events
3Timeline signal
  • Dublin Card Show: Feb 28, 2026
  • Ireland Card Show Spring: Apr 11, 2026
  • Ireland Card Show Winter: Nov 8, 2026
  • Emerald Card Show: Oct 24, 2026
4What’s next

Six notable card shows, one pattern: Dublin hosts the majority of Ireland’s largest events, but smaller regional fairs are gradually appearing across the country.

Fact Value
Number of card shows in Ireland (2024–2025) At least 5 major events including Dublin, Cork, and Galway
Entry fee Typically €5–€15 per adult, children often free
Typical opening hours Saturday 9 AM–5 PM, Sunday 9 AM–1 PM
Most popular card category Pokemon (60% of vendor tables anecdotally)
Annual attendance at Dublin Card Show Estimated 1,000–2,000 visitors
Dublin Card Show venue Convention Centre Dublin Dublin Card Show (official website)
Ireland Card Show Spring 2026 date April 11, 2026 Visit Dublin (tourist board)
Ireland Card Show Winter 2026 date November 8, 2026 Facebook (official page)
Emerald Card Show 2026 date October 24, 2026 The Emerald Card Show (organizer)
Typical vendors at Dublin Card Show 50–100 tables

Where can I find Pokemon card shows near me this weekend?

Using online directories to find shows

Several curated databases make finding Pokemon card shows near me this weekend straightforward. The UK-focused UKCardShows.co.uk (card show finder) lists events across the UK and Ireland, updated regularly with dates and venues. For global coverage, TCDB Card Shows database — though not directly cited here — is widely referenced by collectors. In Ireland, the dedicated sites Dublin Card Show (official website) and Ireland Card Show (event organizer) post their own schedules directly.

  • PokiPair Store (TCG retailer) runs an events page for Irish card events.
  • Eventbrite Ireland lists card events with date filters; the Emerald Card Show ticket page is live for 2026 Eventbrite (ticketing platform).

Checking local event calendars

City-specific event calendars on Visit Dublin (tourist board) and Totally Dublin (local events magazine) highlight upcoming trading card shows. A Google Maps search for “card show” near your location often returns venues that host regular events.

The implication: the most reliable way to find this weekend’s show is to check the organizer’s own website and cross-reference with Eventbrite — aggregation sites update slowly for smaller events.

Are there any card shows near me today?

Last-minute show discovery strategies

Same-day card shows are rare; most are planned weeks in advance. But if you’re asking “card shows near me today”, you can try a few last-minute tactics. Social media accounts — especially Instagram for Instagram (show’s account) and Facebook groups — sometimes post cancellations or pop-up events on the day itself. Eventbrite’s “today” filter can surface any same-day trading card events in your area.

The catch

Same-day discovery works only if an event has last-minute tickets or a change of venue. For most Irish shows, you’ll need to plan at least a week ahead.

Social media alerts for same-day events

Follow the Facebook (official page) and Instagram accounts of known Irish shows. Organizers occasionally announce vendor cancellations that free up day-walk-in spots. The The Emerald Card Show (organizer) site notes they accept walk-in buyers and sellers on event day depending on capacity.

What this means: if it’s Saturday morning and you have no plans, check Eventbrite and the Ireland Card Show Facebook page — but don’t drive more than 30 minutes without confirming.

What card shows are happening in Ireland in 2026?

Confirmed 2026 events in Ireland

Based on organizer announcements and multiple public listings, the following major Irish card shows are confirmed for 2026:

  • Dublin Card Show — February 28, 2026, Convention Centre Dublin Dublin Card Show (official website)
  • Ireland Card Show Spring Edition — April 11, 2026, InterContinental Dublin Visit Dublin (tourist board)
  • Emerald Card Show — October 24, 2026, Dublin Royal Convention Centre Eventbrite (ticketing platform)
  • Ireland Card Show Winter Edition — November 8, 2026, InterContinental Hotel Dublin Facebook (official page)

How to stay updated on 2026 schedules

Organizers typically announce the full year’s dates in late 2025 or early 2026. The Go GTS (community calendar) aggregates European card shows, and YourDaysOut (event aggregator) also lists Irish events. Bookmark the Ireland Card Show (event organizer) blog for vendor-friendly updates.

The pattern: Dublin dominates the 2026 calendar with four confirmed events, while regional shows in Cork and Galway remain unannounced — but likely to appear later in the year.

How do I find trading card shows in my area?

Using dedicated card show websites

For collectors searching “trading card shows in my area”, UKCardShows.co.uk (card show finder) is the most comprehensive English-language directory covering Ireland. The site claims to be “the first website of its kind to offer a comprehensive card show finder” for UK events. For Ireland specifically, the Dublin Card Show (official website) and Ireland Card Show (event organizer) are primary sources.

Searching on general event platforms

Eventbrite’s card category lets you filter by date and location — useful for last-minute plans. The PokiPair Store (TCG retailer) events page also lists upcoming Irish card events with details on vendor rules. A simple Google Maps search for “card show” near you can reveal lesser-known store tournaments that function like mini-shows.

The trade-off: dedicated directories are more complete but update slower; general platforms are faster but miss smaller community events. Use both.

When is the next Dublin Card Show?

Next confirmed date (February 28, 2026)

The next Dublin Card Show is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Convention Centre Dublin in the city centreDublin Card Show (official website). The show runs from 9 AM to 5 PM, with early bird entry available. Tickets are available through the official websiteDublin Card Show (official website).

How to get tickets and directions

Entry prices are typically in the €5–€15 range, with children often entering free. The Convention Centre Dublin is easily accessible by public transport; parking is limited. Organizer Instagram (show’s account) posts updates about ticket availability and any changes.

Why this matters: the Dublin Card Show is the largest single-day event for Irish collectors, and February 28 is your first chance in 2026 to trade, buy, and sell without traveling abroad.

How to Make the Most of Your Card Show Visit

The upshot

The difference between a good show and a great one is preparation: know what you want to buy, bring the right gear, and set a budget before you walk in.

Before you go

  1. Check the event website for the exact entry time and fee.
  2. Bring cash — many vendors don’t accept cards, and ATMs near venues often run out.
  3. Pack top loaders, a card binder, and sleeves to protect purchases.
  4. Set a spending limit and stick to it; impulse buys are common.

At the show

  • Walk the whole hall before buying anything — prices vary between tables.
  • Compare prices with eBay sold listings using your phone if unsure.
  • Ask about bulk deals if you’re buying multiple cards from the same vendor.

Selling cards at a show

Most shows allow walk-in selling, but booking a vendor table in advance is better for higher volume. Contact the organizer via Ireland Card Show (event organizer) for pricing and table availability. The Facebook (official page) outlines a vendor-acceptance process for 2026 events.

Timeline

Bottom line: Irish card shows are concentrated in Dublin with four confirmed 2026 dates. Collectors outside Dublin: expect regional announcements later in 2025.
  • February 28, 2026 — Dublin Card Show, Convention Centre Dublin Dublin Card Show (official website)
  • April 11, 2026 — Ireland Card Show Spring Edition, InterContinental Dublin Totally Dublin (local events magazine)
  • October 24, 2026 — Emerald Card Show, Dublin Royal Convention Centre The Emerald Card Show (organizer)
  • November 8, 2026 — Ireland Card Show Winter Edition, InterContinental Hotel Dublin Facebook (official page)

The pattern: four major Dublin events anchor the 2026 calendar, with no regional shows yet confirmed outside the capital.

Confirmed Facts

  • Dublin Card Show next date: February 28, 2026 — official website Dublin Card Show (official website)
  • Ireland Card Show Spring: April 11, 2026 — multiple public listings Visit Dublin (tourist board)
  • Emerald Card Show: October 24, 2026 — Eventbrite ticket page Eventbrite (ticketing platform)
  • Ireland Card Show is described as Ireland’s longest running trading card event Visit Dublin (tourist board)

The implication: these four events form the backbone of Ireland’s 2026 card show calendar, verified across organizer sites and ticket platforms.

What’s Unclear

  • Exact 2026 schedule for Ireland Card Show beyond spring and winter (announcements expected late 2025) Ireland Card Show (event organizer)
  • Number of vendors at smaller regional shows in Cork, Galway, and Limerick
  • Whether pricing for tables and entry stays stable across 2026 events
  • Exact attendance figures for each show (only estimates available for Dublin Card Show)

“The next Dublin Card Show takes place on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Convention Centre Dublin.”
— Dublin Card Show (official website)

“The site is the first website of its kind to offer a comprehensive card show finder for UK events.”
UKCardShows.co.uk (card show finder)

For collectors in Ireland, the choice is clear: plan around Dublin’s four major events in 2026, or wait for regional announcements — but don’t expect a show within 30 minutes every weekend. The safest bet is to bookmark the Dublin Card Show and Ireland Card Show websites, and check Eventbrite weekly for pop-ups.

Related reading: Ireland Card Show · Dublin Card Show

Additional sources

dublin.ie, facebook.com

For those looking specifically in the capital, the Dublin card show events guide provides detailed dates through 2027.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive at a card show?

Arriving 15–30 minutes before opening gives you first pick of new inventory. Early bird tickets sometimes grant entry an hour early.

Is it cheaper to buy cards at a show or online?

Shows often have better deals on bulk lots and sealed product, but single cards may be cheaper on eBay. Compare while you’re there using your phone.

Are card shows safe for kids?

Yes — most Irish shows are family-friendly, with children often entering free. Keep an eye on young collectors near busy tables.

Can I trade cards at a show without buying a table?

Yes, trading is generally free. You don’t need a vendor table to exchange cards with other attendees.

Do card shows accept credit cards?

Some vendors accept card payments, but cash is still king. Bring enough cash for entry and at least a few purchases.

What if it rains – are indoor shows still on?

Yes, shows at venues like the Convention Centre Dublin and InterContinental are fully indoors and run regardless of weather.

How do I know if a card show is legitimate?

Check official websites (dublincardshow.com, irelandcardshow.com) or Eventbrite for verified events. Avoid shows that ask for payment outside these platforms.



Ethan Caleb Mercer Mitchell

About the author

Ethan Caleb Mercer Mitchell

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.