Ireland’s first and longest-running trading card convention, The Ireland Card Show, returns this April with its most ambitious event to date. Taking place on Saturday, 11 April 2026 at the five-star InterContinental Dublin, this Spring Edition marks a major evolution for the show, expanding into a significantly larger venue and stepping forward with a sharper, more premium identity that reflects how far it has come.
What began in 2023 as a small gathering of collectors has quickly transformed into one of Ireland’s fastest-growing live events. This year’s move to the InterContinental Dublin isn’t just a change of location, it’s a statement of intent.
More space. More variety. More experiences. And a show that continues to evolve with its community.
A Bigger Venue — Designed Around the Experience
For the first time, the Ireland Card Show will take over one of Dublin’s premier event spaces, allowing for a major upgrade in layout, flow, and overall experience. The expansion isn’t just about scale, it’s about refinement.
The show now carries a more polished visual identity throughout, reflecting its evolution into a flagship event for collectors in Ireland, from updated branding through to the way the event is experienced on the day.
Importantly, this year’s layout has been shaped directly by attendee feedback. A dedicated sports card room, hosted by Irish Trade Night, gives collectors a focused space to buy, sell, and trade within one of the fastest-growing areas of the hobby.
Alongside this, a Brick Con pop-up will feature on the day, bringing a different side of collectable culture into the space and expanding what the show offers beyond trading cards alone.
The main trading area will be run by Azurro Lár TCG, an online community for Pokémon collectors, ensuring a structured and welcoming environment for both new and experienced traders.
Where Collecting Meets Creativity
A key part of this year’s show is a continued focus on creativity within the hobby. In partnership with the National College of Art and Design, students were invited to submit original designs, with one standout entry selected as the winning piece. That design will feature on this year’s limited edition Ireland Card Show t-shirt, available to purchase on the day, showcasing emerging Irish talent while adding a fresh creative edge to the event.
Adding to this, artist Potato Paints has designed an exclusive collector card, which will be included in VIP goodie bags, a unique crossover between art and collecting that reflects the direction the show continues to move in.
What to Expect on the Day
With the expanded venue comes a significantly enhanced experience across the board.
Visitors can expect:
- A wide range of vendors covering Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, and sports cards
- Rare singles, sealed products, and high-end graded cards
- A dedicated trading zone designed for real interaction and community
- A hugely popular PSA grading drop-off, facilitated by official dealer Board & Brewed
- A live stage featuring interviews, panels, and community content
- A packed raffle with premium prizes including sealed Pokémon products and graded cards
Special guest Michael Haigney will be appearing throughout the day for signings and a live on-stage interview. Known for voicing multiple Pokémon across the animated series, Haigney has brought a range of fan-favourite characters to life, offering attendees a rare opportunity to meet someone directly connected to the world of Pokémon and hear behind-the-scenes insights.
Hosting the day’s live content is returning MC Gara, whose energy and connection with the community have become a defining part of the Ireland Card Show experience.
Powered by Community and Partners
This year’s event is supported by a growing network of partners who reflect both the community and the continued expansion of the show.
Sponsors include Collectr, Comic Con Dublin, and O’Brien, Coffey & MacSweeny Accountants, each playing a role in helping the event scale while staying rooted in the collector community.
More Than a Show — A Cultural Shift
The growth of the Ireland Card Show reflects something bigger happening across Ireland.
Trading cards have evolved into a thriving modern hobby, blending collecting, culture, and community. Events like this are helping to bring that energy into the real world, creating a space where people can meet, trade, and share their passion face-to-face.
With even bigger plans already in motion, the Ireland Card Show continues to push the hobby forward in Ireland.
Customers & Vendors at Ireland Card Show November 2025
Don’t Miss It
The Ireland Card Show Spring Edition takes place on Saturday, 11 April 2026, at the InterContinental Dublin.
Tickets are available now via www.irelandcardshow.com.
Follow @theirelandcardshow for updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes content as Ireland’s premier card collecting event enters its biggest chapter yet.
