Gaming has become so much more fun in the last few years. It is no longer what you just do alone at home on your PC or console. For gamers in Ireland, the gaming culture offers a mix of fun events and unique social experiences that bring people together. The country offers video games setups, conventions and retro gaming among other things.
No matter the type of player you are, you can enjoy online matches, board games and even events where you can connect with other players. There is always something for every type of gamer in Ireland.
Try Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming in Ireland is fast becoming as popular as other types of games. There are different spots where gamers can play online video games or even online casino games. Many of the top gaming sites are trusted sources and have even been reviewed by CardPlayer.com, a reliable source for everything online casinos. Players can also find nice spots to play their favourite games on the go while connecting with other players.
In Ireland, Mobile gaming is not limited to just your phone. You can also enjoy mobile gaming through gaming vans. An example is GameVan.ie, a gaming van that offers game consoles for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch systems for players to enjoy gaming with friends and family in a van. Their vans can host around eight to fifteen players and have all the latest games you can think of.
The good thing is that the country has solid internet coverage, including 5G, so you can easily join matches. Some social hubs and cafes even set casual gaming meetups where people can play together over WiFi.
Attend Major Gaming Conventions
As a gamer in Ireland, you can look forward to major events like GamerFest. Since it started in 2017, GamerFest has had over 30,000 visitors, making it the largest gaming and esports festival in the country. In the summer of 2025 alone, the Dublin edition drew about 5,000 gamers to the RDS for a gaming weekend packed with tech demos, esports, creator meet and greet and even cosplay.
Another popular event to attend is Warpcon. It is usually held in January in Cork at University College Cork. Warpcon started in 1990, and it is known as one of Europe’s largest student-run gaming conventions.
Enjoy Board Game Cafés And Social Play
If you are a fan of games in cosy and social places, Board and Brewed in Dun Laoghaire is a good place to be. It has more than 300 board games, friendly staff, and snacks that start at around €7. On Tuesdays, you can play unlimited time for just €5, while on other days it is a €15 Max play fee. There is also a game meetup group that has meetings there regularly with over 500 members. This is a good place to enjoy your games while making friends at the same time.
Gamers World in Dublin’s City centre offers gamers who love to explore a mix of board games, miniatures, and role-playing games accessories. It also hosts regular gaming nights where gamers can enjoy lively rounds of cards and tabletop games. The good thing is that everything you need is provided, all you need to be is yourself.
Explore Competitive Socialising Venues
Socialising venues are becoming a huge thing in Ireland, especially in Dublin. For example, in December 2024, Super Social was launched in Leopardstown Racecourse. It was reported to cost around €5 million. It is a 15,000 sq ft space and has over 50 staff. It also includes a 150-seat restaurant and bar plus high-tech mini golf, interactive darts, shuffleboard, and the Supper Social Arena, an interactive zone with different obstacles and tech-driven fun.
The venue even has magnetic mini golf and carries the latest video games. Socialising venues like this are good for gaming parties, team building, and night outs.
Try Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are another great option for you to try if you love puzzles and teamwork. Ireland offers many themed escape games, like bank heists, haunted houses, or other gaming adventures. They are quite popular in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Escape rooms can be exciting, especially if you’re into storytelling and problem-solving.
Attend Retro Gaming Events
Retro gaming in Ireland will give you a mix of nostalgia and fun as it brings back fond memories. The country now has many places and events where retro gamers can discover classic games. One event to look out for is the Retro Computing and Gaming Day at TOG Hackerspace in Dublin. This event lets visitors try vintage systems like the Neo Geo Pocket Color, Sega Saturn, and Dreamcast. You can also explore classic computers or even bring yours along.
If you stay in Dublin, you might enjoy Token, a retro-arcade bar and restaurant that offers classic games like Pac-Man, Mario Kart, and pinball. The venue has around 40 arcade and pinball machines, and it is a great place to hang out. You can also try Ireland’s only double-decker gaming bus. It is a moving retro gaming venue that comes equipped with 14 4K TVs, PS5s, Xboxes, Nintendo Switches, two driving simulators, and two classic arcade machines that hold over 4000 games each. A mid-week 90-minute session costs around €399 with slushies and popcorn.
And if you’re looking for another retro gaming event to attend, then the Irish Gaming Market (IGN) runs a Retro Zone packed with arcade machines and classic games. IGN has drawn over 1,000 players and pop culture fans since 2023. It’s a great place to connect with other retro fans.
