Dublin’s card show scene is no longer a single annual event — it’s a year-round ecosystem with four distinct shows in 2026, each catering to different collectors. This guide lays out every confirmed Dublin card show with dates, venues, and practical tips to help you plan your trips.

4 related posts

Next Dublin Card Show: February 28, 2026 ·
Venue: Convention Centre Dublin ·
Also in Spring: Ireland Card Show – April 11, 2026 at InterContinental Dublin ·
Summer Event: Irish Card Market – August 15, 2026 at Royal Marine Hotel ·
Event Type: Pokémon, sports cards, TCGs, memorabilia

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 28 Feb 2026 – Dublin Card Show (CCD)
  • 11 Apr 2026 – Ireland Card Show Spring (InterContinental)
  • 15 Aug 2026 – Irish Card Market Summer (Royal Marine)
  • 24 Oct 2026 – Emerald Card Show (Dublin Royal Convention Centre)
4What’s next
  • Future dates likely to be announced for 2027
  • Watch for ticket releases on Eventbrite and official show sites

Four key events, one pattern: Dublin’s card shows are diversifying into distinct niches — from the massive all-rounder in February to focused Pokémon and TCG gatherings later in the year.

Event Date Venue Focus
Dublin Card Show 28 Feb 2026 Convention Centre Dublin All trading cards, sports memorabilia
Ireland Card Show Spring 11 Apr 2026 InterContinental Dublin Pokémon, TCGs
Irish Card Market Summer 15 Aug 2026 Royal Marine Hotel Pokémon, TCGs
Emerald Card Show 24 Oct 2026 Dublin Royal Convention Centre General trading cards

When is the next Dublin Card Show?

What are the dates for Dublin card shows in 2026?

The main event — simply called the Dublin Card Show — is scheduled for Saturday, 28 February 2026 at the Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) in Dublin City Centre, according to both the venue’s official calendar and the show’s own website (The CCD (venue official site); Dublin Card Show (event organiser)). The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Eventbrite (ticketing platform)).

  • February’s edition reportedly sold out, with nearly 5,000 attendees according to a photo essay by TheCity (local news outlet).
  • A YouTube vlog covering the 2026 show noted it was the third annual event and that organisers used two floors instead of one (YouTube (attendee vlog)).

The implication: if you want the biggest, most diverse show, the February event is your target, but you’ll need to act fast — tickets sold out well in advance.

Is there a Dublin Card Show in April 2026?

Yes — the Ireland Card Show Spring Edition takes place on Saturday, 11 April 2026 at the InterContinental Dublin, a five-star hotel in the city. The show runs from 10:00 to 16:00 and tickets are €17.50 (Visit Dublin (tourism authority); Eventbrite). Totally Dublin described the event as “bigger, bolder and built for what’s next” (Totally Dublin (culture magazine)).

When is the Ireland Card Show spring edition?

Same event — the Spring Edition is the one on 11 April 2026. It’s focused on Pokémon and TCGs, making it a family-friendly alternative to the larger February show.

The upshot

The February Dublin Card Show is the biggest draw — nearly 5,000 attendees — but it sold out fast. The April Spring Edition offers a more intimate, Pokémon-centric experience at a premium hotel. For collectors who want to avoid the crowds, the Spring Edition is the smarter play.

Is it OK to haggle at card shows?

How do you negotiate at a card show?

Haggling is common at card shows, but not every vendor will budge. The key is to be polite and knowledgeable about market values. Many collectors find that offering cash can improve the chances of a discount, though there’s no universal rule. Vendors at the Dublin Card Show, for instance, often have fixed prices on higher-value items. A general rule from the community: if you’re unsure, ask nicely — most dealers are happy to discuss.

Is bargaining acceptable in Ireland card shows?

Yes, in the same way it is at flea markets or antique fairs. The local etiquette is to start with a friendly question rather than a lowball offer. A smile and a bit of research on recent eBay sold prices go a long way.

The trade-off

Haggling works best when you bundle multiple cards or offer cash. But if you walk up to a booth with a “what’s your best price?” on a single €5 card, you’re likely to get a polite “it’s already marked.”

How much money should I bring to a card show?

What is the average spend at a card show?

Casual collectors typically spend between €50 and €500, depending on what they’re after. The Dublin Card Show’s ticket alone is around €10–€25, so budget for entry plus an extra 20–30% for unexpected finds. The Ireland Card Show Spring Edition has a confirmed ticket price of €17.50 (Visit Dublin (tourism authority)).

Should I bring cash or card?

Cash is strongly recommended. ATMs may be available on site but often charge fees. Many vendors prefer cash because it avoids card processing fees, and it can give you leverage when negotiating. A vlog from the 2026 Dublin Card Show noted that tickets had to be pre-bought — no cash was accepted at the door (YouTube (attendee vlog)). So bring cash for the show floor, but pay for tickets online beforehand.

The catch

If you rely on the on-site ATM, you’ll pay a fee. And if the show is sold out (like the February one was), you won’t get in at all without a pre-purchased ticket. Plan ahead.

What percentage do card shows pay?

What commission do card show vendors charge?

Vendor fees at card shows typically range from 20–30% of sales or a flat table fee, depending on the event and table size. These figures are standard across the industry, though exact percentages vary. For the Dublin Card Show, table fees are not publicly listed, but the Emerald Card Show site notes it has “over 50 vendors” across two floors (PokiPair Store (event directory)).

How do card show fees work?

Vendors either pay a flat fee per table (e.g., €100–€200) or a percentage of sales. The percentage model is more common for larger shows. Sellers should factor this into their pricing — if a vendor pays 25% commission, they’ll need to mark up prices accordingly.

The implication: if you’re selling cards, you’ll net about 70–80% of your total sales after fees. That’s typical for the industry.

Do vendors at card shows usually do trades at a higher percentage than cash?

What is the trade value ratio at card shows?

Yes — trades often assign higher value to cards than cash offers. Vendors may offer 20–30% more trade-in value than cash buy, because they can then sell the traded card at retail. For example, a card a vendor would buy for €50 cash might be worth €65 in trade credit. This is standard practice across the collectibles market.

Is trading better than buying at card shows?

It depends on what you want. If you’re looking to upgrade your collection, trading is often better because you get more value for your cards. But if you need cash, you’ll get less. Negotiate both sides of the trade — know the market value of your cards and the ones you want.

The pattern: trading gives you more buying power, but you lose the ability to walk away with cash. The best strategy is to bring a mix of cards for trade and cash for purchases.

Dublin Card Show 2026 timeline

Bottom line: Collectors targeting the biggest selection should aim for the February Dublin Card Show, but tickets sold out in 2026 so pre-buy early. Those focused on Pokémon get better value at the Spring or Summer events.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Dublin Card Show on 28 Feb 2026 at Convention Centre Dublin
  • Ireland Card Show Spring Edition on 11 Apr 2026 at InterContinental Dublin
  • Irish Card Market Summer on 15 Aug 2026 at Royal Marine Hotel
  • Emerald Card Show on 24 Oct 2026 at Dublin Royal Convention Centre
  • All venues confirmed by official sources

What’s unclear

  • Exact ticket prices for all events (only Spring Edition price confirmed at €17.50)
  • Whether vendors universally accept haggling in Dublin
  • Card Party 2026/2027 locations (separate event)

What attendees are saying

The next show will be held at the Convention Centre Dublin in Dublin City Centre on the 28th February 2026.

— Dublin Card Show official website, Dublin Card Show (event organiser)

28th February 2026 Ireland’s Biggest Card Show Convention Centre Dublin.

— Instagram (dublincardshow)

We finally have an international-level card show — nearly 5,000 people attended.

— TheCity, TheCity (local news outlet)

The show used two floors rather than one, and tickets had to be pre-bought — none available at the door.

— YouTube vlog, YouTube (attendee vlog)

For collectors in Dublin, the choice is clear: if you want the biggest, most diverse show, the February Dublin Card Show is the one. It sold out quickly in 2026, so pre-buy tickets as soon as they go on sale. If you’re focused on Pokémon or want a more relaxed family outing, the Spring and Summer events deliver. And for those who can’t make those dates, the Emerald Card Show in October offers another opportunity. Collectors who plan around these distinctions will get the most value from Dublin’s growing card-show ecosystem.

Additional sources

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Frequently asked questions

Are there Pokémon card shows in Dublin in 2026?

Yes — the Ireland Card Show Spring Edition (11 April 2026) and the Irish Card Market Summer (15 August 2026) are both focused on Pokémon and TCGs. The main Dublin Card Show in February also includes Pokémon, but covers all trading cards.

Can I sell cards at the Dublin Card Show?

Yes, vendor tables are available. Contact the organisers at info@dublincardshow.com for availability and pricing.

What age groups attend card shows?

All ages — from kids trading Pokémon cards to adults collecting vintage sports cards. The Spring Edition is particularly family-friendly.

Is parking available at the Convention Centre Dublin?

Yes, the CCD has an on-site car park. Public transport (Luas and bus) also serves the venue.

Are tickets refundable?

Policies vary by event. Check the Eventbrite page for the specific show’s refund policy. Most are non-refundable but transferable.

Do I need to register in advance?

Yes — tickets must be pre-purchased online. The February 2026 show sold out, and no tickets were available at the door.

Can I bring my own cards for trade?

Absolutely. Many attendees bring binders of cards to trade with vendors and other collectors. It’s a great way to upgrade your collection.