Dublin Tattoo Convention – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Dublin Tattoo Convention, now in its fourth edition under new stewardship, is Ireland’s largest tattoo event, set for October 24–26, 2025, at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Partnered with Total Tattoo Magazine, it celebrates international and Irish tattoo artistry, bringing together 200+ world-class artists for live tattooing, competitions, and entertainment.

Established as a premier body art festival, it has grown since its earlier iterations (e.g., 20th edition noted in), offering a vibrant mix of tattoos, piercings, fire shows, art galleries, and market stalls. Known as Ireland’s best tattoo event, it attracts diverse audiences, from tattoo enthusiasts to curious newcomers, fostering individuality and creativity.

Event Highlights

• Live Tattooing: 200+ artists from Ireland and worldwide offer walk-up and pre-booked appointments, RDS Main Arena.
• Tattoo Competitions: Free-to-enter categories (e.g., Best of Day, Best Traditional), announced closer to October 2025, RDS Main Arena.
• Entertainment: Fire shows, live music, magic, comedy, and burlesque performances, October 24–26.
• Art Gallery & Photo Booth: Stunning displays of tattoo-inspired art and interactive photo opportunities are included in the ticket.
• Market Stalls: Alternative traders selling jewelry, clothing, and art, RDS Main Arena.
• Piercings: Professional piercers available for on-site services, October 24–26.
• Food & Drink: On-site vendors with meals, snacks, and beverages (~$5–$15 USD).

City

• Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland: Events at the RDS in Ballsbridge, a cultural hub near Dublin’s vibrant city center, known for its historic charm and lively arts scene.

Main Event Address

• Royal Dublin Society (RDS), Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 AK83, Ireland: Primary venue for all events, including tattooing, competitions, and entertainment.
• Administrative Contact: Dublin Tattoo Convention, c/o Events Team Ireland Ltd, Elm Hall, Loughlinstown Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland (inquiries only, not ticketing).
• Note: Full event layout at www.dublintattooconvention.com.

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 24–26, 2025 (Friday–Sunday).
• Duration: 3 days.
• Opening Times:
  • Friday: 6:00 PM–11:00 PM.
  • Saturday: 10:45 AM (advance) / 11:15 AM (general)–9:00 PM.
  • Sunday: 10:45 AM (advance) / 11:15 AM (general)–7:00 PM.

Venue / Location

• RDS Main Arena: Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 AK83 (tattooing, competitions, entertainment, market stalls).
• Additional Spaces: Art gallery and food/drink areas within the RDS complex.
• Note: Full schedule and artist list announced September 2025; check www.dublintattooconvention.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@dublintattooconvention.com (general and ticketing inquiries).
• Phone: +353 85 137 7660 (office hours).
• Website: www.dublintattooconvention.com
• Social Media: Follow @DublinTattooConvention on Instagram, Facebook, X.
• Address: Dublin Tattoo Convention, c/o Events Team Ireland Ltd, Elm Hall, Loughlinstown Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland (inquiries only).
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.dublintattooconvention.com or at RDS entrance (full price, cash/card). Contact info@dublintattooconvention.com for group bookings or accessibility needs.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy discounted advance tickets online at www.dublintattooconvention.com (Visa, Mastercard). Full-price tickets at RDS entrance (cash/card). Contact info@dublintattooconvention.com for group bookings or accessibility. No refunds; transfers subject to terms. Book early for advance entry (10:45 AM Saturday/Sunday) and high-demand days (e.g., Saturday).
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.17 USD):
  • Friday Student Pass: €15 (~$17.55 USD, student ID required).
  • Friday Day Pass: €21.50 (~$25.15 USD).
  • Saturday Day Pass: €27.50 (~$32.18 USD).
  • Sunday Day Pass: €27.50 (~$32.18 USD).
  • Weekend Pass (Fri–Sun): €60 (~$70.20 USD, non-transferable).
  • Kids (Under 14): Free with ticketed adult (supervision required).
• Additional Notes:
  • Prices confirmed per provided data; check www.dublintattooconvention.com for updates.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; revocable for misconduct (e.g., disruptive behavior).,

Cultural Significance

The Dublin Tattoo Convention is Ireland’s premier body art festival, celebrating individuality and creativity through tattoos and piercings. Its partnership with Total Tattoo Magazine elevates its global profile, showcasing 200+ artists from Ireland and beyond. Held at the historic RDS (founded 1731), it boosts Dublin’s cultural and economic scene by attracting thousands to Ballsbridge, supporting local businesses like restaurants and hotels. The event’s inclusive vibe welcomes all, from tattooed veterans to first-timers, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.,

Food & Drinks

• RDS Main Arena: Food vendors offering meals, snacks, and drinks (~$5–$15 USD, e.g., burgers, coffee, craft beer).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Bridge 1859: 2 Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4 (pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Roly’s Bistro: 7 Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4 (Irish cuisine, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Schoolhouse: 2–8 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4 (gastropub, $12–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Angelina’s: 55 Percy Place, Dublin 4 (Italian, $15–$30 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • The Chop House: 2 Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4 (steak, seafood, $20–$40 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at RDS vendors and nearby pubs; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Kids under 14 free with ticketed adult (supervision required); family-friendly art gallery and market stalls.
  • Limited activities for young children; best suited for older kids interested in art.
• Accessibility:
  • RDS Main Arena is wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • Contact info@dublintattooconvention.com for accommodations or ISL-interpreted events (details September 2025).
  • Free kids’ entry enhances affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 12 km, 20-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Dublin Bus Routes 4, 7, or 8 to Merrion Road (5-minute walk to RDS).
  • Train/DART: Lansdowne Road DART Station (5-minute walk to RDS).
• By Car: Paid parking at RDS (~€5/day, $5.85 USD, subject to availability). Additional parking at Herbert Park (~$2.50 USD/hour, 10-minute walk).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or Uber from DUB (~$15–$25 USD).

Program Details (Confirmed for 2025)

• Confirmed Events:
  • Live Tattooing: October 24–26, RDS Main Arena, walk-up or pre-booked appointments with 200+ artists.
  • Tattoo Competitions: October 25–26, free-to-enter categories (e.g., Best Traditional, Best of Day), RDS Main Arena.
  • Entertainment: Fire shows, live music, magic, comedy, burlesque, October 24–26, included in ticket.
  • Art Gallery & Photo Booth: October 24–26, RDS Main Arena, included in ticket.
  • Market Stalls: October 24–26, alternative traders with jewelry, clothing, art.
  • Piercings: October 24–26, professional services, prices vary (~$20–$50 USD).
• Expected Events:
  • Artist Talks: Informal discussions with tattoo artists, included in ticket or ~$5–$10 USD.
  • Food & Drink Events: Tastings or pop-up bars at RDS, ~$5–$15 USD.
• Note: Full program and competition categories announced September 2025; check www.dublintattooconvention.com.,

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: 23rd Dublin Tattoo Convention with international artists and fire shows; featured in Total Tattoo Magazine.
• 2023 Highlights: Expanded competitions and live entertainment, drawing thousands to RDS.
• Past Achievements: Recognized as Ireland’s largest tattoo event, with 13,000+ Facebook followers.,

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Supports Dublin businesses and artists, boosting Ballsbridge economy.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at RDS; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Digital Ticketing: Online tickets reduce paper waste.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.dublintattooconvention.com.

Educational Impact

• Artist Talks: Learn tattoo techniques and history, included in ticket or ~$5–$10 USD.
• Tattoo Competitions: Showcase professional skills, inspiring attendees, October 25–26.
• Community Engagement: Free kids’ entry and art gallery promote accessible art education.
• Networking: Opportunities for aspiring artists to connect with professionals.

Cultural Activities

• Art Gallery: Free tattoo-inspired art exhibition, October 24–26, RDS Main Arena.
• Photo Booth: Interactive photo ops, included in ticket, October 24–26.
• Market Stalls: Shop alternative art and jewelry, October 24–26.
• Cultural Tours: Guided tours of RDS or Ballsbridge (~$7–$15 USD, book via info@dublintattooconvention.com).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets ($17.55–$70.20 USD) may sell out, especially Saturday; book via www.dublintattooconvention.com.
• Weather Prep: October in Dublin (45–55°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Merrion Square (10-minute walk, free) or Trinity College (15-minute drive, $10 USD).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for buses/DART.
• Festival Info: Check www.dublintattooconvention.com for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• Merrion Square: Dublin 2 (10-minute walk, free). Historic park with Georgian architecture.
• National Gallery of Ireland: Merrion Square West, Dublin 2 (10-minute walk, free). Art exhibitions.
• Trinity College: College Green, Dublin 2 (15-minute drive, $10 USD). Home of the Book of Kells.
• Aviva Stadium: Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 (5-minute walk, tours $15 USD).
• Herbert Park: Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (10-minute walk, free). Scenic green space.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • InterContinental Dublin: Simmonscourt Road, Dublin 4 ($150–$300 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
  • Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge: Merrion Road, Dublin 4 ($100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Ariel House, 50–54 Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 ($80–$150 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Hostels: Generator Dublin, Smithfield Square, Dublin 7 ($20–$50 USD/night, 15-minute drive).
• Airbnb: Dublin 4 apartments ($60–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the October peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at RDS; nearest hospital is St. Vincent’s University Hospital (5-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at RDS; Garda presence; ticket revocation for violations.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor areas; tattooing follows strict hygiene standards.
• Weather Preparedness: RDS is indoor; bring umbrellas for transitions.