National Irish Science Fiction Convention (Octocon) – Dublin – Ireland 2025

Background & History

Octocon, the National Irish Science Fiction Convention, is Ireland’s premier celebration of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction across books, comics, TV, films, and games. Established in 1990 by the Irish Science Fiction Association, with Terry Pratchett as its first Guest of Honour, Octocon has hosted notable creators like Anne McCaffrey, George R.R. Martin, and Pat Cadigan. Held annually in October (except 2003 and 2014, when Shamrokon, a Eurocon, took place), it moved to a hybrid format in 2022 at Croke Park, followed by the Gibson Hotel in 2023–2024.

The 2025 edition, on 11–12 October at the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin, and online, features panel discussions, workshops, talks, readings, and a Trade Hall. With a focus on inclusivity, Octocon attracts artists, writers, filmmakers, and fans, offering both in-person and virtual experiences via Discord, Zoom, and YouTube.

Event Highlights

• Panel Discussions: 11 October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Maldron Hotel, streamed on YouTube, $11–$64 USD (membership).
• Workshops: 11–12 October, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, Maldron Hotel and Zoom, $11–$64 USD (e.g., indie comics, speculative fiction writing).
• Guest Talks and Readings: 11 October, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM, Maldron Hotel, streamed, $11–$64 USD.
• Trade Hall: 11 October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Maldron Hotel, $11–$64 USD (free for Child Membership).
• Online Hosted Chats: 12 October, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM, Discord/Zoom, $21–$64 USD (online access included).
• Evening Social Event: 11 October, 8:00 PM–11:00 PM, Maldron Hotel, $11–$64 USD.

City

• Dublin: Ireland’s capital, known for its rich literary history, vibrant cultural scene, and landmarks like Temple Bar and Dublin Castle.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venue:
  • Maldron Hotel Tallaght: Whitestown Way, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 XC9W (panels, workshops, Trade Hall, social event).
• Online Platforms:
  • Discord (socializing), Zoom (workshops, talks), YouTube (live-streamed panels, recordings).
• Administrative Contact: Octocon, c/o Kat Dodd and Catherine Sharp, Dublin (inquiries only, no physical address provided).
• Note: Full venue details and online access instructions at www.octocon.com or registration.octocon.com (available August 2025).

Date & Duration

• Dates: 11–12 October 2025 (Saturday–Sunday).
• Duration: 2 days (in-person: 11 October; online: 11–12 October).
• Opening Times (Confirmed):
  • In-Person (Maldron Hotel): 10:00 AM–11:00 PM (11 October).
  • Online (Discord/Zoom/YouTube): 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (11 October), 12:00 PM–4:00 PM (12 October).
• Note: Full schedule TBD September 2025 at www.octocon.com.

Venue / Location

• Maldron Hotel Tallaght: Accessible, hosting panels, workshops, Trade Hall, and social events; 10-minute walk from Tallaght LUAS stop, free parking.
• Online Platforms: Accessible via Discord (socializing), Zoom (workshops), YouTube (streams/recordings); guides at www.octocon.com.
• Additional Venues: None confirmed; speculative fan meetups (e.g., Temple Bar venues) TBD September 2025.
• Note: Venue and platform details at www.octocon.com or registration.octocon.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@octocon.com (general inquiries); chair@octocon.com (chairs Kat Dodd, Catherine Sharp).
• Phone: Not provided; use email or website contact form.
• Website: www.octocon.com (main); registration.octocon.com (membership); www.treecouncil.ie (ancillary).
• Social Media: Follow @Octocon on Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Bluesky; Twitch (octoconirl, octoconirl2); YouTube.
• Ticketing: Purchase memberships via registration.octocon.com (open now). Contact info@octocon.com for accessibility or group inquiries.

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Purchase memberships via registration.octocon.com (open now). Cancellations until 1 October 2025 (~$2 USD fee). Contact info@octocon.com for accessibility or group bookings (e.g., buy 5 memberships, cheapest free).
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD as of August 2025):
  • Attending Membership (Saturday + online, all content for 2025): €40 ≈ $42.80 USD.
  • Concession Membership (Saturday + online, students/over 60s): €25 ≈ $26.75 USD.
  • Young Adult Membership (Saturday + online, ages 12–17): €10 ≈ $10.70 USD.
  • Child Membership (Saturday, under 12): Free.
  • Friend Membership (Saturday + online, includes acknowledgment): €60 ≈ $64.20 USD.
  • Supporting & Online Membership (online only, all content for 2025): €20 ≈ $21.40 USD.
  • Booking Fees: ~$1–$3 USD per membership (speculative, based on prior years).
• Additional Notes:
  • Pricing confirmed per provided data. Includes year-long online content access (except Child Membership). Buy 5 memberships, get the cheapest free (per).
  • Full details at registration.octocon.com.

Categories

• Cultural & Traditional: Celebrates Ireland’s sci-fi and speculative fiction heritage.
• Events & Festivals: 2-day hybrid convention with panels, workshops, and Trade Hall.
• Education & Learning: Workshops and talks on creative writing, comics, and fandom.

Cultural Significance

Since 1990, Octocon has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s sci-fi community, fostering dialogue among fans, writers, and creators. Its hybrid format since 2022 enhances accessibility, with 2023’s 321 attendees and 65+ Young Adult memberships reflecting a vibrant, youthful fandom. The convention’s inclusive approach and notable guests (e.g., Sarah Rees Brennan in 2023) strengthen Ireland’s speculative fiction scene, aligning with global events like Worldcon.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venue: Snacks/drinks at Maldron Hotel ($5–$15 USD); evening social event may include bar service ($5–$10 USD).
• Nearby Dining (Tallaght):
  • The Plaza Hotel Restaurant: Belgard Road, Tallaght ($10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk from Maldron).
  • Rua Red Café: South Dublin Arts Centre, Tallaght ($5–$15 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Old Mill: Old Bawn, Tallaght ($10–$20 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at Maldron Hotel bar (18+); no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Child Membership (under 12) is free; Young Adult Membership ($10.70 USD) for ages 12–17.
  • Family-friendly panels and Trade Hall; supervision required for under 12s.
• Accessibility:
  • Maldron Hotel is wheelchair-accessible with ramps; accessible restrooms.
  • Online platforms (Discord, Zoom) include accessibility guides at www.octocon.com.
  • Contact info@octocon.com for ISL or sensory accommodations (lead: Kat Dodd).
  • Full details TBD September 2025 at www.octocon.com.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 20 km from Tallaght, 30-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Dublin Bus to Tallaght Village (5-minute walk to Maldron).
  • Luas: Red Line to Tallaght Stop (10-minute walk to Maldron).
• By Car: Free parking at Maldron Hotel; Q-Park The Square, Tallaght (~$3 USD/hour, 5-minute walk).
• Rideshare: Free Now or Uber from DUB (~$20–$30 USD to Tallaght).

Program Details (Estimated for 2025)

• Confirmed Events:
  • In-Person Programme: 11 October, 10:00 AM–11:00 PM, Maldron Hotel, panels, workshops, Trade Hall, social event, $10.70–$64.20 USD.
  • Online Programme: 11–12 October, streamed panels (YouTube), workshops/chats (Zoom/Discord), $21.40–$64.20 USD.
• Hypothetical Events:
  • Panel Discussions: 11 October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, speculative topics (e.g., sci-fi literature, horror films), Maldron/YouTube.
  • Workshops: 11–12 October, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, speculative (e.g., indie comics with Paul Carroll), Maldron/Zoom.
  • Guest Talks/Readings: 11 October, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM, Maldron, streamed.
  • Trade Hall: 11 October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Maldron, comics and merchandise.
  • Online Chats: 12 October, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM, Discord/Zoom, fan discussions.
• Note: Programme speculative except for confirmed hybrid format; full details TBD September 2025 at www.octocon.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2023 Highlights: Sarah Rees Brennan (Guest of Honour), Jog Brogzin’s venue map, gin tasting by the Glasgow 2024 team, 321 attendees.
• 2024 Highlights: Hybrid programme at Gibson Hotel, indie comics panels, Trade Hall with Leeann Hamilton’s Eggy! publication.
• Past Achievements: Hosted Eurocon (1997), Golden Blaster Awards for short films (until 2019).

Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco Practices: Recycling bins at Maldron Hotel; digital programmes via www.octocon.com.
• Online Access: Reduces travel emissions with a hybrid format.
• Note: 2025 details TBD at www.octocon.com.

Educational Impact

• Workshops: Cover creative writing, comics, and speculative fiction ($10.70–$64.20 USD).
• Talks/Readings: Feature authors and creators, fostering fandom education.
• Online Chats: Free with membership, encouraging fan discussions.

Cultural Activities

• Panels: 11 October, Maldron/YouTube, $10.70–$64.20 USD.
• Workshops: 11–12 October, Maldron/Zoom, $10.70–$64.20 USD.
• Trade Hall: 11 October, Maldron, $10.70–$64.20 USD.
• Talks/Readings: 11 October, Maldron, streamed, $10.70–$64.20 USD.
• Online Chats: 12 October, Discord/Zoom, $21.40–$64.20 USD.
• Social Event: 11 October, Maldron, $10.70–$64.20 USD.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Memberships via registration.octocon.com; buy 5, get the cheapest free.
• Weather Prep: October (45–55°F) is cool and rainy; pack waterproofs.
• Explore Locally: The Square Shopping Centre (free, 5-minute walk from Maldron); Dublin Castle ($8 USD, 20-minute drive).
• Public Transport: Use a Leap Card for Dublin Bus/Luas (~$10 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.octocon.com (no app).

Local Attractions

• Dublin (Tallaght):
  • The Square Shopping Centre: Tallaght (free, 5-minute walk from Maldron).
  • Sean Walsh Memorial Park: Tallaght (free, 10-minute walk).
• Dublin (City Centre):
  • Dublin Castle: Dame Street ($8 USD, 20-minute drive).
  • Temple Bar: Cultural quarter (free, 20-minute drive).

Accommodation Options

• Tallaght:
  • Hotels: Maldron Hotel Tallaght ($80–$150 USD/night, event venue).
  • B&Bs: Glashaus Hotel, Tallaght ($50–$100 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Dublin City Centre:
  • Hotels: The Morrison, Ormond Quay ($100–$200 USD/night, 20-minute drive).
  • Hostels: Abbey Court Hostel, Bachelor’s Walk ($20–$50 USD/night, 20-minute drive).
  • Airbnb: Dublin apartments ($50–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the October peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Maldron Hotel; Tallaght University Hospital (5-minute drive).
• Security: Volunteer stewards (manager: Colm Dodd); bag checks at Maldron.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks indoors.
• Online Safety: Accessibility guides for Discord/Zoom at www.octocon.com.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venue; umbrellas for outdoor travel.