Octocon: The National Irish Science Fiction Convention 2026 – Cork, Ireland
Overview
Octocon, the National Irish Science Fiction Convention, is a volunteer-led, non-profit weekend celebration of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction across all media. Established in 1990, the convention has become the primary gathering for Irish fans of books, comics, films, games, and television. For the 2026 edition, the festival makes a historic move to Cork, continuing its legacy of fostering a vibrant community of writers, artists, filmmakers, and enthusiasts.
The festival program features a diverse mix of panel discussions, creative workshops, and signature events like the Golden Blasters—the national Irish SF film awards. Attendees can engage in deep-dive debates on world-building, attend craft sessions with professional authors, or participate in the ever-popular table quizzes and cosplay showcases. The 2026 convention is designed as a hybrid experience, offering both in-person activities and a robust online program to ensure accessibility for the global fan community.
At its core, Octocon is about the “human sphere of influence,” providing a space where fans can interact directly with legendary Guests of Honour and domestic talent. The convention’s friendly and inclusive atmosphere makes it a perfect landing spot for newcomers and long-term members alike. Whether you are interested in hard science fiction, epic fantasy, or the latest in tabletop gaming, Octocon serves as the central hub for the speculative arts in Ireland.
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Event Highlights
- Guests of Honour Appearances: Meet award-winning authors Adrian Tchaikovsky and C.E. (Catie) Murphy, who will lead keynote talks, signing sessions, and intimate “Meet the Creator” discussions.
- The Golden Blasters: Experience the National Irish Science Fiction Film Awards, a dedicated film festival and competition celebrating the best international and local short films in the genre.
- Interactive Workshops and Panels: Participate in a wide array of sessions covering everything from historical sword-fighting and crafting to professional writing advice and speculative science debates.
- Trade Hall and Artist Alley: Browse a curated marketplace of independent booksellers, comic artists, and unique merchandise traders specializing in science fiction and fantasy collectibles.
Why Attend
Octocon is an essential event for anyone who finds their home in alternative worlds and imaginative stories. It provides a rare opportunity to engage with high-caliber international authors in a relaxed and conversational setting, making it much more than a standard commercial convention. It is an ideal weekend for aspiring writers and artists looking for professional insight and a supportive community of peers.
The convention is also a fantastic destination for families and casual fans who enjoy the social side of fandom. With its strong emphasis on inclusivity and its “child-friendly” membership options, Octocon ensures that the next generation of fans is well-represented. For those who cannot travel to Cork, the high-quality online streaming options provide a front-row seat to the best of Irish science fiction from anywhere in the world.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: Saturday 3rd October – Sunday 4th October, 2026.
- Total Duration: The convention takes place over 2 days, with additional online social events often occurring on the Friday evening.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Memberships are available through the official Octocon members’ portal; you must register an email address to purchase.
- Admission Type: Membership levels include Attending, Concession, Young Adult, and Online Only, granting access to all main program items.
- Ticket Pricing: Membership prices range from $11 to $87, with early bird attending rates typically starting around $76.
- Free Admission Type: Children under 13 years of age receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult member.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: “Friend of the Convention” memberships are available for approximately $109, offering a way to provide extra support to the non-profit event.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Cork, Ireland.
- Venue: Clayton Hotel Cork City, Lapp’s Quay.
- Google Maps Address: 10 Lapp’s Quay, Centre, Cork, T12 RD6E, Ireland.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@octocon.com
- Phone: +353 21 422 4900 (Hotel Venue)
- Website: www.octocon.com
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/octocon/
- https://www.instagram.com/octoconirl/
- https://mastodon.ie/@Octocon
- https://bsky.app/profile/octocon.bsky.social
- https://twitch.com/octoconirl/videos
- https://twitch.com/octoconirl2/videos
- https://www.youtube.com/@OctoconIRL
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Cork Airport (ORK) is 8 km from the venue (~15 minutes by taxi or 25 minutes by bus); direct flights connect to major European hubs.
- Public Transport: The Clayton Hotel is a 10-minute walk from Kent Train Station and the Parnell Place Bus Station; bus route 226 connects the airport to the city.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from the airport to Lapp’s Quay cost approximately $16 to $27; local apps like FreeNow are highly active in the city.
- Parking: On-site parking at the Clayton Hotel is available for approximately $3.30 per hour or a discounted daily rate of $16 for residents.
- Other Access: Cork is a compact city; the venue is centrally located on the river, making it easily accessible on foot from all major city-center landmarks.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Clayton Hotel Cork City (4-star, the convention venue itself, $170 to $280 per night); The Metropole Hotel (4-star, historic city landmark, $150 to $250 per night).
- Mid-Range Options: Maldron Hotel South Mall (4-star, modern and very central, $130 to $220 per night); Hotel Isaacs Cork (3-star, boutique feel in the Victorian Quarter, $120 to $190 per night).
- Budget Stays: Bru Bar & Hostel (Private and dorm rooms in a lively area, $40 to $100 per night); Kinlay House Cork (Budget-friendly and close to the university district, $35 to $90 per night).
Attendee Experiences
- The panels are always so thoughtful—I learned more about world-building in one hour than I did in a year of reading.
- Moving to Cork has given the convention such a fresh energy, and the hotel venue is absolutely stunning.
- It’s the only con where you can actually sit down and have a proper conversation with your favorite authors.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the difference between an "Attending" and a "Supporting" membership?
An Attending membership grants you full physical access to the convention in Cork, including all panels, workshops, and social events, as well as access to the online portal. A Supporting membership is a lower-cost option (approx. $16) designed for those who cannot attend but want to support the convention and maintain their voting rights for the following year's site selection. Supporting members do not get access to the online program streams; for that, you would need an "Online Only" membership.
Is the convention suitable for people with sensory sensitivities?
Octocon is committed to being an inclusive event and generally provides a "quiet room" or sensory space for members who need a break from the busy convention atmosphere. Because it is a fan-run event, the noise levels are typically much lower than large-scale commercial comic cons. However, certain events like the Golden Blasters or evening socials may involve louder audio and flashing lights, so checking the program guide for specific sensory warnings is recommended.
Can I dress up in cosplay for the convention?
Yes, cosplay is highly encouraged at Octocon and there is usually a dedicated "Cosplay Showcase" on Saturday where members can show off their costumes on stage. While many people wear casual clothes, you will see a wide variety of outfits ranging from high-fantasy armor to hard-SF space suits. All cosplayers must follow the convention’s "Weapons Policy," which strictly prohibits functional weapons or realistic-looking firearms to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Are day passes available if I can only attend on Saturday or Sunday?
Traditionally, Octocon releases "Day Memberships" for those who can only make it for one of the two days of the convention. These tickets are typically made available closer to the event date, often in late spring or summer, once the full schedule has been finalized. Day passes are a great option for local Cork residents or those traveling from nearby counties who want to experience the highlights without committing to the full weekend.
How does the online portion of the convention work?
The online convention is hosted through a dedicated Member Portal on the Octocon website, which features live-streamed panels from the main room in Cork as well as online-exclusive sessions on Zoom. Members can interact with speakers via chat, participate in digital workshops, and join the convention’s Discord server for social hangouts. This hybrid model ensures that even if you can't be there in person, you can still be part of the community and the conversation.
