Anyone who has ever tried to pin down a card show in Ireland knows the drill: you hear about a big event, but smaller pop-ups seem to appear and vanish overnight. This guide pulls together confirmed dates, unconfirmed whispers, and the best ways to find your next trading‑card event – whether it’s this weekend or next year, including the Dublin Card Show (1,000+ attendees on 1 March 2025) and pop-ups like the Emerald Card Show on Eventbrite.

Average monthly card shows in Ireland: 2–3 ·
Largest annual event: Dublin Card Show (1,000+ attendees) ·
Most common card type at Irish shows: Pokémon TCG and sports cards ·
Next confirmed Dublin Card Show date: 1 March 2025

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Dublin Card Show 2025 date: 1 March 2025 (Dublin Card Show)
  • Ireland Card Show website: irelandcardshow.com (Ireland Card Show)
  • Aggregator sites: Eventbrite, UKCardShows, TCDB (Eventbrite)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact dates for 2026 events
  • Venue for Ireland Card Show 2025
  • Whether all shows will be held in person
3Timeline signal
  • 1 March 2025 – Dublin Card Show 2025
  • 2025 (TBD) – Ireland Card Show 2025
  • 2026 (TBD) – Dublin Card Show 2026
  • Monthly – Local pop‑up shows in Dublin, Cork, Galway
4What’s next
  • After the 2025 Dublin Card Show, the next major confirmed event is the Emerald Card Show on 25 October 2025 (Eventbrite)
  • Ireland Card Show expected in 2026 (YourDaysOut)
  • Smaller pop‑ups may be announced week‑of (follow local Facebook groups)

Four key numbers for collectors planning their calendar:

Metric Value
Largest Irish card show Dublin Card Show (1,000+ visitors)
Average number of vendors 30–60 per show
Typical ticket price €5–€15
Shows per year in Ireland 12–20

Are there card shows near me this weekend?

How to quickly find weekend card shows in your area

  • Check aggregator sites like Eventbrite (event ticket marketplace) and UKCardShows.co.uk (dedicated card show calendar) for listings across Ireland. The Emerald Card Show, for example, appeared on Eventbrite with a date of 25 October 2025 (Eventbrite listing).
  • Official event websites like the Dublin Card Show (annual convention organizer) publish dates months in advance – the 2025 show was set for Saturday, 1 March (Dublin Card Show).
  • Local Facebook groups often post weekend‑specific announcements 24‑48 hours before.

Top Irish card show aggregator websites

Several platforms centralise Irish card show listings. Eventbrite (global event marketplace) remains the most consistent, with free and paid events. UKCardShows.co.uk (UK & Ireland show directory) covers both countries. YourDaysOut (event listing site) also lists the Ireland Card Show with detailed pricing. The Emerald Card Show website (event organizer) provides its own page.

What to expect at a weekend card show

  • Vendors display cards in binders and cases – Pokémon, sports, Yu‑Gi‑Oh, and Magic: The Gathering are typical (Dublin Card Show).
  • Buy, sell, and trade opportunities are standard; many vendors accept cash and card.
  • Weekend shows often run 4‑6 hours, from late morning to early afternoon (e.g., Emerald Card Show 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM according to Eventbrite).
Bottom line: Weekend card shows in Ireland are easiest to find via aggregator sites and official event pages. For collectors near Dublin: check Eventbrite and UKCardShows weekly. For casual browsers: Facebook groups can yield last‑minute finds.

The pattern: aggregator sites provide the most reliable path to weekend shows, while social media fills gaps for last-minute pop-ups.

What card shows are near me today?

Using social media for same‑day card show alerts

  • Facebook groups dedicated to Irish trading cards often post day‑of announcements if a pop‑up is happening (YouTube recap of Dublin Card Show indicates community buzz).
  • Instagram and Twitter accounts of local card shops sometimes share same‑day flash sales.

Last‑minute ticket availability at Irish card shows

According to the Dublin Card Show (official organizer), major events require pre‑booking – tickets for the 1 March 2025 show were sold through dublincardshow.com. However, smaller shows like the Emerald Card Show offer free entry options (€0–€17.07 range per Eventbrite), implying walk‑in availability. Always check the event page before heading out.

Tips for attending a card show on the same day

  • Bring cash (some vendors don’t have card machines).
  • Carry a backpack for purchases.
  • Check the show’s social media feed for any last‑minute cancellations or time changes.
The catch

Same‑day shows are rare; most Irish events announce at least one week in advance. If you see a pop‑up listed only 24 hours ahead, verify via the organizer’s Facebook page before travelling.

The implication: same-day attendance requires proactive checking of social media and readiness for walk-in options.

When is the Dublin Card Show 2026?

Confirmed dates for Dublin Card Show 2025 and 2026

  • The 2025 Dublin Card Show took place on Saturday, 1 March 2025 at the Convention Centre Dublin (Dublin Card Show).
  • According to the same source, the next edition is scheduled for 28 February 2026 at the same venue (Dublin Card Show).

Venue and capacity of the Dublin Card Show

The event is held at the Convention Centre Dublin, which the Dublin Card Show (event organizer) describes as accessible by road, public transport, and on foot from Dublin city centre. The show attracts over 1,000 attendees.

How to buy tickets for future Dublin shows

Tickets are sold exclusively through the official website dublincardshow.com (event ticket portal). Pricing for the 2025 show was not publicly listed, but typical entry for such events ranges from €5 to €15 based on other Irish shows.

Why this matters

The Dublin Card Show is the anchor event for Irish collectors. If you plan to attend in 2026, mark 28 February now – tickets may sell out weeks in advance.

The implication: early planning and ticket purchase are essential given the event’s popularity.

What is the Ireland Card Show?

History and purpose of the Ireland Card Show

The Ireland Card Show (official event website) bills itself as the premier destination for trading card enthusiasts in Ireland. According to YourDaysOut (event aggregator), it is Ireland’s longest‑running card show.

Types of cards featured at the Ireland Card Show

  • Covers Pokémon TCG, sports cards, and general trading cards (Ireland Card Show).
  • Attendees can drop off cards for professional PSA grading on the day (YourDaysOut).

How to get involved as a vendor or collector

Vendor booths are typically bookable through the event’s website. Collector entry requires a ticket – prices from YourDaysOut show €17.50 for adults, €6.00 for children, and €45.00 for families. The event is held at the InterContinental Dublin in Ballsbridge (Ireland Card Show).

When is the next card show in Ireland?

Using aggregator sites to monitor upcoming Irish card shows

After the Dublin Card Show 2025 (1 March), the next major confirmed event is the Emerald Card Show on 25 October 2025, listed on Eventbrite (event marketplace). The Ireland Card Show is expected in 2026 (date TBD).

Seasonal patterns of card shows in Ireland

  • Spring and autumn see the highest concentration of shows – Dublin Card Show in March, Emerald Card Show in October.
  • Smaller pop‑ups, such as those listed by PokiPair Store (TCG retailer), happen monthly in Cork, Galway, and Limerick.

How to set up alerts for the next show

  • Use Eventbrite’s “notify me” feature on relevant pages.
  • Follow Ireland Card Show (official site) and Emerald Card Show (event page) on social media.
  • Create a Google Alert for “card show Ireland 2025” or “card show Dublin 2026”.
What to watch

Smaller pop‑ups rely heavily on social media – if you don’t have Facebook or Instagram, you risk missing short‑notice events. Bookmark aggregator sites and check once a week.

The pattern: combining aggregator alerts with social media gives the best coverage for upcoming shows.

Timeline

  • – Dublin Card Show 2025 (Dublin Card Show)
  • – Emerald Card Show (Eventbrite)
  • – Dublin Card Show 2026 (Dublin Card Show)
  • 2026 (TBD) – Ireland Card Show

The pattern: major shows cluster in spring and autumn, with pop-ups filling the gaps.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Dublin Card Show 2025 date: 1 March 2025 (Dublin Card Show)
  • Ireland Card Show website active (Ireland Card Show)
  • Aggregator sites: Eventbrite, UKCardShows, TCDB

What’s unclear

  • Exact dates for all 2026 events
  • Venue for Ireland Card Show 2025
  • Whether all shows will be held in person

The distinction: official event sites provide the most reliable updates, while third-party aggregators offer broader coverage but with variable accuracy.

What collectors are saying

“Card shows are a brilliant way for collectors of all ages to trade and share their passion. We aim to create a family‑friendly environment where everyone feels welcome.”

– Organizer of Dublin Card Show (Dublin Card Show)

“The variety at the last show was amazing – I found vintage Pokémon from my childhood next to modern Topps Chrome. Something for every collector.”

– Attendee at Dublin Card Show (anecdotal; see YouTube recap)

For the Irish collector, the choice is clear: use aggregator sites and official event pages for the big shows, and follow social media for pop‑ups. Miss one date? The community keeps the calendar full year‑round.

For collectors focusing on the capital, the Dublin card show calendar details events running through 2027.

Frequently asked questions

What is a card show?

A card show is an in‑person event where collectors buy, sell, and trade trading cards – Pokémon, sports, Yu‑Gi‑Oh, Magic, and more. Vendors set up tables, and attendees can browse, negotiate, and sometimes participate in tournaments.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

For major shows like Dublin Card Show 2025, advance tickets are recommended (sold through dublincardshow.com). Smaller events may offer free walk‑in entry – check the event page before going.

Can I sell cards at a card show?

Yes – many vendors are private sellers. You can rent a table or approach existing vendors. Some shows also have a designated sell‑to‑vendor area.

Are card shows suitable for children?

Yes, most Irish card shows are family‑friendly. The Dublin Card Show and Ireland Card Show welcome all ages. Children often trade Pokémon cards.

What should I bring to a card show?

Bring cash, a backpack for purchases, your own cards for trade, and a phone to verify prices. Comfortable shoes are a plus – shows can last several hours.

How long do card shows usually last?

Most Irish shows run 4–6 hours, typically 10 AM to 4 PM. Check the specific event page for exact times.

Are there card shows for non‑sports cards?

Yes – many shows include Pokémon, Yu‑Gi‑Oh, Magic: The Gathering, and other TCGs. The Ireland Card Show covers both sports and non‑sports cards.