When and where is the Belfast Tattoo Convention 2026?

The event runs June 5-7, 2026 at the Europa Hotel on Great Victoria Street in Belfast city center. The hotel is located above Great Victoria Street Station and is accessible by train, bus, or car from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

What happens at the Belfast Tattoo Convention?

The convention features live tattooing by guest artists, piercing services, and vendor booths selling tattoo equipment and supplies. There are family-friendly activities including face painting and temporary tattoos for children. Artists work in open floor spaces where attendees can observe the process.

How do I get tickets for the Belfast Tattoo Convention?

Ticket information is typically announced on the event's social media channels closer to the date. The organizers usually offer day passes and weekend tickets, available both online in advance and at the door on the day. Check the event's Facebook or Instagram pages for current pricing and availability.

What should I bring to the Belfast Tattoo Convention?

Bring a valid photo ID, as you must be 18 to get tattooed. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area you want tattooed. Bring cash for deposits, though most artists accept cards for the full payment. The venue can get warm with all the equipment running, so dress in layers.

Is the Belfast Tattoo Convention suitable for first-time attendees?

Yes. The event is explicitly family-friendly and welcoming to newcomers. You can walk around and watch artists work without getting tattooed yourself. Staff are available to explain the booking process, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than some larger European conventions.

Belfast Tattoo Convention (2026)

Name: Belfast Tattoo Convention (2026)
Start: 2026-06-05
End: 2026-06-07
Location: Europa Hotel

The Belfast Tattoo Convention is a three-day tattoo expo running June 5-7, 2026 at the Europa Hotel on Great Victoria Street in Belfast city center. The event fills the hotel's conference suites with tattoo stations, trade booths, and seating areas where attendees can watch artists work. The convention runs Friday through Sunday, with doors opening around midday on the first day. Artists set up booths to take walk-up appointments and pre-booked sessions. The floor plan mixes open tattooing areas with vendor stalls selling equipment, aftercare products, and merchandise. This year the organizers have emphasized oriental and neotraditional styles, with guest artists specializing in Japanese irezumi and bold European neo-traditional work. The Europa Hotel sits above Great Victoria Street Station, making it accessible by train from Dublin or Belfast suburbs. The venue has hosted this convention for several years, using the ground floor and mezzanine levels for the event. Parking is available at nearby public lots on Dublin Road and Bedford Street, though spaces fill quickly on Saturdays. Several hotels sit within walking distance on Lisburn Road and in the Cathedral Quarter for attendees traveling from outside Belfast. The event includes a family zone with face painting and temporary tattoos for children. Piercing services operate alongside the tattoo booths. Food vendors set up in the lobby area, and the hotel's bar remains open for attendees to grab drinks between appointments. Belfast's tattoo scene has grown significantly over the past decade. The city now supports dozens of studios across Northern Ireland, with a mix of traditional Irish tattooing and contemporary styles. The convention reflects this growth, drawing local artists from Portrush, Derry, and Dublin alongside international guests. Tickets are available at the door or in advance through the event's social media pages. Day passes and weekend wristbands are typically offered. Attendees should bring photo ID and cash for deposits, though most artists accept card payments for the full session. Wear comfortable clothes that allow easy access to the area you want tattooed.