When and where is the Galway Tattoo Show 2026?

The 2026 Galway Tattoo Show takes place January 31 to February 1 at The Galmont Hotel & Spa on Lough Atalia Road in Galway, Ireland. The venue is located near the city center with parking available on site. Doors typically open late morning and close in the evening both days.

What happens at the Galway Tattoo Show?

The event features tattoo artists working live on clients throughout the weekend, with opportunities for walk-ups and pre-booked appointments. Vendor booths sell tattoo supplies, aftercare products, and related merchandise. Tattoo competitions run with categories for different sizes and styles, judged by attending artists.

How do I get tickets for the Galway Tattoo Show?

Tickets are available through the official website at http://www.galwaytattooshow.ie/. Options usually include single-day passes and full weekend tickets. Some artists require deposits for appointments, which are arranged directly with the tattooer rather than through the convention.

What should I bring to the Galway Tattoo Show?

Bring a valid photo ID, as you will need it to enter and to get tattooed. Cash is useful for vendors and food, though cards are often accepted. Wear comfortable shoes for standing on hard floors, and bring reference materials if you plan to get tattooed. The venue has a restaurant and bar for breaks.

Is the Galway Tattoo Show suitable for first-time convention attendees?

Yes. The show is smaller than major European conventions like the London Tattoo Convention, making it manageable for newcomers. The Galmont Hotel layout is compact and easy to navigate. Staff and artists are generally approachable, and the atmosphere is relaxed compared to larger events.

Galway Tattoo Show #10

Name: Galway Tattoo Show #10
Start: 2026-01-31
End: 2026-02-01
Location: The Galmont Hotel & Spa

The Galway Tattoo Show is a two-day tattoo convention held annually in Galway, Ireland. The 2026 event runs from January 31 to February 1 at The Galmont Hotel & Spa on Lough Atalia Road. This marks the tenth edition of the show, which has grown from a small local gathering into one of Ireland's established tattoo events. The winter timing places it early in the convention calendar, drawing artists and collectors who are ready to start the year with new work. The convention floor fills the hotel's event spaces with tattoo stations where artists work on pre-booked appointments and walk-up clients. Attendees can watch live tattooing across multiple styles including traditional Celtic work, black and grey realism, Japanese-inspired pieces, and contemporary illustrative designs. The show typically hosts between 50 and 100 artists from Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe, with booths arranged in rows throughout the ballroom and conference areas. Vendor booths line the perimeter selling tattoo equipment, aftercare products, clothing, and jewelry. The event includes tattoo competitions judged by working artists, with categories usually covering best small tattoo, best large piece, and best of show. Seminars and workshops run throughout the weekend for professional development, though these require separate tickets and advance booking. Galway has a compact city center with a growing number of tattoo studios concentrated around Shop Street and the Latin Quarter. The convention draws from this local scene while bringing in outside artists who might not otherwise tattoo in the west of Ireland. The city is known for its arts festivals and street performance culture, which creates an atmosphere where body art is generally accepted and appreciated. Local studios often see increased walk-in traffic during the convention weekend. The Galmont Hotel offers on-site parking and is a ten-minute walk from Eyre Square and the train station. Several hotels cluster around the city center for attendees traveling from Dublin, Cork, or overseas. Day tickets and weekend passes are available through the official website. Attendees should bring photo ID, cash for vendors, and comfortable shoes for standing on concrete floors. The hotel has a spa and restaurant for breaks between floor visits, and the surrounding area has pubs and restaurants for evening meals.