When and where is Winter Tattoo Bash 2026?

Winter Tattoo Bash runs from Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1, 2026. The venue is the Midleton Park Hotel on Main Street in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland. The hotel is located in the town center with parking available on site.

What happens at Winter Tattoo Bash?

The convention features live tattooing by artists from Ireland and the UK, vendor booths selling equipment and supplies, and tattoo contests with prizes. Attendees can book appointments in advance or arrange walk-up tattoos depending on artist availability. The event takes place entirely indoors in the hotel's function rooms.

How do I get tickets for Winter Tattoo Bash?

Tickets are available through the official event website at https://www.worldtattooevents.com/winter-tattoo-bash/. The site lists day passes and weekend pass options, along with any updates to the schedule or guest artist lineup.

What should I bring or expect at Winter Tattoo Bash?

Bring a valid photo ID, as artists require identification before tattooing. Cash is recommended for deposits and small purchases, though many vendors accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, as January in Ireland is cold and you may queue briefly outside before entering the heated venue.

Is Winter Tattoo Bash good for first-time convention attendees?

Yes. The Midleton Park Hotel venue is compact compared to larger city conventions, making it easy to navigate. Staff and artists are available to explain the booking process, and the smaller scale means less overwhelming crowds than major metropolitan events. The Friday-to-Sunday schedule also allows visitors to attend for just one day to test the experience.

Winter Tattoo Bash

Name: Winter Tattoo Bash
Start: 2026-01-30
End: 2026-02-01
Location: Midleton Park Hotel

Winter Tattoo Bash is a three-day tattoo convention running from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at the Midleton Park Hotel in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland. The event occupies the hotel's function rooms over a Friday to Sunday weekend, providing a warm indoor space during the coldest months of the Irish winter. Midleton is a market town located about 20 kilometers east of Cork City on the N25 road. The town is known for the Jameson Distillery visitor experience and its traditional market square. The Park Hotel sits on Main Street with parking available on site, making it accessible for attendees traveling from Cork City, Waterford, or further afield. The venue offers a bar and restaurant, and the town center provides additional cafes and pubs within a five-minute walk. The convention floor typically hosts between 30 and 50 tattoo booths depending on the year. Artists work on pre-booked appointments and accept walk-ups when space allows. Attendees can observe live tattooing across various styles including Irish traditional, neo-traditional, black and grey realism, and botanical work. Vendor tables sell tattoo machines, needles, inks, aftercare products, and apparel. The event includes tattoo contests judged by visiting artists, with categories usually divided by style and placement. Cork has maintained tattoo shops since the port city's maritime heyday when sailors brought designs from overseas. Today the county supports active studios in both the city center and surrounding towns like Midleton, with many artists drawing on Celtic knotwork, native flora, and bold traditional motifs. Winter Tattoo Bash provides a mid-winter gathering point for this community when outdoor festivals are impossible and the tourist season is dormant. Doors open from late morning until evening each day. The hotel venue uses carpeted conference spaces with standard ceiling heights, so the atmosphere is quieter than warehouse-style conventions. Attendees should bring photo ID as artists require proof of age before tattooing. Cash is useful for deposits and small purchases, though most vendors accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes for standing on concrete floors covered with temporary carpeting. Accommodation is available at the Park Hotel and in local guesthouses, though booking early is advisable as the town has limited rooms.