Irish Poker Open 2026 Complete Player's Guide: Schedule, Travel, Structures, and Tips
The longest-running No-Limit Hold'em tournament outside of Las Vegas returns to Dublin for its 46th year — with 86 events, a €2.5 million guaranteed Main Event, and the kind of atmosphere that makes the Irish Open unlike anything else on the circuit.
Whether you are a first-timer planning your trip or a veteran coming back for another year, this guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 Irish Poker Open: the full schedule breakdown, getting to and around Dublin, where to stay at every price point, how to eat well during 12 days of grinding, and practical tips from players who have been through it before.
If you are still deciding which live tournaments to build your year around, the Irish Open belongs on the shortlist. Here is why — and how to make the most of it.
Irish Poker Open 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Irish Poker Open 2026 (46th edition) |
| Dates | March 26 – April 6, 2026 (12 days) |
| Venue | Royal Dublin Society (RDS), Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland |
| Total Events | 86 numbered events |
| Buy-In Range | €115 – €5,000 |
| Main Event Buy-In | €1,000 + €150 (€1,150 total) |
| Main Event Guarantee | €2,500,000 |
| Main Event Starting Stack | 50,000 chips |
| Main Event Levels | 45-minute levels |
| Main Event Starting Flights | 5 flights (Day 1A – 1E, March 29 – April 3) |
| 2025 Main Event Entries | 4,562 (record field) |
| 2025 Total Festival Entries | 26,474 entries across ~70 events |
| 2025 Total Prize Money | €14,799,206 |
| Cash Games | 50+ tables, 24/7 |
| Official Website | irishpokeropen.com |
The Irish Poker Open was founded in 1980 by bookmaker Terry Rogers after a trip to Las Vegas where he met Benny Binion and saw firsthand what tournament poker could be. Forty-six years later, it is the oldest poker tournament in Europe and one of the most celebrated stops on the global calendar. The 2025 edition broke records across the board: the Main Event's final tally reached 4,562 entries from 59 countries (2,483 unique players), generating a prize pool of €4,447,950 — nearly double the guarantee. Simon Wilson, a local player from Ashbourne, took the title for €600,000.
The 2026 schedule is the largest yet, with 86 events spanning No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Mixed Games, and specialty formats. Three events carry seven-figure guarantees: the €2.5M Main Event, the €1M Mini Irish Open, and the €1M Luxon Pay Mystery Bounty.
2026 Schedule Overview: What to Play
The 86-event schedule runs across 12 days and covers every format and buy-in level a tournament player could want. Here is how it breaks down by buy-in tier.
Events by Buy-In Tier
| Tier | Buy-In Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly | €115 – €250 | Satellites, Flip and Go, single-day events, the Mini Irish Open (€250, €1M guarantee with 14 starting flights) |
| Mid-Range | €250 – €1,150 | The Main Event (€1,150), Luxon Pay Mystery Bounty (€1,150, €1M guarantee), PLO events, mixed games |
| Premium | €1,150 – €2,500 | High Roller events, Heads-Up Championship, specialty formats |
| High Roller | €2,500 – €5,000 | Super High Roller, exclusive events |
Signature Events
Main Event (€1,150, €2.5M guarantee): The centrepiece. Five starting flights run from March 29 (Day 1A at noon) through April 3 (Day 1E turbo). Day 2 is April 4, Day 3 is April 5, and the champion is crowned on April 6. The 50,000 starting stack and 45-minute levels make this a deep-stacked, patient structure — you will have time to play poker.
Mini Irish Open (€250, €1M guarantee): The festival's most accessible flagship event. With 14 starting flights and a €1M guarantee, it drew 6,411 entries in 2025 and generated a prize pool of approximately €1.34 million. If you are on a budget, this is your tournament.
Luxon Pay Mystery Bounty (€1,150, €1M guarantee): Introduced in 2025 and instantly became the largest Mystery Bounty in Irish poker history. Returns with the same guarantee and the added drama of hunting for massive bounties.
Format Variety
Beyond the big three, the schedule includes PLO events at multiple stakes, an 8-Game Mix, Sviten Special, Flip and Go, a Shoot-out Championship, a Triathlon Championship, and new additions for 2026 including Kings and Queens, Cuatro Knockouts, and Old Dogs and Young Pups (modeled after the Battle of the Ages concept from the 2025 WSOP). There are also Ladies Championship events, Seniors events, and a dedicated Heads-Up Championship.
Re-Entry and Late Registration
Re-entry policies vary by event. The Main Event allows re-entry across all five starting flights — you can fire multiple Day 1s if you bust early. Check the official schedule at irishpokeropen.com/schedule for event-specific rules on re-entry and late registration windows.
Daily Schedule Density
With 86 events over 12 days, expect multiple events starting each day. Early events typically begin at noon, with additional flights and smaller events firing throughout the afternoon and evening. The schedule is dense enough that you can play multiple events on most days — but plan your schedule in advance to avoid conflicts between events you want to play. If you want to capture key hands during the festival for review between flights or after the day ends, LiveHands lets you log hands at the table and export them to PokerTracker 4, Holdem Manager 3, or GTO Wizard when you are back at the hotel.
Tournament Structure Analysis
Main Event Structure
The Main Event's 50,000 starting stack with 45-minute levels is a strong, player-friendly structure. At typical opening blinds (100/200 or similar), you start with approximately 250 big blinds — this is a deep-stacked event that rewards post-flop skill and patient play.
With 45-minute levels, the structure gives you meaningful time at each blind level. Antes are typically introduced several levels in, and the structure does not get "fast" until late on Day 2 or into Day 3 for most stacks. This is not a turbo — you will have room to maneuver, and stack preservation matters more than early aggression.
What this means for preparation: If you come from an online background where you are used to 20–30 big blind play, this structure gives you far more room. Focus on post-flop play, positional awareness, and stack-to-pot ratio (SPR) management in the early and middle stages. The turbo Day 1E flight on April 3 will play much faster — consider that flight only if you have busted other flights and want a last shot at the Main Event.
For a deeper look at how to evaluate and prepare for different tournament structures, see our guide to reading tournament structures like a pro.
Mini Irish Open Structure
The Mini Irish Open at €250 plays with a different pace — expect faster levels and a shorter structure suited to the lower buy-in. With 14 starting flights feeding into the later days, the field will be large and the early play loose. Adjust your range accordingly: tighter early, more aggressive as the field thins.
Mystery Bounty Structure
The Luxon Pay Mystery Bounty (€1,150) uses a 50,000 starting stack. Standard flights run 45-minute levels — the same pace as the Main Event — while the turbo flight uses 20-minute levels. The bounty element changes the strategic calculus: eliminating a player gives you a random bounty envelope, which creates incentive to play wider in spots where you can win a knockout. If you enter the turbo flight, the structure accelerates quickly and early chip accumulation matters more than in the standard flights.
Getting to Dublin
Flights
Dublin Airport (DUB) is Ireland's main international airport, with direct flights from most major European cities and several North American hubs. It handles over 30 million passengers annually and is well-connected to London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Madrid, and major US cities including New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
The airport is approximately 15 km north of the RDS venue in Ballsbridge — expect 15–30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, or approximately 30 minutes by bus.
Ground Transport from Dublin Airport
| Option | Approximate Cost | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Rideshare | €25 – €40 | 20 – 30 min | Fastest option. Taxis queue outside both terminals. Free Now is the main rideshare app in Dublin. |
| Aircoach (Route 702) | €8 – €13 | ~30 min | Direct bus from Dublin Airport to Ballsbridge. Departs regularly from Terminal 2. Stops at Merrion Road near the RDS. |
| Dublin Bus | ~€3.50 | 45 – 60 min | Cheapest but slowest. Requires a transfer in the city centre. |
| Rental Car | Varies | 15 – 30 min | Available at the airport. Note: Ireland drives on the left. Parking at the RDS costs €10/day (24-hour secure parking). |
Recommendation for most players: Take the Aircoach 702 on arrival (cheap, direct, no hassle) and use taxis or Free Now for late-night returns from the venue. Dublin is compact enough that you will rarely need a car during the festival.
International Travel Considerations
US Citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days. Bring a passport valid for the duration of your stay. Be prepared to demonstrate the purpose of your visit at immigration — having your hotel booking and tournament registration confirmation helps.
UK Citizens: No visa required. UK citizens can travel to Ireland under the Common Travel Area agreement. A valid passport or national identity card is sufficient.
EU/EEA Citizens: No visa required. Free movement applies.
Other Nationalities: Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa does not cover Ireland. Check with your local Irish embassy for visa requirements. Ireland offers a short-stay 'C' visa that can cover participation in competitive events — note that paid participation is limited to events of 14 days or less under this visa category.
Currency: Ireland uses the Euro (€). All buy-ins, payouts, and venue transactions are in Euro.
Where to Stay
The RDS is in Ballsbridge, one of Dublin's most upscale neighborhoods, with good hotel density within walking distance of the venue. Book early — hotels fill up quickly during the Irish Open, and prices spike during the festival.
Official Partner Hotels (Player Rates Available)
| Hotel | Distance to RDS | Approximate Rate | Promo Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbert Park Hotel (4-star) | ~3 min walk | From €230/night B&B | IPOKER2026 | Overlooks Herbert Park. Closest quality hotel to the venue. Breakfast included at the player rate. |
| Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge (4-star) | ~10 min walk | From €218/night B&B | IRIS260326 | Historic building in central Ballsbridge. Breakfast included. |
Budget Options (€100 – €180/night)
| Hotel | Distance to RDS | Approximate Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canal Hotel | ~15 min walk | From ~€110/night | Popular with poker players. Good value for the area. Near the Grand Canal. |
| Premier Suites Ballsbridge | ~300 m | Rates vary by date — check direct | Apartment-style suites with kitchenettes — useful for longer stays and meal prep. Very close to the venue. |
Mid-Range Options (€180 – €280/night)
| Hotel | Distance to RDS | Approximate Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beckett Locke (3-star) | ~600 m | €150 – €220/night | Modern design hotel. Good amenities. |
| Maldron Hotel Merrion Road | ~1 km | €160 – €250/night | Reliable chain hotel. Conference facilities. |
Premium Options (€280+/night)
| Hotel | Distance to RDS | Approximate Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| InterContinental Dublin (5-star) | ~5 min walk | From ~€300/night | Full luxury. Seasons restaurant on-site. Spa, pool, gym. |
| ONE Ballsbridge | ~10 min walk | €280 – €450/night | Sky Garden rooftop bar with views over Dublin Bay and the RDS. |
Alternative Accommodation
Airbnb / Short-term rentals: Ballsbridge and nearby Donnybrook, Sandymount, and Ranelagh have good Airbnb availability. Expect €100 – €200/night for a private room or small apartment. Particularly good value for groups sharing, and a kitchen lets you control food costs during a 12-day festival.
Booking timing: Book as early as possible. The official partner hotel rates (Herbert Park and Clayton) are competitive and include breakfast — if those work for your budget, lock them in. Cancellation policies are typically flexible if you book direct.
Prices are estimates based on March 2026 data and may vary during the festival period.
Eating at and Around the Irish Open
Tournament poker and eating well do not always mix — long sessions, short breaks, and unpredictable schedules make nutrition a challenge. Here is how to handle food during the Irish Open.
At the Venue
The RDS has food and drink options built into the tournament setup. The Main Hall (where all tournaments run) has drinks and snacks concessions. The cash game area in Hall 3 has its own dedicated bar plus a food truck offering tea, coffee, and quick meals. The Centurion Bar is located just outside the Main Hall near the cash games.
Break timing note: Tournament breaks are typically 15–20 minutes. The on-site options are designed for speed — grab a coffee, a sandwich, or a snack and get back to your seat. Do not plan a sit-down meal during a break.
Nearby Quick-Service Options
Ballsbridge has several grab-and-go options within a 10-minute walk of the RDS. Umi Falafel in Ballsbridge is a solid fast-casual option with a predominantly plant-based menu. Sprout (also in Ballsbridge) offers healthy bowls and wraps.
For delivery to your hotel, Deliveroo and Just Eat both operate in the Ballsbridge area with a wide range of restaurant options.
Sit-Down Restaurants (Post-Session)
For a proper meal after the day's play:
- Roly's Bistro (~10 min walk): A Ballsbridge institution. Known for seafood — the Dublin Bay prawn scampi is a local favourite. Moderate pricing, reliable quality.
- Mae Restaurant (~10 min walk): Modern Irish cuisine. Included in the Michelin Guide since 2022. A step up for a celebratory dinner or a day off.
- ONE Ballsbridge — Sky Garden (10th floor): Panoramic views over Dublin Bay and the RDS. Irish cuisine, cocktails, good atmosphere. Worth a visit on a break day.
- Seasons Restaurant (InterContinental Dublin, ~5 min walk): Fine dining overlooking the Terrace Gardens.
Dietary Accommodations
Vegetarian / Vegan: Dublin has a strong vegetarian and vegan scene. Umi Falafel near the venue is predominantly vegan. In the city centre (15 minutes by taxi), Cornucopia (Wicklow Street, established 1986) is an all-vegan restaurant. Glas in South City Centre won Best Vegetarian Restaurant at the RAI Awards 2023. Most Ballsbridge restaurants offer vegetarian options.
Gluten-Free: Most mid-range and upscale restaurants in Ballsbridge can accommodate gluten-free diets — Ireland has strong awareness of coeliac needs. Ask at the restaurant; most will have marked menus or staff who can advise.
Halal / Kosher: Options are limited in the immediate Ballsbridge area. Dublin city centre has halal restaurants concentrated around the Capel Street and Parnell Street areas (15–20 minutes by taxi). Kosher options are very limited in Dublin — players with strict kosher requirements should consider self-catering with an Airbnb or hotel kitchenette.
Healthy Eating for a 12-Day Festival: If you are staying for the full festival, eating out three meals a day for 12 days gets expensive and nutritionally questionable. Consider booking accommodation with a kitchen (Premier Suites or Airbnb) and stocking up at a local grocery store. Tesco Express and SuperValu are both within walking distance of Ballsbridge.
Late-Night Dining
Poker schedules mean eating at unusual hours. Sprout in Ballsbridge stays open late on Thursdays and Fridays. Deliveroo and Just Eat offer late-night delivery from a range of Dublin restaurants. The bars and player lounge at the RDS itself have snack options available during late sessions.
Hydration
Ireland's tap water is safe to drink. The venue has water access, and most card rooms allow players to bring drinks to the table (in approved containers — no glass). Bring a refillable water bottle.
Practical Info: Venue, Registration, and Amenities
Tournament Area Layout
The 2026 Irish Open uses the RDS Main Hall plus Hall 2, with at least 280 poker tables across the tournament area, the registration desk, and the cash desk. Cash games run separately with 50+ tables and their own bar and food service. The setup is spacious — the RDS campus covers 160,000 m², so there is room to move between sessions.
Registration
Online pre-registration: Available through LuxonPay (the official payment partner, in its fifth year with the Irish Open). Set up a LuxonPay account before you arrive — it is a multi-currency eWallet that handles instant payments. You can register for events in advance from your phone or laptop.
On-site registration: Available at the registration desk in the Main Hall. Payment methods accepted on-site include cash, debit cards (no credit cards or American Express), PokerStars account (all events), and Paddy Power Poker account (Main Event only).
Satellite winners: If you qualified through a PokerStars online satellite (over 1,300 players did in 2025), your seat will be registered to your PokerStars account. Follow the instructions from PokerStars for claiming your live seat.
Phone and Device Policy
Phone and device policies at the Irish Open generally follow standard European tournament rules: phones are permitted at the table but must not be used during active hands. Headphones are typically allowed. The specific house rules for the 2026 edition will be posted at the venue — check with the tournament director if you are unsure about any device.
Wi-Fi
The RDS has Wi-Fi available across the venue. Expect typical large-event connectivity — adequate for messaging and basic browsing, but do not count on it for streaming or heavy data use.
Parking
24-hour secure parking is available at the RDS for €10/day. If you are renting a car or driving, this is convenient and affordable. Remember: Ireland drives on the left.
Rest Areas and Rail
The RDS campus has open areas, bars, and lounges outside the tournament halls. The player lounge features live music and social events in the evenings — the Irish Open is known for its social atmosphere as much as its poker. Spectators and rail birds have space to watch the action, particularly during the later stages of the Main Event.
Nearby Amenities
The InterContinental Dublin (5-minute walk) has a gym, pool, and spa available to hotel guests. Several other Ballsbridge hotels offer fitness facilities. Herbert Park (the actual park, not just the hotel) is a 48-acre green space immediately adjacent to the RDS — a good spot for a walk or run between sessions.
Money Movement: Funding Buy-Ins and Cashing Out
Registration Payment Methods
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| LuxonPay (recommended) | Official payment partner. Multi-currency eWallet. Register online or on-site. Set up your account before arriving — fund it via bank transfer or card. No fumbling with cash at the registration desk. |
| Cash | Accepted at the on-site cage/registration desk. Bring Euro — no currency exchange at the venue. |
| Debit Card | Accepted on-site. Credit cards and American Express are NOT accepted for tournament buy-ins. |
| PokerStars Account | Can be used to register for all events. Useful if you have a funded Stars account. |
| Paddy Power Poker | Accepted for Main Event registration only. |
Cash Handling
If you plan to play multiple events over the 12-day festival, you will need to decide how much cash to bring versus how much to pre-load electronically through LuxonPay or your PokerStars account.
General guidance: Pre-load what you can electronically. LuxonPay is the smoothest path for registration, and it avoids carrying large amounts of cash. If you do bring cash, use your hotel room safe and avoid carrying more than you need for the day's buy-ins.
ATMs: Available in the Ballsbridge area and within walking distance of the RDS. Irish ATMs dispense Euro and typically charge a small fee for international cards. Check with your bank about foreign transaction fees before you travel.
Cashing Out
Tournament winnings at the Irish Open are typically paid at the cash desk. For smaller amounts, cash payouts are standard. For larger amounts (five figures and above), wire transfer or LuxonPay credit may be available — confirm the options with the cashier cage.
Tax considerations: Ireland does not tax poker tournament winnings for non-residents in most cases, but your home country's tax rules apply to income earned abroad. US players should be aware that international tournament winnings are reportable income — consult a tax professional familiar with gambling income for your specific situation. This guide does not provide tax advice.
International Money Movement
All buy-ins and payouts are in Euro. If you are traveling from a non-Euro country, factor in currency exchange. Exchange at your bank before traveling for better rates than airport or venue exchanges. LuxonPay handles multi-currency transactions, which can simplify the process for international players.
Tips from Experienced Irish Open Attendees
1. Book Your Hotel the Moment You Decide to Go
The Herbert Park and Clayton player rates sell out. The closer you get to the festival dates, the more expensive everything within walking distance becomes. If you are even considering going, book a refundable room now and cancel later if plans change.
2. Arrive a Day Early
Give yourself a day to settle in, shake off jet lag (especially if traveling from North America), and pick up your LuxonPay or registration materials without the stress of a Day 1 starting in a few hours. Use the day to walk the neighborhood, find your go-to food spots, and get comfortable with the venue layout.
3. Do Not Skip the Mini Irish Open
At €250, the Mini Irish Open is one of the best value tournaments on the European circuit. The 2025 edition drew over 6,400 entries and generated a prize pool north of €1.3 million. With 14 starting flights, you can fit it around your Main Event schedule.
4. Embrace the Social Side
The Irish Open is famous for its atmosphere. The player lounge runs live music and social events every evening. The poker community in Dublin is warm and welcoming — this is not a grind-in-silence festival. Talk to people. Stay for a drink. The "craic" is real and it is a big part of what brings players back year after year.
5. Dress in Layers
Dublin in late March and early April averages 6–10°C (43–50°F) with regular rain showers. The venue is temperature-controlled, but you will be moving between indoors and outdoors. Bring a waterproof jacket, layers you can add or remove, and comfortable shoes for walking. Do not expect sunshine — but do not let the weather stop you from exploring the city on break days.
6. Pre-Register Through LuxonPay
Standing in the registration queue on a Day 1 morning is not how you want to start your session. Pre-register online through LuxonPay, arrive at the venue, and sit down. It saves time and stress.
7. Plan for the Full 12 Days (Even If You Do Not Stay for All of It)
The schedule is dense enough that busting the Main Event does not mean the trip is over. Side events run every day, the cash games are 24/7, and Dublin itself is worth exploring. Build your trip around the assumption that you will have time to fill — it is more enjoyable that way than pinning everything on a single event.
8. Keep an Eye on the Official Schedule for Updates
The Irish Open team occasionally adds or adjusts events in the weeks before the festival. Follow @Irish_PokerOpen on X and check irishpokeropen.com/schedule for the latest.
Irish Poker Open 2026 FAQ
What is the Irish Poker Open Main Event buy-in? The Main Event buy-in is €1,150 (€1,000 + €150). The guaranteed prize pool is €2,500,000.
How many events are on the Irish Poker Open 2026 schedule? There are 86 numbered events across 12 days (March 26 – April 6, 2026), spanning NLHE, PLO, mixed games, and specialty formats.
Where is the Irish Poker Open 2026 held? The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland.
How do I register for Irish Poker Open tournaments? Online through LuxonPay (the official payment partner), or on-site at the registration desk using cash, debit card, PokerStars account, or Paddy Power Poker (Main Event only).
Can I use my phone at the table at the Irish Poker Open? Phones are generally permitted at the table but must not be used during active hands. Specific house rules for 2026 will be posted at the venue.
What is the best hotel near the RDS for the Irish Poker Open? The Herbert Park Hotel (3-minute walk, player rate from €230/night with code IPOKER2026) and Clayton Ballsbridge (10-minute walk, from €218/night with code IRIS260326) are the official partner hotels.
Do I need a visa to attend the Irish Poker Open? US, UK, and EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa. Other nationalities should check with their local Irish embassy — Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa does not cover Ireland. A short-stay 'C' visa can cover participation in competitive events.
What currency is used at the Irish Poker Open? All buy-ins, payouts, and venue transactions are in Euro (€).
Can I qualify online for the Irish Poker Open? Yes. PokerStars runs comprehensive satellite campaigns with qualifiers starting from €1.10. Over 1,300 players qualified online for the 2025 edition.
Is there parking at the RDS? Yes. 24-hour secure parking is available at the RDS for €10/day.
Manage your bankroll for a tournament festival like the Irish Open — see our guide to bankroll management for live tournament players.
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