Save The Dates: The 2026 Irish Open Runs March 26 to April 6
Summary
The 46th Irish Open takes place at the Royal Dublin Society from 26 March to 6 April 2026. The festival returns with huge guarantees: the Main Event carries a €2.5 million guarantee (€1,150 buy-in), while the €1,150 Luxon Mystery Bounty and the €250 Mini Irish Open each guarantee at least €1 million. The schedule includes multiple Main Event flights from 29 March to 3 April, with Day 2 on 4 April, Day 3 on 5 April and the final on 6 April. Buy-ins across the festival span roughly €120–€5,000 and formats include No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, 8-Game Mix and novelty events like Old Dogs and Young Pups. A 24/7 cash game area with up to 50 tables is planned, and organisers recommend booking accommodation early due to demand.
Key Points
- Dates & venue: 26 March–6 April 2026 at the Royal Dublin Society.
- Main Event: €1,150 buy-in with a €2.5 million guaranteed prize pool; Day 1a on 29 March, final day on 6 April.
- Two other seven-figure guarantees: the €1,150 Luxon Mystery Bounty and the €250 Mini Irish Open (each guaranteeing €1M+).
- Wide range of buy-ins (€120–€5,000) and a variety of formats and variants to suit different players.
- Dedicated cash game arena with up to 50 tables open around the clock.
- Popular festival — book accommodation early (recommended hotels and travel partner provided).
Context and Relevance
The Irish Open is one of Europe’s longest-running and most attended poker festivals; after record attendance in 2025 it’s shaping up to be another big year. For players who qualify online via partners such as PokerStars, Paddy Power Poker and the iPoker Network, this is a major opportunity to turn an online seat into a big live score. The scale of the guarantees makes the event notable for both recreational players (good value events) and pros chasing large payouts.
Author note — Punchy: If you play live tournaments or plan a poker trip in 2026, this matters. Huge guarantees + a buzzing festival atmosphere = prime planning territory. Book early, sort flights and accommodation, and consider satellite routes now.
Why should I read this?
Quick heads-up: if you want a slice of the biggest Irish poker festival next spring (or just want nonstop cash-game action), this is when to start planning. Dates, monster guarantees and hotel tips are all here — saved you a click, you’re welcome.
