Let the gaming begin!
The Insomnia Gaming Festival has been running in the UK for over 20 years and has grown to become the UK’s biggest event of its kind, regularly attracting audiences of 70,000 people to it’s Summer Insomnia festival.
Insomnia is not just about games (although there are plenty of those!), it’s an event that celebrates the culture of gaming, with all the latest merchandise and gaming technology as well as stage shows and opportunities to meet the biggest gaming influencers and content creators; all of this in addition to the hugely anticipated areas of the show that include esports, retro gaming, table top games, virtual reality gaming, the indie zone and Insomnia’s renowned Cosplay Parades!
Omega Events, the team behind some of Ireland’s biggest pop culture events including Dublin Comic Con and GamerFest are delighted to be bringing the excitement of Insomnia Gaming Festival to Dublin for the very first time!
06 – 07 NOVEMBER 2021
The following are the opening times for day and weekend ticket holders:
From Main InterCity Rail Services
There are two main train stations in Dublin: Connolly & Heuston and these are linked together by LUAS and bus services.
The RDS is linked to the train stations by the DART at Connolly Station. Connolly Station also has bus connections, DART and LUAS terminals.
Connolly Station is linked by the DART service to Lansdowne Station and Sandymount Station both of which are approximately a 5 minute walk from the RDS.
From Local Train Lines (DART Service)
The DART line is located in close proximity to the RDS. The closest DART station to the RDS is Sandymount station.
Directions on foot from the Sandymount Dart Station:
LUAS – Dublin Light Rail
There is no direct route by the LUAS to the RDS. However, the LUAS connects to the DART system that passes by the RDS at Connolly Station. Trinity College or Dawson Street LUAS stops are approximately a 30 minute walk from the RDS.
Directions By Bus
The RDS is serviced by several bus routes nationally (see Bus Éireann) and locally by Dublin Bus. The direct Dublin Bus routes to RDS Ballsbridge from Nassau Street outside Trinity College:
There are also multiple routes serviced to and from the nearby Donnybrook Road, Bus Garage on the N11 which is only 10 minutes walking distance from the RDS. They are 46a, 145, 32x, 39a, 41x, 7b, 51x, 66x and 67x.
For further details please view the RDS access guide or for more information on local Dublin Bus routes visit www.dublinbus.ie or call +353 (0)1 873 4222.
Directions by Car
By Plane:
Dublin Airport is a dual terminal international airport conveniently located approximately 10km north of Dublin City Centre, near the M50 and M1 motorways. Serviced by direct routes to/from Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Canada and North America with US Pre-clearance at the airport. There are public transport links to/from the airport by bus and taxi. Taxis are readily available for hire outside the airport. For your journey to the RDS, the Aircoach bus stops directly outside the grounds. For more information view our access guide. For information on Dublin Airport flight routes or for arrivals and departures visit https://www.dublinairport.com/flight-information
By Car
By Taxi
Taxis are available at the Taxi rank outside Arrivals. Expect to pay between €30 and €40 to get to the RDS.
Public Transport to/from Dublin Airport
The RDS is serviced by the Aircoach (Route 702) that brings customers directly to and from Dublin airport. Aircoach stops are located on Merrion Road in front of the RDS main complex entrance.
Aircoach Bookings for people with disabilities must be made in advance. For more information on timetables visit www.aircoach.ie or call +353 (0)1 844 7118.
All the latest information about our event can be found by following our social channels
TICKETS
All ticket queries please contact us at hello@insomniagamingfestival.ie
What is the ticket refund policy?
All tickets are final sale and cannot be exchanged or refunded.
In the case of an event cancellation without a rescheduled date, a refund (less processing fees) will be automatically issued to each patron on the credit card used to purchase.
In the case of an event cancellation with a rescheduled date, tickets will be automatically transferred over to the new dates. By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to this purchase policy.
Before purchasing your tickets, we urge you to confirm the title, time and location of the event aswell as any additional requirements (such as Young Adult tickets must be held by young adults, children must be accompanied by adults)
If this event is postponed due to Covid-19 all tickets will be automatically transferred to our next show.
Please note that guests and content are subject to work schedules and issues outside of our control. A guest cancellation will not result in an entry ticket refund as it is a ticket to the event itself, not the guest.
Do I need to bring ID?
Day Visitors – you do not need ID to check-in.
Weekend Visitors – ID is required to ensure you have the correct wristbands. If you are unable to provide ID you will be given an under 18 wristband.
Proof of age documents we will accept are:
I’m bringing a child, do they need a ticket?
Any child aged 6 or under is given free access to the show, they do not require a ticket. We advise that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I transfer my tickets to another event?
Unfortunately not, tickets are non transferable between events.
Do you provide disabled/carer tickets/discounts?
Carers can contact us at hello@insomniagamingdublin.ie to apply for a carers ticket. Please include all relevant information when applying.
I’m a parent with no interest in gaming, do I still have to buy a ticket?
Yes, anyone coming into the event needs a ticket. For those who just wish to wait or pick up from the event, there are public areas with seating outside the hall.
Cosplaying at Insomnia
We would advise that if you are planning to use public transport to the Venue that you wear normal clothes and any cosplay weapons you are planning to bring with you are discreetly out of view of the general public until you arrive, this to ensure you do not cause unnecessary panic or distress on your way. Once you arrive at the venue you can change here although we do not have changing rooms we do have a number of toilets. Any weapons may be checked by a security manager once you attempt to enter the event and they will be tagged to show the weapons are safe. Once you leave the venue any cosplay weapons should once again placed discreetly out of view of the general public.
Those intending to cosplay at the RDS should pay attention to the following list of items that are banned from the event. Please do not bring any of these items with you.
We recommend for all things relating to the venue including any disabled support you require please head www.rds.ie
Food and drink
There are ample catering facilities onsite catering for all customer needs. If you have specific dietary requirements we recommend you bring this with you to the event.
Is there parking available?
Please visit the RDS website for parking details https://www.rds.ie/Visitor-Info/Parking/
Is there anywhere to leave/store luggage?
Yes, there are cloakrooms which will charge €2 per item and will be open during show hours.
Items cannot be left overnight, any items left at the end of the day will be transferred to lost property.
Can I film/take pictures at Insomnia?
Yes, you are welcome to take pictures or film within the event as much as you like, provided you do not plan to use anything for commercial purposes. However, if you are going to film other people we suggest you get their permission first.
What happens with pictures taken at Insomnia?
By entering the festival site you agree to grant the Event permission to use your image in any publicity, marketing or promotional materials. Please refer to our full T&Cs here