Dublin Poker Festival 2026: Dates, Key Events, and How to Plan Your Trip

Festival basics at a glance

Tournament and cash-game registration requires D4 Events membership and valid ID. Dress guidance is smart casual. All players must be 18+ and show valid ID at registration. 

Dress code in the poker area is smart casual.

Anchor events and when they run

The week is anchored by the €570 European Deepstack, with ACOP as the rec-heavy multi-flight and a steady amount of side events/nightlies.

Fun formats and nightly action

The full schedule adds dozens of side events and satellites around these anchors. You can play a serious schedule without needing four-figure buy-ins every day.

How multi-flight and best stack forward work

Most big events at Dublin Poker Festival, including ACOP and the European Deepstack, use multiple Day 1 flights, have re-entry allowed on each Day 1, and a “best stack forward” rule. In practice that means that you can play every starting day. 

Also, if you bag more than once, only your largest stack carries to Day 2. And, if you bag multiple stacks, only the biggest carries. The rest are dead.

Strategic implications:

• You can treat early Day 1 bullets more aggressively, knowing you can still come back.
• Once you have a solid stack, there is no reason to chase a tiny improvement on later flights unless your bankroll is ready for it.
• For bankroll tracking, think in terms of total bullets, not just the headline buy-in.

Re-entry and fees: real cost for bankroll planning

Re-entry is standard across most larger events in Dublin. In practice:

• Expect re-entry on every Day 1 of ACOP and the Deepstack.
• Many side events allow re-entry within the registration window, unless the structure sheet says otherwise.
• Seniors and some smaller championships may have tighter caps, so always check the current structure sheet on-site.

On top of the posted buy-ins, the festival deducts 3% of each prize pool (except satellites) as staffing costs. Also take note that cash payouts are capped at €2,500. Larger amounts are handled via approved non-cash payout methods set by the festival. If you’re staking or swapping, account for the 3% and how they pay out before you fire. If you expect a larger score, it is worth confirming your preferred payout method during registration.

Online qualifiers and “OnLive Day 1”

For 2026, Players can qualify on WPT® Global into both ACOP and the European Deepstack. Check the current conditions in the WPT® Global client.

A typical path for the Deepstack looks like:

• Start at low-stakes feeders
• Move into mid-tier qualifiers
• Climb into finals that award €570 seats

There are also “OnLive Day 1” options:

• You play Day 1 online on a set date.
• Surviving players bring their chip stack directly into Day 2 live in Dublin.

This works as a remote starting flight for players who cannot travel for the full festival.

Some qualifiers may include added value. Check the specific promotion terms in the WPT® Global client. Terms vary, so always check the current conditions in the online client before you play.

Booking the Bonnington and staying near the venue

The main hotel offer:

• €115 per night, room only, using the promo code DPF26
• Breakfast €15 per person per day
• Three-night minimum stay

Staying on-site keeps you in the same building as the tournament area, which matters if you plan long days and late-night side events. If you decide to stay elsewhere, the Bonnington is about 10 minutes from Dublin Airport by car. The location of the hotel sits on the northside corridor, situated just between the airport and the city centre.

ID, membership, and room rules

Before you sit down:

• Register as a D4 Events member on-site.
• Bring a valid passport or national ID card.
• Minimum age is 18 for all festival events.

Dress code is smart casual. That usually means:

• Clean jeans or trousers
• Shirt, polo, or smart top
• No obvious sports kit, beachwear, or gym gear

Hoodies and caps are common in poker rooms, but staff have the final say.

No devices in live hands, follow floor direction. Expect reminders to keep devices away from live hands and to respect any stream or media guidelines.

Getting around Dublin

Arrival and airport transfer

Dublin Airport sits north of the city and close to the Bonnington.

Options from the airport are either Taxi or ride-hail to the Bonnington, that's usually fast and simple, or the public transport route with buses running along the main corridor into town if you want a cheaper route.

Public transport passes

Dublin’s TFI 90-minute fare covers buses, Luas, and most local rail within the urban zone when paid by Leap card or contactless.

Leap Visitor Card options exist for 1, 3, and 7 days. Prices change, so check current rates before you buy. If you plan to explore the city centre between flights or on off-days, a 3-day card usually makes sense.

Weather and packing tips

Late February in Dublin is cool and often wet. Typical conditions will be daytime temperatures in the single digits or low teens Celsius, with a tad regular light rain or drizzle. Don't be suprised if you get some wind as well. 

Putting it all together

Dublin Poker Festival 2026 is built for recreational players who want a clear, mid-stakes live schedule, and travelling regulars who are comfortable with multi-flight events, re-entry, and a deep €570 flagship. 

Keep in mind the dates, research your best stack forward rule, budget for the 3% staffing deduction, and fix your bullet cap before you arrive. Do that and you can enjoy the value on the schedule and make sure to see what Dublin has to offer outside the poker room.