What is Octocon?

Octocon, the National Irish Science Fiction Convention, is a weekend celebration of our favourite stories from books, comics, TV, films and games; from science fiction, fantasy, horror and beyond; attracting artists, writers, film-makers and fans from across the human sphere of influence.

The first Octocon was held in 1990 with Terry Pratchett as our first Guest of Honour. Over the years, some of our guests of honour have included Anne McCaffrey, JG Jones, Tanith Lee, Mike Carey, George R.R. Martin, Gail Simone, Rhianna Pratchett, Pat Cadigan and Colleen Doran.

For one weekend in October, we gather together to talk about all the wonders we have read and watched over the year; to share our favourite moments from book, TV, comics and films; to delve into the unsung genres and curious concepts of speculative fiction; to take part in workshops, and listen to panel discussions and charming guest speakers; to see what ‘must haves’ are in the Trade Hall; to experience the fun which is Octocon.

Octocon 2020 and 2021 were both held online due to Covid-19, but in October 2022 we ran our first hybrid convention at Croke Park and Online, and in 2023 and 2024 at the Gibson Hotel and Online.

This year, we are holding a consultation survey to gather the views of Octocon members past, present and future, so we can take them into consideration as we make some difficult decisions about how and where to run Octocon in 2025 and beyond.

Octocon 2025 is a hybrid convention.

As such, in addition to our in-person activities, we will also feature: 

• A Discord server for socializing 
• Zoom for facilitating workshops, talks, and socializing for those who prefer it to Discord 
• YouTube for live-streaming panels and YouTube for hosting recordings for replay 

As we do not expect all members to be familiar with all of these services, we have provided the following guides: 

• Octocon Online Accessibility Guide
• Account Creation Guide 
• Webcam Alternatives for Participants 

Octocon 2025 Team

Committee:

• Chairs – Kat Dodd and Catherine Sharpe – email
• Secretary – Open
• Membership Officer – MaryBrigid Turner
• Finance –
  • Treasurer – Alex McKenzie
  • Sponsorship – Declan Meenagh
• Programme Lead– Kat Dodd
• Accessibility Lead– Kat Dodd
• Venue Liaison – Open
• Trade – David Green
• Virtual Ops Lead – Faranae
• On-site Ops – Colm Dodd
• Volunteer Manager – Colm Dodd
• Communications Lead – Open

VirtualOps:

• Virtual Ops Lead – Faranae
• Assistant / Trainee – Open
• On-site Stream Producer – Daire
• Virtual Producers – Open
• Team – Open

Communications Team:

• Team Lead – Open
• Social Media – Mark Kielty
• Web Designer – Karina Steffens
• Web Content – Cheryl Harding
• Web and Tech Administrator – James Shields
• Graphic Artist – Conor Carroll
• Publications – Open
• Fan Tables – David Green
• Newsletter – MaryBrigid Turner and an Open Position
• Info Desk – Open

Accessibility Team:

• Accessibility Lead – Kat Dodd
• Daniella Bella
• Declan Meenagh
• Faranae

Programme Team:

• Programme Lead – Kat Dodd
• Programme Tech – Open
• Guest Liaison – Open
• Daniella Bella
• David Green
• Declan Meenagh
• Entity
• Faranae
• James Brophy
• Paul Carroll
• MaryBrigid Turner