Irish Running Show announced for Dublin following successful NI debut

Runners from across the island of Ireland are being invited to the RDS in Dublin on 6 and 7 February 2027 for a weekend of expert advice, running brands and activities designed for everyone from first-time 5K participants to experienced marathon runners.

The Irish Running Show will bring together the people, products and organisations supporting runners across the island.

The event builds on the successful Northern Ireland Running Show, which welcomed around 5,000 visitors to the Eikon Exhibition Centre outside Lisburn in February 2026. Following that response, organisers are aiming to attract 10,000 visitors to the Dublin show, with around 100 brands and service providers and more than 40 speakers and experts.

The planned programme will cover training, nutrition, recovery, injury prevention, women’s health and mental wellbeing, alongside personal stories from people whose lives have been shaped by running.

Visitors will be able to explore running products and services, speak to experts and meet representatives from clubs, races and events to help plan their next challenge. Hourly yoga classes are included in the ticket price at no extra cost, offering great value even for visitors who simply want to enjoy the yoga. Pilates for runners, interactive activities and family-friendly experiences will also complement the exhibition and talks.

The show was founded by Oonagh Cattigan, an events professional from the Glens of Antrim whose own running journey began with a Couch to 5K programme.

After building a career in international exhibitions, Oonagh returned home to Northern Ireland and took a career break to raise her family. Joining a running club gave her an opportunity to meet people, build confidence and find time for herself. It also inspired the idea of creating an event where the wider running community could come together.

Oonagh Cattigan, Founder and Event Director of the Irish Running Show, commented: “When I started Couch to 5K, I wasn’t thinking about race times or medals. I wanted to get out of the house, meet people and do something for myself. What I found was a community that gave me confidence, friendships and a real sense of belonging.

“That experience is at the heart of the Irish Running Show. Whether you’re thinking about your first run, taking part in parkrun at the weekend or training for your next marathon, we want you to feel that this is an event for you.

“The response to our first show in Northern Ireland was hugely encouraging. Seeing thousands of people come through the doors, speak to experts, discover new brands and share their own experiences showed us what bringing this community together could achieve.

“Now we’re looking forward to welcoming runners from across the island to Dublin. You’ll be able to ask questions about your training, explore equipment, discover a new race or simply spend time with people who share your interest. We want people to leave feeling encouraged and excited about what they could do next.”

The Dublin event also represents a personal milestone for Oonagh, who began her exhibitions career at the RDS around 20 years ago before going on to work at major venues in the UK and internationally.

Kieran McNicholl, Marketing Manager for official hydration partner Deep RiverRock, said: “From the first training session to crossing the finish line, we’re proud to support the people who make Ireland’s running community what it is. Through our longstanding involvement with the Belfast City Marathon and local running events, we’ve seen how running brings people together.

“We’re excited to build on that at the Irish Running Show, meeting runners of all abilities and keeping them refreshed as they plan their next challenge.”

Early bird adult weekend passes cost €10 until 30 November 2026, after which the adult ticket price will be €15. Student weekend passes will remain €5, while children can attend free.

Tickets can be booked at www.eventmaster.ie/custom/event/irishrunningshow where children’s tickets can also be added to an order for free.

For further information about the Irish Running Show, taking place at the RDS in Dublin on 6 and 7 February 2027, visit www.runningshowsireland.com