The wait is over… Animation Dingle 2026 has arrived!
The creative buzz is already building as filmmakers, students, artists and studios from across Ireland and around the world make their way to Dingle. Over the next few days this small coastal town will transform into a global meeting point for animation, a place where stories are shared, ideas spark and new connections begin.
Whether this is your first Animation Dingle or you’re a seasoned festival regular, consider this your quick guide to making the most of the weekend.
WELCOME TO DINGLE - A STORYTELLER'S PARADISE
Nestled between rolling green hills and the wild Atlantic, Dingle is more than just a beautiful town; it’s a place that has inspired storytellers for generations.
Film lovers may recognise its dramatic coastline from productions like Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Far and Away, and Ryan’s Daughter.
Animation has strong connections here, too. The Oscar-nominated film Song of the Sea by Cartoon Saloon drew inspiration from nearby Ventry Beach, with sound recordings captured in Dingle Harbour to help bring its magical seascapes to life.
For a few special days each year, Dingle becomes a place where animation artists from across the globe gather to celebrate their craft, and there really is nowhere quite like it. Dingle’s deep storytelling tradition, from Irish folklore to seanchaí storytelling, mirrors the heart of animation itself: stories passed from imagination to audience.
Which is exactly why Animation Dingle feels so at home here.
FIND YOUR WAY - PROGRAMME & FESTIVAL MAP
With so much happening across the weekend, your best friend will be the festival programme and timetable, available on the Animation Dingle website HERE.
Inside you’ll find:
Venue locations across the town
Full screening and conference schedules
Panels, talks and workshops
Screenings
Evening events and celebrations
Top Tip: Save the programme to your phone so you can check it quickly between events.
YOUR FESTIVAL WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
Animation Dingle is packed from start to finish, so here’s a quick look at what each day brings. For the full programme and timings, make sure to check the festival timetable on our website.
THURSDAY – The Warm Up
The festival begins as the Animation Dingle community starts to gather in town.
The Student Networking Room opens its doors, giving students a relaxed space to meet fellow animators, swap ideas and start making connections that could last long beyond the festival.
Later in the evening, things get competitive (in the best way) with the Animation Dingle Quiz, a fun and lively start to the weekend where animation fans can test their knowledge and kick off the festival atmosphere together.
Stick around afterwards, and you’ll likely find music, conversation and the first sparks of that special Animation Dingle energy.
FRIDAY – The Conference Begins
Friday marks the official start of the Animation Dingle Conference, with a packed day of talks, panels and masterclasses from leading voices across the animation industry.
Throughout the day, audiences will hear from world-class creators, studios and storytellers, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the craft and business of animation.
Screenings also begin, showcasing an incredible selection of animated shorts from emerging and established filmmakers around the world.
And of course, Friday evening brings one of the biggest celebrations of the weekend, the Animation Dingle RTÉ Kids Awards, where the best films in competition are recognised before the celebrations continue long into the night.
SATURDAY – Career, Creativity & The Final Party
Saturday continues the momentum with another full day of talks, workshops and screenings across the festival venues.
One of the highlights of the day is the StoryToys Careers & Recruitment Fair, where students and emerging animators have the opportunity to meet studios, learn about career paths and connect directly with industry professionals.
It’s also a day for sharing ideas, discovering new talent and celebrating animation in all its forms, before the festival wraps up with one final evening of music, conversation and celebration.
Animation Dingle RTÉ Kids Awards
The Difference is Dingle
What makes Animation Dingle so special isn’t just the films or the speakers, it’s the community.
Students sit beside studio directors. Oscar winners share stories with first-time filmmakers. Conversations started in a screening queue often turn into creative collaborations.
There’s something about the energy of this place that brings people together.
And that’s why so many filmmakers return year after year.
Let the Festival Begin
Whether you’re here to learn, screen your film, meet collaborators or simply soak up the creative atmosphere, we’re delighted to welcome you to Animation Dingle 2026. Dive into the programme, explore the town, watch incredible films and enjoy every moment. Because for the next few days…Dingle is the centre of the animation world.
Fáilte go dtí Animation Dingle!
