FAQ

Education Buildings Ireland 2026 is being held at RDS Dublin on the 11th and 12th November 2026.

Opening Times: 

Wednesday 11th November - Conference & Exhibition- 9:00 - 5:00

Thursday 12th November - Conference & Exhibition- 9:00 - 4:45

We recommend bringing the following:

• Your Email Confirmation of your registration to speed up collecting your badge.
• A reusable water bottle (there will be water stations available to fill these up onsite)
• A way of taking notes (Notepad, Laptop, iPad etc), there will be lots of conference sessions offering lots of opportunities to learn!
• Business Cards, or a way of sharing your details with the peers you meet whilst networking. Get creative!
• Comfortable clothing and shoes.  Business casual attire is typically appropriate. Attendees may wish to wear comfortable shoes.
• Questions and goals. Prepare questions for speakers, exhibitors and other attendees. Set goals of what you want to achieve from attending. Networking, learning, finding partners etc.

Yes, RDS Dublin is fully wheelchair accessible, with ground-level access to most exhibition halls, lift access where needed, and staff aware that not all disabilities are visible. Key facilities include:

• Physical access – Halls 1–8 (except Hall 5, which is on the first floor) are at ground level and easily accessible; first floor spaces are served by a lift.
• Accessible toilets – available throughout the venue, unisex, with an alarm pull-cord system.
• Assistance dogs – guide dogs are welcome in all areas of the RDS.
• Hidden disabilities – staff are trained to be aware that not all disabilities are visible.
• Sensory considerations – some events at the RDS may include strobe lighting, pyrotechnics, smoke or other special effects, so it's worth checking in advance if this affects you.

For full details or to arrange access support in advance, visit the RDS accessibility page: https://www.rds.ie/getting-here/accessibility-the-rds 

• RDS has three car parks: Merrion Road, Simmonscourt Road, and Anglesea Road.
• Merrion Road Car Park is the main one, generally open Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm (hours can shift around specific events).
• Except for RDS Members, all parking is fee-paying — €10 per day, subject to availability (this rate excludes major events like the Dublin Horse Show).
• Parking is first-come, first-served — it can't be pre-booked, so arriving early is worth flagging for visitors.

The Education Buildings Ireland Gala Dinner 2026 will be a prestigious night where the education sector will come together on Wednesday 11th November.

The dinner is an excellent opportunity to network with your peers whilst enjoying a luxurious 3-course meal.

The cost per place for the evening is €195.00 + VAT

For more information visit the Gala Dinner Information page. 

The Gala Dinner will take place at the same venue as the conference & exhibition at Education Building Ireland, in the Minerva suite.

For those not attending, more information can be found on the Minerva suite page on RDS Dublin's website.

Timings: 

18:30-19:30 Networking Drinks Reception

19:30 Call to be seated and welcome

19:30-21:00 3-course dinner served

21:30 Teas & Coffees and Networking

23:00 Carriages