We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Social Democrats 2026 National Conference this weekend.  It promises to be an exciting and inspiring event with great discussions, speakers, and the chance to connect with members from across the country.

The event begins at 6pm on Friday, February 6th, and concludes at 7pm on Saturday, February 7th.

We particularly value your attendance for Holly’s Leader’s Speech which will be broadcast live on RTÉ One at 6:30pm on Saturday, February 7th. The sessions between 12 and 1pm on Saturday will also be streamed live on the RTÉ News Channel and we would love to see you there.

There will also be a social event on each evening.

Please check the digital guides below for extensive information about the event.

Conference Guide is available here

Conference Timetable is available here

Conference Brochure is available here

LOCATION
Clayton Silver Springs Hotel, Tivoli, Cork City T23 E244. Directions

Parking: If you are driving and NOT staying at the hotel overnight, on entering the hotel grounds, turn left up the hill and follow the road to the Conference Centre. If you are staying at the hotel overnight, on entering the hotel grounds, turn right into the hotel car park.

Further information on location and transport options here

EVENT OUTLINE

Friday, 6th February

• 5:30pm – 9pm: Conference Reports, Guest Speakers and Panel Discussions followed by Social Event
• Friday evening includes Panel Discussions featuring Louise McSharry, Leon Diop and Claire McGowran on the changing landscape of political communication, and an address by the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland

Saturday, 7th February

• 9:15am – 6pm: Main Conference Events and Voting
• 6:30pm – 7pm: Party Leader speech broadcast live on RTÉ followed by Social Event
• Saturday morning includes an analysis of trends in Irish politics, featuring a panel of speakers who’ll be very familiar to anyone who follows RTE’s election coverage: Theresa Reidy, Gary Murphy and Aidan Regan.
• Saturday afternoon begins with a interview with Fintan O’Toole (The Irish Times) and Sam McBride (The Belfast Telegraph) on the possibility of a United Ireland.
• Saturday afternoon will also feature policy discussions with John Prendergast (Conradh na Gaeilge), Frank O’Connor and Jude Sherry (Derelict Ireland), Pádraic Fogarty (Irish Wildlife Trust) and Dold D’Hondt (Save our Sprat, Bantry)

Your ticket includes entry and refreshments on both days, including lunch on Saturday afternoon.

ELECTION OF PARTY OFFICERS
Each delegates at Conference can vote in the election of Party Chair, Party Vice-Chair, and members of the National Executive and Standing Orders Committee. Hustings for these elections have taken place, and a recording can be viewed here.

KODZO SELORMEY MEMORIAL AWARD
We are proud to announce the establishment of the Kodzo Selormey Memorial Award, an annual honour in memory of our late Treasurer and friend, Kodzo Selormey. This award will celebrate his legacy by recognising members who continue his work, activism, inclusion, and commitment to our shared values.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please be sure to let us know by emailing conference@socialdemocrats.ie