National Education Show Returns to RDS Dublin This March
If you've ever found yourself down a rabbit hole at 11pm researching schools, questioning curriculum changes or wondering what on earth AI is going to mean for your child's education… you're not alone. And there's an event coming up that might just give you some answers.
The National Education Show is returning to the RDS in Dublin on 20th and 21st March 2026, and this year it's bigger than ever. Whether you've got a toddler starting Montessori or a teenager stressing about the Leaving Cert, there's something here for you.
What's actually happening at the show?
Think of it as a one-stop shop for everything education. Over 80 exhibitors will be there showcasing the latest resources, tech and teaching tools. There'll be seminars running throughout both days covering topics that feel genuinely relevant right now. We're talking inclusive classroom practices, sustainability in schools and yes… how AI is changing the way our kids learn.
Some of the speakers lined up include Simon Airey on neuroaffirming inclusion (essential listening if your child is neurodivergent), Gavin Doyle tackling AI in education, and Edd Moore on how schools can actually make sustainability happen rather than just talk about it.
Bobby Flood, Rebecca Dunwoody and Archie Flood
For educators attending, there's the added bonus of CPD credits and a personalised CPD certificate. But honestly? Parents would get a lot out of this too. Understanding what's coming down the track in Irish education helps you support your child better. And knowing what resources and innovations are out there can make a real difference when you're trying to navigate school choices or support learning at home.
Why now?
Rebecca Dunwoody, Show Manager and Head of Operations, put it well: "The sector is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, changing curricula, and shifting expectations for learners and educators alike."
She's not wrong. Between curriculum reforms, the push for more inclusive classrooms and the creeping presence of AI in everything from homework help to assessment, Irish education is in a period of serious change. Events like this give parents and teachers alike a chance to get ahead of it rather than scrambling to catch up.
Bobby Flood and Archie Flood
The practical bits
The National Education Show 2026 takes place at the RDS Dublin on Friday 20th March and Saturday 21st March. Here's the good news: it's completely free to attend. You do need to register in advance though, so don't leave it until the last minute.
Among the exhibitors you'll find names like Educate.ie, School Computers, McSport and plenty of others offering everything from classroom tech to sports equipment. There'll be event-only discounts available too, which is always a bonus when school budgets (personal and institutional) are being stretched.
Whether you're a teacher looking for professional development, a principal trying to future-proof your school or a parent who just wants to understand what's happening in Irish education right now… this is worth putting in the calendar. Two days, one venue, the full picture from preschool to university.
Registration is open now on the National Education Show website. You can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as the event approaches.