Everything you need to know about RFTB 2026 so far
- RFTB-Ireland
- May 15
- 5 min read
Key Info
Date: Friday 26 June 2026 Location: Ballyconnell, Co Cavan
Venue: Lizzie Buggies Bar
Start Time: 15:30 / when buses arrive
End Time: 21:00 / when buses leave
Tickets
Ticket Price: £14 / €16
Tickets are for entry into the event, and are the same price whether you take the coach or drive yourself. The four coaches are provided free for your convenience to the inconvenient location, thanks to generous sponsorship from:
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Space is limited on the coaches! If you need a seat, grab it now. If you don’t need one, don’t take one away from someone else! If we run short, we'll have a waiting list.
Sponsors
This seems like a great place to also thank our other sponsors - Screen Ireland, Story Toys, GWUI, IWGB, IMIRT, NIGD, Italic Pig, and Spooky Doorway - without whom this event would not be taking place.
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Event Schedule
11:00 ~ Midday | Coaches depart! Each coach has their own rules. Check your ticket, be on time. |
14:00 ~ 15:00ish | Coaches arrive in Ballyconnell Mingle, meet, minigames, munch on snacks. |
15:30ish | Official Opening Kevin & Dave will kick things off, thank people, give a rundown of the day's events. |
16:00ish | Lightning Talks A selection of 10 minute talks from the North and South. If you're not into talks, go chat in the networking space. |
17:00 ~ 19:00ish | Food! We've got a food truck arriving to keep everyone happy. Please feel free to keep talking with your mouths full. |
19:00ish | Open Mic & More Lightning Talks A few more 10 minute talks from around the island. |
20:00ish | End of scheduled events The rest of the night is yours to connect and collaborate. |
21:00 ~ 22:00ish | Coaches depart for home. Again, listen out for your departure time. Some of you need to get home in time for the last train. |
What's with all the 'ish'es? | You'll see when you get here. We're pretty casual about the schedule. Except for those 10 minute talks and Open mic, we run those like the military. |
What's changing this year?
You’ve spoken, we’ve listened! Last year’s feedback form was very helpful in planning this year’s event. Most things seemed to go well but there is always room for improvement. Here are some of the things to expect this time:
Food: Last year we had a pizza buffet, which resulted in long queues and some confusion on how much each person could take. This year we're moving to a token system, so everyone gets an individual meal. There will be a 2-hour timeframe for ordering, which should mean nobody misses out. You will even have more options to pick from and can order extra out of your own pocket if you wish!
Communication: In the past, we were lacking a central place to get information. This year, we have setup a few places to make that flow of information a little easier to find and follow:
a website, which you are currently enjoying
Instagram: @runfortheborderireland
a dedicated email list (sign up in the footer)
Networking: we're always looking for new ways to help break the ice between people. We're exploring various ways to further bring folk together in as unobtrusive a manner as possible. More to come.
Frequently Asked Questions...
Why the @!&% Ballyconnell?
Back when we started RFTB, most of the Irish dev scene were in Belfast and Dublin, and Dundalk was a convenient halfway point, but it was a hell of a hike for our west-coast cousins. As the event and industry has grown, we stretched out westward to find a new central point along the border that was equally inconvenient to the four largest game development hubs on the island.
Ergo: Welcome the @!&% to Ballyconnell!
The price has gone up a little since last year - why is that?
Unfortunately the costs of everything has crept up a little in general. Specifically, we have had to try something new with how we are providing food to better cater for everyone, which comes with inevitable extra costs. Run For The Border is not about profit; it's about getting the countries working together. The ticket price is set just high enough for us to cover our costs to ensure the event goes smoothly and everyone is satisfied. Any extra at the end goes towards future RFTBs.
What if I am not travelling from any of the hubs above?
Coaches are departing from Belfast, Dublin, Derry and Galway. If you are coming from further afield, you are still welcome to get a coach for the final leg of your journey as long as you can get yourself to the coach on time. Go to the appropriate event page to grab one. If you are going to make your own way entirely, purchase from the 'no coach ticket' event page. Coach space limited, only take one if needed!
What if I don't need a coach seat? Can I just rock up?
Please don't just rock up. Everyone attending RFTB must purchase a ticket. Tickets cover food, venue and incidental costs for running the event. The coaches are provided as a free courtesy by our sponsors, and have nothing to do with the price of tickets. Here is the page for those driving themselves to the event: https://RFTB2026NoCoach.eventbrite.com
What can you tell me about venue accessibility?
The venue has its own car park (behind the venue).
The coach will drop everyone off at the doors.
No stairs to enter.
The majority of the interior is flat.
The venue is spacious, with both indoor and outdoor seating, plenty of social/breakout areas.
There are four toilets, all at ground level.
There is a convenience store within 200m of the entrance.
What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
Food will be provided: snacks and a meal. When booking your ticket you will be asked to fill in a dietary form and we'll aim to facilitate anything we're made aware of. You are also welcome to bring your own food or order something locally if this makes you feel more comfortable.
What if I don’t drink alcohol?
Though this All-Ireland event may be happening at an Irish Pub, there will be plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available at the venue. You can also cash your token in earlier in the day at the coffee truck.
Who are the speakers?
RFTB features a range of speakers from North and South on a variety of subjects. These are Lightning Talks - limited to 10 minutes maximum. The speakers have not yet been chosen for 2026, but applications are open.
If you're thinking about speaking at RFTB but aren't sure if it's for you, have a read of our recent blog post: Should I Speak At RFTB?
Can I speak at it?
If you’ve got something to say, we’d love to hear it. We want a wide range of experience and backgrounds to don't hesitate to take a risk and reach out. Apply here.
If you're thinking about speaking at RFTB but aren't sure if it's for you, have a read of our recent blog post: Should I Speak At RFTB?
What’s open-mic? Will there be stand up comedy?
No, no. You lot aren’t that funny. At some point in the night once everyone's comfortable, we offer up the stage to anyone for 60 seconds to say whatever they like: promote themselves, pitch their games, flaunt their skills, fish for talent, plead for work, ask for a mentor, beg for money, etc. It’s a space to shout-out why you’re here, for anyone brave enough to use it.
What if I don't know anybody? What if I'm new to the industry? Will I like it?
Run For The Border is an event designed to facilitate contacts and partnerships, from your own region or from anywhere in the North or South of Ireland. In other words, the whole point is to meet people that you’d maybe like to work with in the future.
Grab a ticket, and we'll make sure the trip is worth your while.
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