A more streamlined version of this information is at the main page, also known as version 3.
We apologise that this information wasn’t available much earlier. We could give you excuses and tell you how and why, but it doesn’t matter. We messed up and are tremendously sorry for the difficulties this causes. Due to the restrictions on their activities relative to adults, all Young Adult members under the age of 18 are eligible to receive a refund of the difference between the Young Adult and Child member rates at the time they purchased their membership. These refunds will be processed at the convention at the Child and Young Adult Check-in Table. We continue to advocate for the maximum flexibility we can achieve for parents and children, and this information may be updated in the future (this is version 2 of the rules, you can read version 1 here). Additionally, we have been and will continue to communicate about these rules directly via email to parents and young adult members, and encourage parents and teen members with questions about what this means for them to contact mss-dh@dublin2019.com.
Irish child protection guidelines make the strong recommendation that children 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult at all times. This adult does not need to be their parent. Any volunteers with the convention who have children under their care as part of their formal convention volunteer activities must be vetted by the Irish Gardaí (police).
Additionally, the Irish alcohol licensing laws are quite specific about when minors can be in licensed spaces and whether they must be in the care of an adult. The Convention Center Dublin (CCD) is a licensed space, so the rules we must enforce there are more strict than the child protection guidelines. Up until very recently both the CCD and Dublin 2019 believed our event would be licensed as a private function (like a wedding), which would allow us more flexibility. However, as drinks are being purchased on the premises, even in limited areas, the convention center needs to apply for a special license to extend the hours when they can serve alcohol past 10pm. As a result the entire building is then covered under the prescription of the standard licensing laws in Ireland.
In addition to the CCD, during the day, many convention functions will be taking place at Point Square. Point Square is not a licensed location, and thus different rules apply there than at the CCD. Point Square consists of the adjoining buildings of the Point Square Shopping Centre and the Gibson Hotel. Point Square serves as a creative hub highlighting science and the visual arts. The majority of programme items dealing with science & technology, art, costuming, and comics and graphic novels will be located there. It will also house the Art Show and Print Shop, Lego showpieces from Brick.ie (amongst other displays), and collaborative art projects for members to participate in, including letterpress printing with the National Print Museum and crafting sessions.
Within the CCD, we have designated the Level 4 Foyer and the Auditorium as no-alcohol-allowed spaces, which is why those locations are called out below. The Level 4 foyer will have a bar serving non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks, and after 8 pm a portion of the space will be set aside as a teen lounge with games and other activities, with additional space set aside for parents to hang out. The Auditorium is where large events such as the Hugo Awards and Masquerade will occur, and specifying it as a no-alcohol area allows everyone to attend those events, regardless of timing.
Age Related Rules and Restrictions
Children 10 and under
- At both Point Square and the CCD, children 10 and under should be within pointing distance of their responsible adult at all times.
- After 10 pm at the CCD, they can only be in the Auditorium, on the Level 4 Foyer, or in transit on their way out of the building or to/from these locations.
- May be in children’s programming or childcare, see below for more information
Children age 11 and 12
- At Point Square, they may be on their own if their responsible adult is in the same building and both child and responsible adult know where the other is located
- At the CCD, they must be within pointing distance of their responsible adult at all times
- After 10 pm at the CCD, can only be in the Auditorium, on the Level 4 Foyer, or in transit on their way out of the building or to/from these locations.
- May be in children’s programming or childcare, see below for more information
Young Adults age 13 and 14 (Early Teens)
- Early Teens may be at the Point Square location independently.
- At any time of the day, including after 10 pm, Early Teens can be in the Auditorium or on the Level 4 Foyer on their own, so long as their responsible adult is in the building and they each know where the other is located.
- At other locations within the CCD, Early Teens must be within pointing distance of their responsible adult.
- Some children’s programming (at the Spencer Hotel) will be suitable/appealing for Early Teens, and they can attend these items independently.
- Early Teens can volunteer independently in children’s program. For other jobs they must be accompanied by a parent.
Young Adults age 15-17 (Teens)
- Teens can attend the convention independently at both CCD and Point Square locations, but must provide contact information for a responsible adult.
- After 10 pm at the CCD, Teens can only be in the Auditorium, on the Level 4 Foyer, or in transit on their way out of the building or to/from those locations.
- Can volunteer for most jobs (move-in and build jobs are restricted to those age 16 or older).
Children’s Programme and Childcare
Dublin 2019 will be offering a wide array of children’s programming during the day at the Spencer Hotel. There will also be evening family activities. In addition, we are offering paid childcare, and in response to these new restrictions, have lowered the rates from those previously published. Space is limited, however, and advance signup highly encouraged. Follow the links to learn more about both of those options and see below for how your child’s age impacts availability.
- Children age 0-12 – can be in paid childcare offered by professional, Garda vetted childminders
- Children age 3-5 – can attend some children’s programming if accompanied by an adult
- Children age 6-12 – can attend children’s programming on their own if signed in and out by an adult, as we have Garda-vetted volunteer staff in this location. Can volunteer for some roles if accompanied by an adult on their shifts.
- Teens aged 13-14 – can attend children’s programming on their own
Badge Pickup and Registration
Young Adult members – We will need to verify your age at the convention before giving you a badge. If you are 18 or over, you must bring age verifying identification in order to receive an adult badge. You will start by visiting the registration line, where you will receive your name sticker, then proceed to the Child and Young Adult Check-in Table for age verification and to receive your badge, which will be color coded for people under 18. Everyone under 18 must also provide contact information for a parent/responsible adult.
Child and Infant members – You will pick up your badge at registration, but must visit the Child and Young Adult Check-in Table to provide contact information for a parent/responsible adult.