Hundreds of tattoo enthusiasts gathered at Belfast’s Europa Hotel for its first-ever tattoo convention, held over the weekend. The event featured tattoo artists from around the world, including the USA and Asia, offering flash sales for specific designs.
The convention also catered to children with various activities such as face painting, kids’ tattoos, ice cream, sweet shops, magic and mentalism shows, sword swallowing, knife throwing, hypnotists, and live music.
The event was organized by Donal Cranny from Newry, Roy Keane from County Limerick (unrelated to the footballer), and Belfast-based artist James Conway, owner of Skull and Bones Tattoo Studio.
Donal Cranny, who has lived in New York for 32 years and owns the Inkology Tattoo Art Gallery studios in New York and Los Angeles, shared that hosting the convention in Belfast was a sentimental decision for him. He also runs an annual tattoo convention in New York, while Roy organizes one in Ennis, County Clare.
“We had the idea for the convention in 2020, but then Covid happened,” Donal explained. After teaming up with James Conway last year, they decided on the Europa Hotel and are thrilled with the success.
“Growing up, the Europa Hotel was extremely famous, maybe not for the best reasons, but we saw the facility and the staff were incredible hosts,” Donal added.
The convention featured award-winning artists, including local artist Chris Crooks, known globally for his traditional Japanese art and owner of White Dragon Tattoo Studio and the Dragon Claw Whiskey brand. Artists from Taiwan, Orient Ching, and Derek Yip, were also present.
Michael Vasquez, owner of Seven Cities Tattoo Co in Virginia Beach, attended his first international convention and is now eager to travel to more.
Local businesses also participated, with three floors of the Europa Hotel dedicated to the convention. East Belfast’s Audacity Coffee provided refreshments, while Truffleupagus Vegan Yums catered to various dietary needs. A shopping market featured vendors like Lush, Fresh Garbage, and other clothing and jewelry stalls.
“There were artists from about five American states, six or seven from South America, and one from South Africa — from all over the world,” Donal noted.
The organizers are already looking forward to planning next year’s event.