Octocon is the name given to the National Irish Science Fiction and fantasy Convention, held (almost) annually in October. It was not held in 2014 when Ireland hosted Eurocon. The last Irish Eurocon was Shamrokon, which was held in August in Dublin.
1989/1990: The convention was initiated by members of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and named by artist Peter McCanney, who created the convention's first logo.1990: Terry Pratchett was the first Guest of Honour of the convention.1995: Advertised Guest of Honour Mary Gentle had to cancel her appearance at the last minute, leading to the appointment of Kim Newman in her place.1997: This was also the year's official Eurocon, and consequently the largest Octocon to date.1998: The only one-day Octocon to date.2003: The convention took a break for a year.2004: For the first time, Octocon was held outside Ireland's capital of Dublin, in Maynooth, Co. Kildare.2008: The convention returned to Dublin.2009: The first Golden Blaster was awarded.2014: There was no October convention this year. Instead a lot of the organizers helped run the official Eurocon, Shamrokon in August.The Golden Blasters are the National Irish Science Fiction Awards for short science fiction, fantasy or horror films. Submissions can and have come from anywhere in the world, and the winners are selected by audience vote and a panel of judges.
The awards now include the Golden Blaster, The Silver Blaster and the award for the best script.
Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. DublinRoyal Dublin Hotel, DublinGlenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, Co. KildareCamden Court Hotel, Dublin 