Animation Dingle 2026 Careers Fair

One of Europe’s premier animation festivals, Animation Dingle, held its 14th edition from 19–21 March 2026 in the picturesque town of Dingle, Co. Kerry, under the theme “Connected By Stories”. During the event, the Careers & Recruitment Fair took place, sponsored by StoryToys, the multi‑award‑winning developer of interactive and educational digital content for children.

Building Industry Bridges: StoryToys Sponsors Careers Fair

Now in its fourth year, the StoryToys Careers & Recruitment Fair has become one of the festival’s most rapidly growing and dynamic programme elements. StoryToys’ sponsorship underscores the festival’s commitment to nurturing and supporting the next generation of animation talent. The fair provides students with direct insight into the wide variety of career opportunities within animation – from storytelling, visual development and character design to technical production and emerging digital roles. Studios and organisations travel to Dingle specifically to meet, mentor and recruit new talent, making the event a unique gateway from education into employment.

This year’s fair was attended by Norma Foley T.D., Ireland’s Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, highlighting the national importance of building inclusive and accessible pathways into the country’s creative industries.

Emmet O’Neill, Founder and CEO of StoryToys, commented on the sponsorship:

“We see recruitment as a long‑term investment in the future of the industry, and that starts with strong links between education, animation and games. The event is exceptionally well run and very much aligned with our values. It’s a chance to connect with emerging talent and support the next generation of creatives as they come through.”

Screen Ireland Joins as Industry Partner – International Stars Gather in Dingle

This year’s festival was supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland as its official Industry Partner. Its CEO, Désirée Finnegan, said:

“Screen Ireland is proud to support Animation Dingle this year as its official Industry Partner. The festival is an important opportunity for international broadcasters, producers and distributors to meet and connect with Ireland’s exceptional animation talent and world‑class studios. The Animation Dingle programme highlights the strength, creativity and global impact of Irish animation, and we look forward to another inspiring showcase of animated storytelling.”

Highlights of Animation Dingle 2026

• 70 Years of The Jim Henson Company: A special presentation celebrating the studio’s legacy with Bryan O’Connell, Vice President of Children’s Television, and Tara Billik, Vice President of Features.
• Adapting Our Folklore for the Modern Screen: A keynote panel featuring Tomm Moore (Cartoon Saloon), Trevor Courtney (Igloo Animations), Gráinne McGuinness (Paper Owl Films) and Vanessa Robinson (Little Moon Animation).
• Celebrating 50 Years of Aardman Animations: “Shape‑Shifting for 50 Years in Clay” – a special session with Aardman co‑founder Peter Lord.
• Strange Stories with Bill Plympton: A special workshop with the legendary independent animator and two‑time Academy Award® nominee Bill Plympton.
• In Conversation with Karey Kirkpatrick: Screenwriter and director behind films including Chicken Run, James and the Giant Peach, Over the Hedge and The Spiderwick Chronicles, hosted by Jean Kitson of Kitson Press.
• StoryToys Careers and Recruitment Fair: Featuring Irish animation studios and colleges including Boulder Media, Animation Ireland, Kerry College and Pulse College.

New for 2026 – The Writer’s Confessional: A relaxed, private space where students can talk openly with industry professionals about developing and pitching their feature, series or short – a supportive conversation focused on sharing tools, experiences and the joy of writing.

International Screenings, Workshops and Networking

The festival also screened a diverse selection of animated features, shorts and series from around the world, spanning a wide range of genres and styles. Hands‑on workshops led by industry experts offered insights into animation craft, from character design to storytelling techniques. Panel discussions explored emerging trends, technological advances and the future of animation. Ample networking opportunities allowed attendees to connect with fellow animators, industry professionals and potential collaborators.

John Rice, Co‑founder of JAM Media, said:

“Animation Dingle began as a bridge between students and industry, and has grown into a community where artists, students and storytellers gather to share ideas, build connections and celebrate the timeless tradition of storytelling. It is a place where technology and creativity meet – reminding us that while the tools may change, the human need to tell and share stories never does.”

Complete list of winners

Young Animator of the Year (YAOTY) award sponsored by Disney

• The award went to Ethan Evans

Best Irish Student sponsored by RTÉ KIDS

• Awarded to Anam, by Ailbhe Fearon & Muireann Mulvihill, IADT

Anam went on to win a total of seven awards on the night!

• The Best Writer Award sponsored by Kitson Press

• The Best Art/Art Direction Award sponsored by Jam Media

• The Best 2D Award, sponsored by Cartoon Saloon

• The Best Original Score Award sponsored by SCGI

• The Best Sound Design Award sponsored by Turnip + Duck

• The Inaugural Best Irish Language Award sponsored by TG4

Best International Student sponsored by CBBC

• Awarded to Tumbleweed by Johanna Bouaoiche, Louis Creuzet, Marie Hareaux, Wilson Hinh, Arthus Mariet, Masha Moran, Gobelins.

Best Animation Award sponsored by MILKSHAKE!

• Awarded to Assimilation, by Iris Aghedo and Piotr Chodup, TUS

Best Stop Motion Award sponsored by Aardman Animations

• Awarded Death’s Peak by William Fair, National Film and Television School, UK.

Best Cinematography Award

• Awarded to The Cat Burglar by Saoirse Kelly, BCFE.

Best Director sponsored by Boulder Media

• Awarded to A Sparrow’s Song by Tobias Eckerlin, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg GmbH

Best 3D/CGI sponsored by DNEG Animation

• Awarded to The Fall by Maxime Tevissen, Tom Alcamo, Hugo Hannache, Dylan Cam, Alexandre Velves, Titouan Kervajan, Yaëlle Alberti

The Best Irish Professional Short

• Awarded to Meteoric by Paul Ó Muiris

The recipient of Animation Dingle’s Best Irish Professional Short Award is eligible for consideration in the Animation Short Film Category of the Academy Awards®.

Best International Professional Short sponsored by Nickelodeon

• Awarded to You Play Too Much by Rob Shaw.

The Big Pitcher Winner

• Awarded to Mighty Knighticorn by Caoimhe O Brien, from BCFE has won a 3-month paid internship with JAM Media and will get to pitch at Cartoon Springboard later this year.

Best Sting sponsored by Monster Entertainment!

• Awarded to That One Time An Phiast Fell Through Reality by Padraig Whyte, BCFE

Best Game Sting Award, sponsored by StoryToys

• Awarded to A Silent Hero by Elisabeth Sykorova, SETU.

Murakami Award 2026 sponsored by Brown Bag Films

• Presented to Suzanne Kelly, RTÉ.

As we celebrate 14 years of Animation Dingle, it’s inspiring to see the exceptional talent and creativity on display from Ireland and around the world. This year’s festival again highlights the camaraderie and support of the animation community. We are committed to supporting these young emerging artists as they shape the future of storytelling.

Maurice Galway, Director of Animation Dingle

About Animation Dingle

Animation Dingle is one of Europe’s leading animation festivals, held each March in Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland. Through screenings, talks, workshops, a careers fair and awards, the festival is dedicated to creating a meaningful platform where emerging animators, graduates and global industry leaders can connect – driving the continued prosperity of the creative industries.