IHCA Annual Conference Booking
The 38th IHCA Annual Conference takes place on Saturday, 17th October 2026 at Mount Juliet Estate, County Kilkenny. Book your place below.

The IHCA Annual Conference brings together senior clinicians, policymakers, and international experts to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the Irish health system.
Why Attend?
- Shape the Future of healthcare: Engage in high-level dialogue and influence national health policy.
- Collaborate & Connect: Network with fellow Consultants and healthcare leaders.
- Advocate for Change: Be part of the conversation on improving healthcare resources.
- Whether you're a Senior Consultant or newly appointed, this is your opportunity to stay informed, inspired, and involved in shaping Ireland’s healthcare future.
What to Expect
- Inspiring keynote speakers
- Expert-led panel discussions
- Interactive policy forums
- Unmatched networking opportunities
- Gala Dinner on Saturday evening — a highlight not to be missed!
We will have an exciting line up of speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities, with the 2026 Annual Conference exploring the following themes:
- Medical negligence and the cost of health related claims,
- Health funding, infrastructure investment and workforce planning requirement for the long-term sustainability of the health service,
- Consultant leadership in humanitarian care, and
- How Consultant innovation in practice is leading to better patient outcomes and increased productivity.
Among this year's confirmed speakers are:
The Hon. Mr Justice David Barniville, President of the High Court
Ms Anne O'Connor, HSE CEO
Mr Niall Conroy, Acting Chief Economist and Head of Secretariat, Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
Dr Niamh Humphries, Senior Lecturer & Head of Research, RCSI Graduate School of Healthcare Management
A full programme for the Conference will follow shortly.
Accommodation
If staying at Mount Juliet Estate, please book your room separately to the conference booking form at the bottom of this page. Should you choose to stay overnight at Mount Juliet Estate on Saturday 17th October, we can confirm that we have secured a preferred accommodation rate for attendees of €380 per room inclusive of breakfast and can be booked directly with the hotel here.
Here are some reasons to join us this October.
- First-class Conference programme with a stellar lineup of guest speakers and panellists.
- Children’s club – Don’t forget for guests staying at Mount Juliet, children’s club and child-minding options are available. Be sure to pre-book in advance when registering for the Conference.
- Indulge in an exquisite culinary experience at the Gala Dinner in the McCalmont Suite at Mount Juliet Estate. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the Green Bar followed by a black tie gala event with beautiful food, locally sourced, and networking opportunities with other guests.
- Outdoor Activities – From horse-riding and fishing to archery and falconry, Mount Juliet has an array of outdoor activities for guests to enjoy in the beauty of the Estate’s picturesque grounds and surroundings. Find out more on these Activities.
Registration Details
Conference Registration Fee: €100 (includes Gala Dinner attendance)
Optional Gala Dinner Partner Ticket: €120
Both the Conference Registration and Gala Dinner bookings can be made directly below.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Kilkenny on 17th October!
Last year's Conference was addressed by a number of high calibre speakers, including Prof Rhona Mahony, former Chair of Interdepartmental Working Group on the Rising Cost of Health-Related Claims, Mr Philip Fagan, State Claims Agency, and Ms Margaret Murphy, Patients for Patient Safety, on medical negligence.
F
urthermore, Mr Robert Watt, Secretary General, Department of Health; Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE; Prof Debbie McNamara, President, RCSI; and Dr David Niland, Medical Informaticist & former Medical Information Officer, Blackrock Health, joined IHCA President Prof Gabrielle Colleran for a panel discussion on Clinical Leadership, also moderated by Bryan Dobson.
The specific role of the Clinical Director was further discussed by Dr Ike Okafor, then Clinical Director, Children’s Health Ireland, Dr Amanda Burke, National Clinical Lead for HSE Child and Youth Mental Health, and Prof Nóirín Russell, Clinical Director, CervicalCheck.
A similar selection of high calibre speakers are arranged for the 2026 Annual Conference in Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny this October.
CME/CPD Credits & Costs
The conference normally carries between 4 and 6 Credits for CPD Scheme purposes and should as a result also be eligible for CME costs for attending the conference. Attendance costs are eligible for CME reimbursement in accordance with the HSE CME guidelines. Further details on CPD Credits for this year's Conference will be confirmed in due course.
Childcare Facilities
Childcare will once again be provided complimentary of the IHCA for registered attendees on the day of the conference. This will be provided for by way of the Hotel's Juniors club. For further details please email c.boylan@ihca.ie.