Kinsale Winter Open 2026
Welcoming the new year on Ireland’s south coast, the Kinsale Winter Open 2026 runs January 2-4, 2026 at the waterfront Trident Hotel Kinsale in Kinsale, Co. Cork. Designed for inclusivity and strong competition, the festival features three rating-based sections, professional arbiting, and a clear five-round schedule with time control suitable for serious classical play. With a 120-player cap and discounted onsite lodging, players can focus on chess in a scenic harbor setting.
Organized in cooperation with Kinsale Chess Mates, Cork Chess Club, and the Irish Chess Union, the event offers FIDE-rated opportunities in two upper sections and ICU rating across all games. Straightforward entry via the ICU site, one optional half-point bye (not in the last round), and practical travel links from Cork City make Kinsale, Ireland, an easy, enjoyable start to your 2026 calendar.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | Friday–Sunday, January 2-4, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Trident Hotel Kinsale |
| 🏠 Address | World’s End, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 NT38, Ireland |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss (Dutch) – three sections: 1900+, 1500+, Challengers (≤1549) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move (from move 1) |
| ⭐ Rating | ICU-rated (all sections); FIDE-rated in 1500+ and 1900+ |
| ✅ Eligibility & Seeding | Primary: latest FIDE rating; else ICU rating; then verified national rating; unrated/provisional usually in Challengers (arbiter may adjust with player consent) |
| 🕰️ Default Time | 30 minutes |
| 👥 Capacity | 120 players total (all sections combined) |
| 👤 Chief Arbiter | Zsolt Kardkovács |
| 👤 Deputy Chief Arbiter | Andrew Kelly |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Total prize fund | €2,000 (subject to entry) |
| 1900+ | 1st €500 • 2nd €300 • 3rd €200 • Grading €100 |
| 1500+ | 1st €250 • 2nd €125 • 3rd €75 • Grading €50 |
| Challengers (≤1549) | 1st €125 • 2nd €75 • 3rd €50 • Grading €50 |
| Junior special | Best performance award (junior): €50 |
| Notes | One prize per player; tied top places (1st–3rd) share equally; unrated/provisional winners in Challengers or 1500+ receive 50% of stated prize; prizes paid by bank transfer after the event |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Cadence: 90′ + 30″/move from move 1; notation required throughout.
Pairings: FIDE Swiss Pairing Rules with approved software; re-pairing may occur up to default time + 10 minutes at the arbiter’s discretion.
Tie-breaks (order): Direct encounter (if any) → Modified Buchholz (cut 0,1) → Buchholz → Sonneborn-Berger → Progressive → Drawing of lots.
Fair play & devices: FIDE Anti-Cheating Regulations apply; electronic devices must be powered off and stored as directed—violations result in forfeit.
Equipment: Boards and clocks provided; digital boards and online broadcasting may be used.
Scoresheets: Property of the organizer (paper or electronic). If a player cannot record moves, an assistant acceptable to the arbiter may be used.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900+ | Elo ≥1900 | FIDE + ICU | Open championship section |
| 1500+ | Elo 1500–1949 | FIDE + ICU | Mid-section with grading prize |
| Challengers | Elo ≤1549; unrated/provisional typically here | ICU | Arbiter may reseed in consultation |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2, 2026 | 17:45 | Presence check closes & Opening |
| Fri, Jan 2, 2026 | 18:00 | Round 1 |
| Sat, Jan 3, 2026 | 10:00 | Round 2 |
| Sat, Jan 3, 2026 | 15:00 | Round 3 |
| Sun, Jan 4, 2026 | 09:00 | Round 4 |
| Sun, Jan 4, 2026 | 14:00 | Round 5 |
| Sun, Jan 4, 2026 | ~18:00 | Prize-giving (shortly after Round 5) |
📝 Registration
Enter online: Event page with entry form and updates – https://www.icu.ie/events/2064
Fees (all sections): €40 Early Bird (paid by Nov 30, 2025) • €50 Standard (Dec 1 – registration deadline) • €70 Late (if accepted).
Registration deadline: Jan 1, 2026, 23:59 (Dublin time).
Byes: One ½-point bye allowed except in Round 5. Request in writing:
Before the event: by the registration deadline.
During the event: ≤4 hours after the start of the previous round.
Withdrawals/No-shows: Uninformed absence → withdrawal.
Data & privacy: Entry implies consent to publish pairings, results, and photos and to submit data for ICU/FIDE rating; prize payments require bank details.
👥 Organizer
Run by Piece of Chess in cooperation with Kinsale Chess Mates, Cork Chess Club, and the Irish Chess Union (ICU), the Kinsale Winter Open promotes an inclusive, competitive atmosphere for players of all ages and backgrounds.
Event & entries: https://www.icu.ie/events/2064
ICU info & policies: https://www.icu.ie/
🏨 Venue
Trident Hotel Kinsale – World’s End, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 NT38, Ireland
Harbor-front hotel serving as the tournament hall and recommended base for participants. Quote code 357382 for discounted room rates (subject to hotel availability).
🛎️ Accommodation
Onsite: Trident Hotel Kinsale (ask for code 357382).
Walkable options: Actons Hotel Kinsale • Blue Haven Hotel • The White House • The White Lady • numerous B&Bs.
Nearby: Kinsale Hotel & Spa; Cork Airport Hotel (20 minutes by road or bus).
🚗 How to Get There
From Cork City (≈30 km): Drive via N71 → Halfway → R600 or via Airport → R600; Carrigaline routes via R611 also available.
Bus: From Cork (Kent Station/St. Patrick’s Quay): Bus Éireann 226 or West Cork Connect 228 to Kinsale.
Air: Cork Airport (ORK) with direct bus 226 to Kinsale.
Ferry: To Ringaskiddy (Bilbao/Roscoff), then local buses 225 → 226/228 to Kinsale.
Open your 2026 season with five classical rounds by the harbor—Kinsale Winter Open blends competitive chess, smooth logistics, and a welcoming Irish setting.