FAQ

General enquiries

Is conference registration still open?

We are accepting bookings until 31st July 2026. After that, registration will close. To book, please use this link:

Book via RegFox

How do I get to Maynooth?

Please check Visiting Maynooth (tab at the top of this webpage) to learn more.

Which meals are provided during the conference?

Tea, coffee, and a sandwich lunch are included in your conference registration. You have to book separately for the Welcome Buffet on Friday 21st August and the Gala Dinner on Saturday 22nd August.

Some conference excursions include lunch, and some do not - please check the individual tour description.

You will find a wide range of coffee shops, pubs and restaurants in Maynooth town centre which is a short walk from Maynooth Campus.

I have some mobility/access issues that I will need help with on campus

Please let us know as soon as possible using the Contact Form. We will do what we can to help. General accessibility information is covered on our Accessibility Page

Contact form

I registered using my real name but I want my conference badge to show my pen-name

No problem! Please let us know as soon as possible and by 30 June at the latest, using the Contact Form.

Contact form

Is there a student discount?

Unfortunately our finances do not allow us to offer any concessionary rates.

Is there a virtual conference?

Unfortunately we were unable to find an affordable virtual solution this year.

Can I sell my books at the conference?

We can only display speakers' books in the conference bookshop. There will be a table in the foyer where delegates can leave bookmarks and postcards. But it is best to regard HNS 2026 as an opportunity for networking and creative inspiration. Authors are unlikely to encounter their target readers.

I registered for the conference but I'm not getting the monthly newsletter

You need to subscribe separately to the newsletter, using this link:

Subscribe

Can I cancel my registration/ excursion/ welcome buffet /gala dinner and receive a full refund?

The deadline for cancellation refund requests is 30th June 2026

Can I still book a one to one slot with an agent / publisher?

If you haven’t booked a One2One 10 minute slot yet and would like to, you can give your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices on this link:

https://hns2024.wufoo.com/forms/hns-2026-agents-publishers-one2ones/

But be aware that Kate Nash, Justin Nash, Cate Hart and Jessica Bell and Amie McCracken are now fully booked and have no available slots. You can see details on the agents and publishers here:

https://hns2026.com/agents-and-publishers

I requested a one-to-one session with an agent using the booking link but I did’t get a confirmation email

The booking system is not automated so it may be a few days before you hear back.

I did not receive my First Chapters Competition Feedback yet

Feedbacks will be sent out before the end of June 2026.

I was asked if my personal data can be shared with Fáilte Ireland and would like to know more

The HNS 2026 conference is being sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, the national tourist authority. The grant is per overseas delegate (i.e. those who do not reside on the island of Ireland). They have asked us to be ready to provide the names and addresses of our overseas delegates. This is only for verification purposes and will not be used for any other purpose.

I am a speaker and would like more details of display screens/AV equipment in the TSI building

The TSI building is a fully equipped University teaching facility. We are trying to agree a contract for AV support with the Maynooth Campus external provider, and hope that more details will be available soon.

Excursions

Can I book an excursion?

There are a few places left on all excursions except Newgrange. You can see details here: https://hns2026.com/excursions

And book here: https://historicalnovelsocietyuk.regfox.com/hns-2026

If you aren’t going on a full day excursion, you can book a cover critique 10 min slot with Jessica Bell on Friday afternoon. This might be on your last book cover or a draft of a future one. These slots can be booked here:

https://hns2024.wufoo.com/forms/book-cover-critique/

I would like transportation to and from the Glenroyal Hotel for my excursion

All coach excursions will make a stop in the town to pick up and set down guests staying at the Glenroyal. Note that on your return from your excursion you may wish to get off at Maynooth Campus instead if you are joining the Welcome Buffet, for which the dress code is casual - no need to change.

I need to store luggage / personal belongings on the excursion coach

Please don't! We can't guarantee that the same coach will be used for the outward and return journey.

Will more excursion spots for Brú na Bóinne, Newgrange & Knowth become available?

Unfortunately these are much in demand, so we are limited to 30 places only, which were reserved back in March 2025. We are maintaining a waiting list in case anyone cancels. Each day, the Brú na Bóinne official website advertises any cancellation slots that are available that day, so you can book it privately, however we will not be able to arrange transportation for you.

I booked an excursion and I have some mobility/access issues that I need help with

Please let us know as soon as possible using the Contact Form. We will do what we can to help. Please note however that some historic sites may have access issues that are beyond our control. Check the Tour Description - there is a link for each one on the Excursions page to know more.

Contact form