Sometimes the best tattoos are spontaneous. You’re walking down Capel Street, the idea hits you, and you think: why not today?
At XOXO Tattoo Studio, we welcome walk-ins. No appointment, no deposit, no planning required. If we have an artist available when you stop by, you can sit down and leave with fresh ink the same day.
This guide explains exactly how walk-in tattoos work in Dublin — what’s available, what to expect, and how to get the most out of a spontaneous session.
How Walk-In Tattoos Work at XOXO
It’s simple. Just walk into our studio at 112 Capel Street, Dublin 1 during opening hours, give us a phone call on +353 83 812 6727, or DM us on Instagram @xoxo.dublin to check availability. If an artist has an open slot, you can get tattooed that same day.
The Process
1. Walk in — just pop into the studio,or want to be sure give us a ring on +353 83 812 6727, or send a DM on Instagram. Tell us what you’re interested in getting — flash design? Small custom piece? A word or symbol? We’ll let you know what’s possible with the time available.
2. Choose a design — browse our flash sheets displayed in the studio, show us a reference photo on your phone, or describe your idea. For walk-ins, simpler designs work best since there’s no prep time for custom work.
3. Get tattooed — your artist will draw up or prepare the design, apply the stencil, get your approval, and start tattooing. A typical walk-in tattoo takes 30 minutes to 2 hours.
4. Pay and go — no deposit needed for walk-ins. You pay the full amount when the tattoo is done. We accept cash or payment apps (subject to artist approval).
🕐 Best Times to Walk In
Weekday afternoons (Monday to Friday, 12pm-4pm) tend to have the most availability. Saturdays and Sundays are our busiest days. For the best chance of getting seen quickly, try earlier in the week.
What Can You Get as a Walk-In?
Walk-ins are perfect for certain types of tattoos. The best walk-in choices are:
Flash Designs
Flash tattoos are pre-drawn designs by our artists, ready to tattoo immediately with no design time needed. They’re often our most creative and exciting pieces — designs the artists have drawn because they’re passionate about them. Flash pieces typically start from €80 and are the fastest option for walk-ins.
Small Custom Pieces
If you have a simple idea — a word, a date, a small symbol, a tiny floral — an artist can usually draw it up on the spot. Small custom walk-ins typically start from €80-€150 depending on complexity.
Lettering and Script
Names, dates, coordinates, short quotes — these are ideal for walk-ins. The design process is quick and the tattooing is straightforward.
Flash and small designs — perfect for walk-ins at XOXO
What’s NOT Ideal for Walk-Ins
Large custom pieces, full sleeves, and highly detailed realism work require design preparation time and longer sessions. For these, we recommend booking an appointment so your artist can prepare properly and dedicate the right amount of time.
— XOXO Tattoo Studio Dublin
Walk-Ins for Tourists and Visitors
Visiting Dublin and want a tattoo to remember the trip? Walk-ins are the perfect option. You don’t need to plan weeks in advance or pay a deposit through a booking form — just stop by during your visit.
Our studio is located on Capel Street, right in Dublin City Centre — a 5-minute walk from Henry Street, Jervis Shopping Centre, and the Ha’penny Bridge. If you’re exploring the north side of the city, you’re practically on our doorstep.
Popular walk-in choices for visitors include Irish-themed designs (Claddagh rings, Celtic knots, shamrocks), Dublin coordinates, or simply a meaningful piece to mark the trip.
📍 How to Find Us
XOXO Tattoo Studio
112 Capel Street, Dublin 1, D01 KN72
Open Mon–Sun: 12pm–8pm | 7 days a week
Phone: +353 83 812 6727 | DM: @xoxo.dublin
5 min from Henry Street | 3 min from Jervis Luas stop
What to Bring for a Walk-In
- Photo ID — you must be 18+ with valid identification. No exceptions.
- Reference images — if you have a specific idea, having photos on your phone helps speed up the process.
- Payment — cash or payment apps (subject to artist approval). No deposit needed for walk-ins, you pay the full amount after.
- A full stomach — eat before you come. Low blood sugar and tattooing don’t mix.
- Appropriate clothing — wear something that gives easy access to the area you want tattooed.
Walk-In vs Booking: Which Is Better?
Neither is “better” — they serve different purposes:
Walk-In Is Best When:
✦ You want a flash design or something simple
✦ You’re visiting Dublin and can’t book in advance
✦ You want a spontaneous tattoo — the idea just hit you
✦ You’re flexible about which artist you work with
✦ Your design is small to medium and doesn’t need extensive preparation
Booking Is Best When:
✦ You want custom work that needs design preparation
✦ You want a specific artist
✦ Your piece is large and needs multiple hours
✦ You want a guaranteed time slot without waiting
✦ You need the design ready to go on your appointment day
Many of our clients do both — they book their larger custom pieces in advance and pop in for spontaneous flash whenever they’re in the area. There’s no wrong approach.
Walk-In Tattoo FAQs
Do I need a deposit for a walk-in tattoo?
No. Walk-ins don’t require a deposit. You pay the full amount when the tattoo is complete.
How long is the wait for a walk-in?
It depends on the day. Sometimes an artist is free immediately. Other times, you might wait 30-60 minutes. On busy days (Saturdays especially), walk-in availability may be limited. Weekday afternoons are your best bet.
Can I choose which artist does my walk-in?
You can request a specific artist, but walk-in availability depends on who’s free at the time. If you need a particular artist, booking in advance is the safer option.
Is a walk-in tattoo the same quality as a booked one?
Absolutely. The exact same hygiene standards, equipment, ink, and level of care apply to every tattoo we do — whether it’s a booked custom session or a spontaneous walk-in.
What if you’re fully booked when I walk in?
If all artists are busy, we’ll let you know honestly. You can wait if a slot opens up, come back later, or book an appointment for another day. We’ll never rush a session to squeeze you in — quality always comes first.
Can I get a walk-in tattoo as a tourist?
Yes — walk-ins are perfect for visitors. Just bring valid photo ID proving you’re 18+. A passport or national ID card works. We’ve tattooed visitors from all over the world.
Just Walk In
112 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Open 7 days, 12pm–8pm. Walk in, call +353 83 812 6727, or DM us on Instagram.
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