“Ireland. It’s the one place on earth that heaven has kissed with melody, mirth, and meadow and mist.” - Irish Blessing
I certainly felt blessed to experience all of the above during a recent two-week journey to Ireland, soaking in the country’s local music, its people’s dry wit and gregarious nature, an unending lush landscape, and the persistent drizzle and fog that help sustain its striking 40 shades of green.
That spirit also reflects in its business culture, as inimitable venues and experiences welcome groups.
“Over the last five years, Ireland has had cumulative growth of 35 percent in the business tourism sector,” said Tourism Ireland, North America Executive Vice President Alison Metcalfe. “It is estimated there will be over 100 meetings and other business events in Ireland this year, involving 25,000-plus visitors and generating millions for the economy.”
Meet in Ireland is the official MICE brand, comprised of three tourism authorities: Tourism Ireland, Failte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
Dublin
Vibrant Dublin is as lively and jovial as any traditional Irish pub. Its Temple Bar hearkens New Orleans’ French Quarter at Mardi Gras, while its downtown core impresses with epic libraries and museums, and parks filled with statues and written markers documenting the country’s challenging past.
“What is unique about Dublin is not a landmark like many other cities, it is its people,” said Sam Johnston, manager of the Dublin Convention Bureau. “The friendly locals will make delegates feel welcome while those working in the meetings industry have a passion and a pride, meaning they want your event to be the best ever.”
Ireland’s capital city is easy to get to, with 55 airlines from 180 destinations, and the airport only 20 minutes from the city center.
One of Europe’s most visited attractions, Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse, serves as both a repository for Dublin’s famed beer and a group venue.
“There is only one ‘Home of Guinness’ where you can taste the freshest pint of the ‘Black Stuff’ anywhere and learn the art of pouring it,” Johnston said. “You can completely take over the
Guinness Storehouse, Ireland’s top visitor attraction, with a capacity for up to 2,000, or do something very intimate in the Connoisseur Bar, where 12 people can learn about the derivations of Guinness and pair them with foods.”
Dublin also offers groups access to its castles, cathedrals and art galleries, according to Johnston. The oldest-built structure in Dublin, the crypt in Christ Church Cathedral, opens to groups for a private dinner or pre-dinner drinks before partaking in a gala banquet in the nave of the Cathedral.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Ireland, can host seated dinners for up to 300 and cocktail receptions for up to 1,000. The recently renovated Lady Chapel provides a more intimate setting.
In Trinity College groups can see the famed Book of Kells—an illustrated manuscript from the 9th century—then move upstairs to the barrel-vaulted ceiling Long Room Library for drinks before crossing the cobbled courtyard for dinner in the Dining Hall, according to Johnston.
Just as prominent on the city’s landscape, Dublin Castle offers groups use of its conference, reception and dining facilities. The city’s National Gallery of Ireland also caters to groups for receptions and dinners.
Among the city’s updates, the former Old Jameson Distillery recently underwent a major refurbishment and reopened as Jameson Distillery Bow Street.
Citywest Hotel is undergoing a multimillion-dollar upgrade, and the Hilton Garden Inn is adding an additional floor of 85 rooms to take it to 324 in total. Trinity City Hotel is adding an extra 60 rooms.
Galway
Whether it’s a fiddler on a high-wire serenading pedestrians below with a rendition of Fiddler on the Roof or a three-piece belting out traditional Irish folk tunes, bustling, bohemian Galway is a group magnet.
Walking the city is a prime attraction, including the promenade along Galway Bay and to the city’s renowned Spanish Arch, dating to 1584.
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For group venues, the Galway Arts Centre showcases national and international contemporary arts. Its 82-seat Nun’s Island Theatre is open for receptions.
Nearby historic sites include 15th century Cloonacauneen Castle, which offers space for group functions, as well as Ross Castle, located on the shores of Lough Sheelin, which can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Cork
Cork, home of the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, is the international gateway to Ireland’s Ancient East heritage region and the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s first long-distance driving route, stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. It is also home to the largest natural harbor in the world. Groups can take advantage of Cork’s aquatic setting.
“We host some of the best whale-watching in Europe,” said Seamus Heaney, manager, Cork Convention Bureau. ”Groups can even kayak right into the city center, and if you need to relax any further let the bioluminescence of Lough Hyne guide your nighttime kayak under the stars.”
Cork City Gaol, which once housed 19th century prisoners, now stands like a grand castle and can host groups for dinners.
The city is also undergoing a number of developments, including a multimillion-dollar upgrade of The Montenotte Hotel to a four-star property, according to Heaney. The Trident Hotel in Kinsale recently completed a refurbishment, with its bedrooms taking on a nautical/maritime theme.
New for the city’s small group venues is a space called Republic of Work, an airport-style business lounge.
Groups can also arrange day trips to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, a prime spot for boat tours as well as day hikes.
Kerry County
With the Wild Atlantic Way and Ring of Kerry on its doorstep, Kerry offers delegates both modern-day amenities and a link to an ancient world, according to Becky Hargrove, sales manager for the Kerry Convention Bureau.
“Easily accessible, Kerry is a safe and friendly destination serviced by three international and one regional airport,” Hargrove said. “Unrivalled facilities in idyllic locations include the purpose-built Killarney Convention Centre, Ireland’s second largest, with a capacity for up to 2,500 delegates and 26,000 acres of national park as its backdrop.”
The center offers 500 on-site bedrooms.
Area activities include trips to Gap of Dunloe, during which attendees travel on traditional boats across the triple lakes of Killarney and through the mountains on pony traps (carriages).
Lunch is accompanied by stories of Irish folklore.
Groups can also arrange journeys to Star Wars film location Skellig Michael—rugged offshore islands once inhabited by monks. For another other-worldly experience, attendees can join Steve Lynott for celestial tours at the Dark Sky Reserve.
Shannon/County Clare
“Ireland’s Shannon region in the heart of the southwest of Ireland has long been famed for its scenery—the Atlantic coastline and beaches, inland waterways, castles, the historic city of
Limerick and the Irish welcome,” said Karen Brosnahan, general manager, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau.
Within its vast expanse, resort hotel Adare Manor will reopen in September after an 18-month refurbishment. Additions include a 42-bedroom wing, bringing the total room count to 104 guest rooms. A ballroom will also be added for 350 guests, as well as a new spa. There will also be a complete redesign of the golf clubhouse and golf course.
The grand Dromoland Castle hotel is undergoing a $20 million-plus renovation, according to managing director Mark Nolan.
“Working with the architects and conservationists, we have sought to carefully integrate any new features with the original historic structures of the castle,” he said.
Aside from golf, the castle offers group activities such as horseback riding and an introduction to falconry, during which attendees can get up close and personal with trained hawks, falcons and a variety of magnificent owls.
