Planning your next conference or corporate event? With exciting cities, dazzling countryside and excellent venues in abundance, Ireland is an international location that recommends itself!
Getting there
Getting on a plane can make an event extra special for delegates and when that flight is to Ireland, only 30 mins or so from the UK, that ‘getting away’ feeling is easily achieved.
Ireland takes some beating in terms of its scenery, culture, friendly welcome and excellent value for money. Dublin couldn’t be easier to get away to as Dublin Airport has daily flights to all main UK and European cities, serving over 180 routes. Regular ferries are also available from the UK.
Dublin
Dublin itself is a lively city which welcomes all visitors, leisure and business alike, and has a variety of conference, meeting and event venues on offer. The most recent of these is The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) opened in 2010. Located in the docklands area, only 15 mins from the airport, this state of the art purpose built facility can cater for up to 5,500 delegates and includes a 2,000 seat auditorium. Some of the meeting rooms are really impressive.
Another modern yet quirky city venue, The Guinness Storehouse with its flexible spaces, uninterrupted views over the city and fascinating story, can provide for 10-2000 guests. Don’t forget the team building activities … and your Certificate for pulling the perfect pint of Guinness.
If you’re looking for character with more than a dash of history, the distinctive hotels of the O’Callaghan Hotel Group, in the heart of Georgian Dublin, can cater for up to 400 guests or they can partner up to cater for larger conferences across 3 hotels.
For grand rooms with a difference, the luxury 5 star Westin Dublin has 6 different conference rooms including the opulent Banking Hall dating back to 1893 which caters for up to 250 guests.
Rural venues
Outside Dublin, but still within a short drive from both the city and airport, there is a wealth of rural venue options, many offering a unique delegate experience in terms of historic spaces, scenic surroundings, corporate golf or teambuilding activities.
Large scale events for up to 4100 delegates can be hosted by the convention and events centre at Citywest Hotel, which also offers an 18 hole golf course. A Luas light-rail stop on the doorstep allows Dublin to be reached in only 30 mins. This is a fabulous venue for Gala dinners or live bands.
Historic venues include Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, an amazing venue in County Meath, which blends Georgian and contemporary architecture to cater for up to 400 delegates. The surrounding manicured lawns and mature woodlands are a great space for teambuilding, hiding in the woods or playing croquet on the lawn.
In County Kildare, Killashee Hotel offers the Victorian grandeur of the Original House with the latest technology in its meeting rooms and Innovation Centre. Wow up to 500 delegates with private dining in the stunning dining room. Outside there is plenty of room for some fabulous team building.
Also in Kildare, Carton House Hotel set in 1,100 acres of private parkland, has been hosting guests since 1739. This hotel has a purpose built events centre hosting up to 500 and has a variety of leisure options including corporate golf and tennis. The on site corporate events company, Ireland Xtreme, offers exciting forest adventure ropes courses, 4×4 driving, archery, falconry and clay pigeon shooting.
Coastal venues
For venues with breathtaking sea views we like the coastal setting of Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links. Once the seaside home of the Jameson Distillery dynasty, its period style boardroom can cater for up to 300 delegates. The luxurious 5-star Lough Erne Resort, home to the G8 Summit in 2013, also gets our vote. Set on a private 600 acre peninsula, this offers a 36 hole golf experience and a tailor made programme of activities.
For help with conferences, meetings and events in Ireland please contact Bien Venue on 01625 877776 or email us at sales@bvevents.co.uk