DUBLIN: RISING MICE DESTINATION

By Frans Rombouts

A mere crossroads more than a millennium ago, Dublin never anticipated becoming one of Europe's most enchanting, cosmopolitan and vibrant cities. And yet, today, the rich variety of galleries, shops, and coffeehouses counterpoint innumerable examples of the city's past.
Geographically Ireland’s capital Dublin may not be in the heart of Europe, but when it comes to MICE, it is moving towards the centre very rapidly. The offer of hotels, conference centres, attractions and incentive possibilities is overwhelming that some other ‘classic’ MICE destinations should beware.

Team building exercises, sea safaris, treasure hunts and literary pub crawls (with names like Jonathon Swift, George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and William Butler Yeats to name but a few) will add excitement to your event. Dublin City has lots of festivals, events and attractions to suit every cultural taste. The internationally renowned Trinity College provides an historical setting, as does Dublin Castle, which dates back from the early 13th century. The Guinness Storehouse is another spectacular venue in –probably- the world’s most famous brewery, along with the old Jameson Distillery. Two other great venues are Malahide Castle and the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which has been beautifully restored.
Dublin’s DMCs have surprising programmes at these venues in store for you.
 
And why not take a ride in an ‘adrenaline-boosting’ powerboat along Dublin’s coastline? Or have afternoon full of live music with your guests being the musicians?
 
And an occasion not to miss, is the world famous Golf Ryder Cup, with Europe defending its title against the USA. This year it will be held from 22 to 24 September.
 
Not far from the city in County Wicklow are the Wicklow Mountains, where hills and glens, forests and waterfalls attract weekend walkers and nature-lovers. Dublin Bay, which lies between the mouth of the River Liffey and the Dalkey headland, is the site of several small coastal towns and the ferry port of Dun Laoghaire. County Kildare is a region of rich farmland and fine reputation for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, while the similar counties of Louth and Meath have evidence of early civilisations and a wealth of castles and monasteries.
Here, too DMCs are able to give your guests a thrilling experience.
What wouldn’t you think of some teambuilding including archery, clay pigeon shooting, off road driving, a mountain bike treasure trail, and much more?

With an exceptional range of facilities Dublin can easily host events for anything up to 6,500 delegates. They will all be looked after with the greatest of care. Apart from up-to-date infrastructure and welcoming hotels, all professional know of DMCs, PCOs, Event Management Companies will make sure that MICE guests won’t easily forget their Dublin experience.

Indeed, the city can cater for any type of event. And we shouldn’t forget the warm hospitability of the Dubliners – both the folk group ànd the citizens. They make everyone immediately feel at home in ‘their’ Dublin. Just walk into the pub, share a drink and a song, and you will feel accepted. Not just Guinness but the whole of Dublin is good for you.
So is the food. Although Irish food is often associated with British cuisine, Dublin and the whole of Ireland has a distinct high-quality offer including Michelin-starred restaurants. So, don’t be misled by prejudices! We especially enjoyed Peploe’s Wine Bistro and Fitzers, to name just a few.

One of Ireland’s major ‘built-in’ attractions is the variety of its landscape, and also just outside of Dublin there is much of green scenery to be enjoyed. And this is very good news for golfing enthusiasts.

The vibrant city of Dublin is renowned for its beautiful Georgian architecture, for its literary connections and for its sheer liveliness and sense of fun. The choice of accommodation is huge, and many hotels are within a short stroll from the city centre. Grafton Street and Temple Bar abound with excellent shopping ad top-class restaurants. There is music, art and theatre everywhere.

After my visit of Dublin I soon realised that it would be impossible to mention all hotels, conference centres, attractions and other MICE suppliers. The list simply would be too long. So, here’s my own shortlist, far from being complete. For a comprehensive list of al facilities I refer to the three ladies of the Dublin Convention Bureau, who will be please to send you their manuals and brochures, all packed with information and useful hints for MICE organisers.

So, here goes!

MICE SUPPLIERS

Advantage ICO
Advantage ICO is a specialist company providing management skills and expertise to clients in the sector of conferences, destination management, events and incoming tours.
Advantage ICO has been in the MICE branch since 1982. Since then the company has developed into one of the leading conference, event and destination management companies in Ireland.

A12 Calmount Park, Calmount Road, Dublin 12
Tel. +353-1-450 2422, fax +353-1-450 2954
info@advantageico.com

BRAVO! Integrated Event Solutions
Bravo! provides full service event management solutions. In fact, we are more than event managers, we're event creators.
Bravo! event management services offer original themes and highly professional productions that are guaranteed to make your event stand out in the memories of your guests.

10 Westland Square
Dublin 2
Tel. +353-1-674 5930, fax +353-1-674 5940
info@bravo.ie, www.bravo.ie

Abbey Conference Services
Abbey Conference Services is a specialist division of Abbey Tours, one of Ireland’s longest established travel companies, which deals exclusively with all aspects of conference and incentive management.
The company is a member of the AIPCO (Association of the Irish Professional Conference Organisers).

City Gate, 22 Bridge Street Lower,
Dublin 8
Tel. +353-1-679 9144, fax +353-1-679 8194
info@abbey.ie, www.abbeyconference.com

Conference Partners
Conference Partners specialises in conference and event management: association conferences, corporate events and corporate meetings. The services range from strategic programme design to venue search.

2nd Floor Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park
Dublin 14
Tel: +353-1-296 8688
Fax: +353-1-296 8678
info@conferencepartners.ie, www.conferencepartners.ie

VENUES

Jameson Distillery
Nestling in the heart of old Dublin, just one minute's walk north of the River Liffey, lies the old Jameson Distillery on the site of the original Jameson Distillery, with its origins dating back to the year 1780.
It has been open as a visitor centre since November 1997 and introduces .... visitors to the taste and history of John Jameson's Irish Whiskey.
The venue also receives MICE groups in French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and English.

Bow Street
Smithfield, Dublin 7
Tel. +353-1-807-2355, fax: +353-1-807-2369
www.whiskeytours.ie

Guinness Storehouse
This building was once a central part of the brewing process of the famous Guinness. Situated in the St. James's Gate Brewery, the history of Guinness is steeped within its walls. Once the place where fermentation took place - in 2000, the Storehouse was transformed into Guinness Storehouse, complete with a panoramic rooftop bar.
From the outside, the building is the epitome of purposeful, industrial architecture. From the inside, it is a revelation in contemporary design. The Guinness Storehouse is a working building, offering the Irish and international business communities an unparalleled range of unique rooms, spaces and facilities for seminars, meetings and events from 10 up to 1000 people.

St. James Gate
Dublin 8,
Tel. +353-1-408-4800 Fax +353-1-408-4965
www.guinness-storehouse.com

MICE HOTELS

The Westin *****
Behind the historic-listed facade of the former Allied Irish Bank built in 1863, The Westin Dublin is the new landmark in Ireland's capital, occupying a city block opposite Trinity College.
Irish charm and elegance are to be found in all of the 163 guest rooms. The original 19th-century Banking Hall, timelessly restored, seats over 250 people. In addition there are seven elegant small meeting rooms, each named after old Irish coins - with sophisticated conference technology and natural daylight. There is wireless high speed Internet access in all meeting & event facilities.

Westmoreland Street
Dublin 2
Tel. +353-1-645 1000, fax +353-1-645 1234
yvonne.donohue@westin.com, www.westin.com/dublin

The Berkeley Court *****
This five-star hotel is a natural host to international dignitaries, top business people and leisure travellers alike. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites that are equipped for all today's technological needs, while upholding the highest standards of comfort and elegance.
Apart from the 186 guest rooms, the accommodation also includes a magnificent penthouse suite, which has been popular with visiting dignitaries and stars, including the greatest entertainer of them all, Frank Sinatra.
The hotel’s lavish conference and banqueting centre for up to 450 people is self-contained on the ground floor, alongside a fully equipped Business Centre and four dedicated boardrooms. A further selection of smaller meeting and private dining rooms are conveniently situated on the second floor. High speed Internet access capability is available in all meeting rooms, public areas and bedrooms.

Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4, Ireland
Tel. +353-1-665 3200, fax +353-1-661 7238
www.jurysdoyle.com

Brooks Hotel ****
Located on Drury Street within a few minutes walk of Dublin's famed Grafton Street, Temple Bar and Trinity College, Brooks' is a four-star designer/boutique hotel catering for guests who value difference and for whom ambience, décor and quality of service are important. Designed to the highest standard this contemporary hotel enjoys superb facilities throughout and offers guests a haven of peace within a bustling capital city.
Fully air-conditioned throughout, Brooks offers dedicated meeting facilities for up to 60 people including an internationally designed screening room which is the ideal venue for corporate presentations, exhibitions, seminars and product launches at the top end of the market. Every facility for ensuring a successful event is on hand at Brooks Hotel; high speed internet access and audiovisual equipment which can be arranged according to your requirements.
For those who need the privacy of a well equipped office then our Business Centre is ideal, with computer and internet access it provides the environment and equipment necessary in such a facility.

Drury Street
Dublin
Tel. +353-1-670 4000, fax +353-1-6704455
reservations@brookshotel.ie

The Merrion *****
Since opening in 1997, the Merrion Hotel has established itself as the epitome of relaxed grandeur, welcoming is guests with stunningly appointed rooms, crackling turf fires and a host of facilities.
Behind the refined exterior, The Merrion has revived a 200-year-old tradition of gracious living amidst elegant surroundings.
Each of the six private dining rooms is decorated in suitable grand style, using rich 18th-century colours and fabrics. Great care has been taken to retain all the architectural features for which Georgian Dublin is so famous - intricate plasterwork, high ceilings and large windows. Flowers, candlelight, shining silver and the finest Irish linen complete the picture.
Here, a combination of 21st-century technology and 18th-century luxury creates a unique corporate setting.
The Merrion Hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel. +353-1-603 0600, fax +353-1-603 0700
info@merrionhotel.com, www.merrionhotel.com

Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport ****
This luxurious hotel is set in a tranquil mature parkland setting The Hotel is situated in near Dublin Airport, near the M1/M50 motorways and the Dublin business districts including the IFSC, as well as the historic sites and attractions of Dublin City Centre.
The Crowne Plaza Club floor comprises an exclusive executive lounge and luxury hotel suites.
A 24-hour Courtesy Coach is available to/from Dublin Airport–with a journey time of just 5 minutes.
In addition Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport features 21st century technology including high-speed Internet access. The hotel has a purpose built ground floor Meeting Success Conference Centre, offering conference rooms to accommodate from 2 to 240 delegates. The state-of-the-art conference centre offers 12 purpose-built conference rooms, accommodating up to 200 delegates, including an Executive Boardroom.
An enhanced and extended Conference and Event Centre will open later this year. The site will then be able to hold 750 delegates. It will contain 23 meeting rooms, as well as 204 deluxe 4-star and 114 3-star bedrooms

Northwood Park Santry Demesne
Dublin 9, Ireland
Tel. +353-1-862 8888, fax +353-1-862 8800
chaustein@crowneplazadublin.ie, www.cpdublin-airport.com

Four Seasons Dublin *****
Set within the Royal Dublin Society show grounds, this hotel offers technological advancement in a period-style ambience beautifully in tune with the historic neighbourhood. It is located among the Georgian residences and embassies of Ballsbridge, yet reflecting the energy of Dublin.
All 259 elegant guest rooms and suites offer expansive views of the hotel gardens, on Dublin Bay or the Wicklow Mountains. Each room features two-line speaker phones, data port for personal computers, high-speed Internet access, satellite television, CD player, bar and in-room safe.
Four meeting rooms for small to mid-sized private parties have direct access to outdoor garden areas.
On the ground level, the Ballroom and Junior Ballroom offer some 790 sq.m. of flexible space for conferences and banquets.

Simmonscourt Road, Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Tel. +353-1-665 4000, fax +353-1-665 4099
www.fourseasons.com/dublin

The Morgan ****
In the heart of Dublin's city centre lies the Morgan Hotel, a cool chic design hotel with luxury extended stay apartments. Located in the centre of Dublin's trendy Temple Bar, it is a very cool oasis of calm in this bustling metropolitan city.
The Morgan Hotel offers easy convenient access to all of Dublin's main attractions and is within walking distance of The Point, The Olympia, Vicar Street and the infamous Grafton Street for all your shopping needs.
The Morgan Hotel, part of the world-renowned Fitzpatrick group, offers a unique and personal touch that makes a lasting impression, bothin the public spaces and in the 106 bedrooms and 15 extended stay suites.
It has a fresh approach to the design of the meeting suites and boardrooms by moving away from traditional heavy dark wooden interiors. The six rooms are bright and airy with glass top boardroom tables and comfortable leather seating, ready to set the tone for a productive meeting or gathering.

10 Fleet Street 10
Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Tel. +353-1-643 7000, fax+353-1-643 7060
sales@themorgan.com

Osprey Hotel & Spa ****
The Osprey Hotel is the main part of the Osprey complex which includes Life Health and Leisure, The Osprey Spa, Time Bar and Venue, and 70 Garden Apartments. The hotel with 104 rooms is a 'World Apart with Everything in It'.
There are two bars, a restaurant serving fusion cuisine, function rooms to cater for up to 260 guests in banquet style and meeting rooms to cater for up to 350 delegates. The hotel is styled in a contemporary manner. It is situated in Naas town. 'Nas Na Riogh', as it is called in Irish, is the 'Meeting Place of Kings' because of its ancient location as a crossroads to and from Dublin, and its traditional location as the principal governmental administrative centre in the county.

Tel. +353-45-88 1111, fax +353-45-881 1112
info@osprey.ie, www.osprey.ie

CityWest Conference and Golf Hotel ****
Ireland’s premier conference, leisure & golf resort is one of Europe’s most popular international conference destinations. The Citywest Hotel is 20km from Dublin airport and 15km from Dublin City Centre.
The Resort offers conference facilities for up to 4,000 delegates in 18 meeting rooms and two ballrooms.
The hotel accommodation includes 1,147 hotel rooms, suites and self-contained suites, lively bars and restaurants. All rooms are en-suite and feature multi-channel TV, radio, ISDN/Broadband, internet access (on request), air conditioning (on request), smoking and non smoking rooms, tea & coffee making facilities, trouser press & ironing board and hairdryer.
An additional 167 superbly finished new guest rooms are ready to be added to the Country House Hotel at the moment of writing.
There are a state of the art leisure centre and two superb Christy O’Connor Jr designed golf courses.

Citywest Hotel, Conference, Leisure & Golf Resort
Saggart, Co Dublin, Ireland
Tel. +353-1-401 0500, fax: +353-1-401 0945
sales@citywesthotel.com, www.citywesthotel.ie

CONFERENCE CENTRES

Trinity College Dublin
The University of Dublin, Trinity College, founded in 1592, is the oldest university in Ireland. Trinity College is the only college of the University. Standing on a self-contained site in the heart of Dublin, the College covers some 20 hectares of cobbled squares and green spaces, around buildings which represent the accumulated architectural riches of nearly three centuries. Its 13,500 staff members and students form a compact academic community and are at the same time an intimate part of the city's life. Dublin offers a particularly congenial atmosphere for students and, while small by international standards, it has in all respects the resources of a capital city with a full and varied cultural and intellectual life.
Trinity College is one of Irelands leading historical sites, attracting in excess of half a million visitors every year. Heritage attractions available to visitors include The Book of Kells. Written around the year 800 AD, it contains a richly decorated copy of the four gospels in a Latin.
Conference organizers can use the College’s lecture theatres and seminar, the largest holding 408 delegates. Accommodation facilities include 900 bedrooms.

Accommodation Office, West Chapel
Trinity College
Dublin 2
Tel. +353-1-608 1177, fax +353-1-671 1267
reservations@tcd.ie, www.tcd.ie/conferences

Helix@DCU
This is a brand new and breath-taking performing arts centre and conference venue.
Situated at Dublin University, the Helix is a striking three-storey building in the round, with gently curved stonewalls and an arresting glass fly tower. It has been designed to the highest technical and acoustic specifications. Apart from the usual musical and theatrical performances, the Helix is very well suitable for conference, seminars and corporate hospitality. Three auditoria have the capacity to accommodate from 145 to 1,260 people.

Collins Avenue,
Glasnevin, Dublin 9
Tel. +353-1-700 7138, fax +353-1-700 7110
darran.heany@thehelix.dcu.ie, www.thehelix.ie

The Vaults
The Vaults are located in the heart of Dublin’s City Centre. They are the perfect location for an intimate lunch or dinner. The Vaults also specialise in private dining, corporate hospitality, meetings, conferences, etc.
The Vaults offer a unique, multipurpose venue consisting of ten vaults, which can cater for up to 1000 guests. Whether it is a sit-down dinner, buffet, canapé party or drinks reception, The Vaults provide a fantastic venue for all occasions.

Harbourmaster Place
IFSC, Dublin 1
Tel. +353-1-605 4700, fax +353-1-605 4701
Email: info@thevaults.ie

TRANSPORT

Railtours Ireland
Railtours Ireland, in association with Iarnród Éireann, offer visitors to Dublin the chance to see a great portion of Ireland that they would not normally not be able to experience comfortably in one or more days.
Railtours Ireland offers a wide range of extended train tours of one or more days. For MICE groups the company has dedicated products, including vintage trains that run scenic trajects.
This is a good way to enjoy Ireland's natural beauty. From the mountains and lakes of Killarney and Connemara, to the rugged coastline of Galway Bay, and the Burren of County Clare. The Titanic's last port of call at Cobh, County Cork, the Blarney Stone, and Waterford's Seafaring Viking heritage are all within reach while your guests sit back and relax as your comfortable train glides through County Wicklow - the Garden of Ireland.

Railtours House, 16 Amiens Street
Dublin 1
Tel. +353-1-856 0045, fax +353-1-856 0035
info@railtoursireland.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DUBLIN’S MICE OPPORTUNITIES:

Dublin Convention Bureau – Ms Jean Evans
Dublin Tourism Centre
Suffolk Street
Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel. +353-1-6057782, fax +353-1-6057781
jevans@dublinconventionbureau.com, www.dublinconventionbureau.com