insight into Dublin

the jewel in the emerald isle

In our series of destination insights we feature programme ideas, activities and venues that we believe represent the best that Dublin has to offer. We hope that this provides a basis from which we can work with you to develop a programme that works best for your people, your business and fits your budget.
Remember that here at eventwise we pride ourselves in designing unique programmes and developing ground breaking ideas, so this insight is just a taster of what may be possible for your event.

Dublin overview

Dublin's landscape has changed immeasurably over the past decade, these days it ranks among the top tourist destinations in Europe, this vibrant city hums with a palpable sense that it is creating a new cultural heritage.
The city's recent burst of prosperity gave it a new confident sheen, but what remains special is it's spirit, which ensures that, despite whirlwind changes, Dublin remains one of Europe's most down-to-earth, friendly and accessible cities.
Party in Temple Bar, immerse yourself in ancient history at the Museum of Ireland, discover the city's literary heroes, sail the Dublin coast or just kick back and relax in one of the Dublin's many fantastic venues, known for their friendliness and live music performances.

getting there

The nearest airport is Dublin Airport, which is approximately 25 minutes drive from the city centre.
There are various major airlines operating from London to Dublin, for example, each day between British Airways and Aer Lingus you have a choice of 7 flights from London Gatwick, 15 flights from London Heathrow as well as departures from London City.
It is also important to note that there are various ‘low-cost' flights each day from carriers such as Easyjet and Ryanair, including flights from London Stansted.
Flight duration varies a little depending on carrier, but is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Although we don't recommend travelling by ferry there is a choice of over 8 crossings a day, which could come in handy when bringing large equipment for a conference, for example.

where to stay

The Westbury *****
Chic and stylish, The Westbury captures the spirit of contemporary Dublin. This gracious 5-star hotel is one of The Leading Hotels of the World and has recently unveiled the latest stage of a multi-million Euro refurbishment. This sophisticated hotel would suit clients who want to be based in the glamorous hub of Dublin life. From The Westbury you can walk to any number of theatres, clubs, restaurants, bars and Dublin's premier shopping street, Grafton Street. The Westbury has over 200 well-proportioned, custom-designed executive rooms and suites, 2 conference suites accommodating up to 200 and several meeting rooms with superb technology.

The Shelbourne *****
A national treasure built in 1824, The Shelbourne Hotel has been magnificently restored while keeping its historic charm. The hotel offers 265 spacious bedrooms, 13 banqueting and meeting rooms and is ideally situated close to Dublin's cultural and historic buildings. We believe this hotel would be best suited to those clients who look not just for luxury, but for somewhere that truly reflects the traditional side of their chosen destination. The Shelbourne will soon be equipped with a luxury Spa (opening 2009) and is the recent winner of the prestigious ‘Ireland's Best Hotel' Award at the Hospitality Ireland Awards.

The Morgan ****
The Morgan Hotel in Temple Bar offers all the attributes of a modern design boutique 4-star hotel, providing a unique experience for people who are tired of the usual and want something different. The 121 bedrooms and suites have been designed to create an ultra stylish boutique ambience with minimalist undertones. The Morgan Bar, famed for its cocktails and tapas food as well as it's funky décor, is the epitome of cool. A vibrant location and overall style of the hotel make this the perfect choice for clients who want to be seen as forward thinking or for those with a younger audience.

programme example

Day one

Meet at London Airport and check in for mid morning flight.

Private coach transfer from Dublin Airport to hotel.

1.30pm - Champagne reception at hotel followed by late lunch.

Free time to relax and unpack, guests are invited to make use of the spa facilities or hit the shops, travel cards provided for those who want to get out and about.

Private dinner in hotel followed by drinks in the bar.

Overnight at hotel.

Day two

Breakfast at leisure from 7am.

Half day meeting followed by lunch in hotel.

Exciting Land and Water tour of Dublin. This is a great way to learn about the history and sites of Dublin City. Costumed Viking tour guides will lead you through the streets of Dublin in reconditioned World War II vehicles. Sights visited along the way include Dublin's two famous City Cathedrals, St. Patrick's and Christchurch, Trinity College, Government Buildings and Georgian Dublin. And the climax of the tour sees the vehicle splash into the water at the newly developed Grand Canal Docklands where the recording studios of U2 and much more are explored.

Trip to The Guinness Storehouse for private tour including a history of Guinness and interactive exhibitions. Guests will learn how to pour the perfect pint and finish the day with drinks in the famous Gravity Bar on the 7th floor of the storehouse with panoramic views of Dublin.

Dinner at the two Michelin-star restaurant, Thornton's. Considered by foodies to be Dublin's finest restaurant. Guests can excite and delight their pallet with cuisine created by Ireland's most exciting and acclaimed chef, Kevin Thornton.

Drinks in Temple Bar.

Overnight at hotel.

Day three

Breakfast at hotel.

Sea Safari. Guests are transported to Dublin City Moorings right in the heart of the city on the River Liffey. The day ahead is not a typical city tour, your guests will have already seen many of the main attractions of Dublin, so today is about seeing sights other tourists are bound to miss. Step aboard one of the bright yellow rigid inflateable boats (RIBs) and be whisked through Dublin Bay at a breathtaking speed. Past the houses of the rich and famous as well as the island of Ireland's Eye with it's unique colony of Gannets. As well as beautiful scenery, there is always plenty of wildlife to see in its natural habitat. This may include Seals, Porpoises, Dolphins, Puffins, Guillemots and many more.- Gourmet picnic lunch on the secluded Ireland's Eye Island.

Back to the hotel for a few hours leisure time.

Gala Shindig at The Old Jameson Distillery. After a private tour of the Distillery, guests enjoy an aperitif of a Jameson signature drink. A sumptuous four-course meal follows and as dessert is served, the fun begins. A team of fantastic musicians and dancers evoke an authentic and lively atmosphere, with performances from former stars of “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance”.

Overnight at hotel.

Day four

Time at Leisure for last minute shopping/relaxing.

Leave hotel late morning for return to UK.

how much?

An indication of the likely cost of the programme as outlined above is £1,175.00 + VAT per person based on the following criteria:

A group of 50 people.

Travel in May 2009.

Economy class air travel on British Airways.

Sharing twin accommodation.

All activities mentioned above are included.

The group would be accompanied by one eventwise travel director.

Half bottle of wine p/p and soft drinks are included with meals.

For more information about Dublin please contact our international event design team.

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