ABOUT DUBLIN
Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and was founded by the Vikings in 841. The city is steeped in history and buzzing with energy. Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture provides a backdrop to a friendly cosmopolitan city.
Dublin is a thriving centre for culture and is home to a great musical and literary tradition, its native sons include Shaw, Yeats, Joyce, Wilde and Beckett
The city’s attractions include castles, museums, art galleries, pubs and cafes. Within half an hour of the city are mountain walks, stately homes and gardens, numerous golf courses, sandy beaches and fishing villages.
A bustling city with a population of over 1.7 million and home to over 100 different nationalities all of whom contribute to the fabric of Dublin. While it has a genuine cosmopolitan feel, Dublin has still managed to retain its own distinct culture which is expressed in a love of literature, drama, traditional music and sport. The quintessential Dublin Pub provides the focal point of Dublin’s social life, illuminating the vibrant hues of Dubliners and their culture. Conversation flows freely unleashing the unique atmosphere that defines the city.
Dublin is one of the oldest cities in Europe and with ancient churches, grand buildings and fine museums, cultural riches abound. From the ancient to the avant-garde, from history, architecture, literature, art and archaeology to the performing arts Dublin has it, with the real advantage to the visitor being that everything is contained within a small area.
When the conference business is over, there is a wealth of activities and culture for you to explore.
For more ideas on what to see and do visit one of the websites below
ABOUT IRELAND
The perfect escape? The city break you’ve been dreaming of? The cliff-path walk you’ll remember forever? Well, Ireland has you covered.
This magical island is just waiting to thrill you with its stunning windswept scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way, to capture you with its history of ancient sites such as Newgrange and to entice you with its traditional music.
Wild, astounding, inspirational – there are so many words to describe the awesome majesty of the Irish Coast. But one thing’s for sure: this place is pure magic. From Ballycastle in the north of Country Antrim to Allahies in the west of County Cork, this stunning country is renowned for its sylvan beauty, rich shades of green and individual character. You’ll find quiet villages, rugged mountain roads, tranquil rivers and mythical tales.
Whether you’re looking for stories of old, dreaming of fantastical castles, or just want to visit some of the most romantic settings imaginable there is something to suit every taste. From charming coastal villages to spectacular natural wonders, taking to the road on the island of Ireland reveals surprises at every turn.
The most westerly island in Europe, Ireland is 450 km long and 300 km wide. With a population of 6.5million Ireland enjoys a rich diversity of ethnic groups and cultures.
TRAVEL BY AIR
Dublin Airport is the nearest airport to the conference venue with a transfer time of approximately 30 minutes. Not only is Dublin Airport Ireland’s busiest airport, it is also amongst the ten busiest airports in Europe. Dublin Airport manages an average of 60,000 passengers per day, rising to 80,000 during the peak season totalling 21.7 million passengers in 2014. There are over 600 aircrafts movements every day serving over 57 airlines.
For delegates who intend to extend their visit to Ireland to explore the country international flights also operated from Cork Airport and Shannon Airport . Both are located on the west coast of Ireland approximately three hours from Dublin.
US PRECLEARANCE FACILITY IN DUBLIN AIRPORT
The US Preclearance (USCBP) facility at Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport is a purpose built facility that allows US bound passengers to undertake all US immigration, customs and agriculture inspections at Dublin Airport prior to departure.
Dublin Airport is one of only a few airports outside North America that offers a US Preclearance facility. The benefit is that having cleared USCBP, passengers arriving in the US are treated as domestic arrivals, allowing them to avoid immigration queues upon arrival and pick up their bags and go.
In addition, this benefits onward connecting passengers in the US who will have their baggage checked through to their final destination.
TRAVEL BY SEA
There are 4 direct crossings to Dublin from the UK and Mainland Europe. Holyhead and Dublin and direct ferries from both Liverpool and France.
Rail and Sail packages from Great Britain
Allow you to travel from mainline train stations in Great Britain to the island of Ireland via a leisurely ferry crossing.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries offer these combined Rail and Sail packages, which are fixed all year round. You can also search for these fares on rail booking platforms including Rail Europe and Trainline, or with train operators including Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales.
Travelling by ferry and train from Europe
There are currently no Rail and Sail packages available from Europe to the island of Ireland but with a little planning you can create your journey by booking individual train and ferry tickets.