The road has been rising to meet MICE groups visiting the capital of the Emerald Isle. The fall of 2009 saw the opening of a brand new 8,000-capacity convention center. A new terminal—T2—at Dublin Airport debuted in November with the capability to provide full pre-clearance of US customs, immigration, and agricultural procedures for the first time in a major city airport outside the Americas. And this May, they're reopening the world's oldest sports stadium, the 50,000-seat Aviva Stadium providing 50 meeting spaces over five levels and presenting itself as the world's first BS 8901 certified sporting stadium.
That opening coincides with Dublin's position as European Capital of Sport 2010 which should provide a boost for the 82,300-seat Croke Park Stadium. That is not only one of Europe's largest stadiums, it is also one of Dublin's meeting venues, with reception pitch, corporate meetings in dressing rooms, and parties in the Players' Lounge. U.S. football makes its debut here in 2012.
A sports facility with a swimming pool and exercise studio are among the modern facilities in Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I and located on a historic 40-acre campus. The College can host meetings, conferences, and symposia for 20 to 1,200 delegates, with meeting facilities complemented by residential student-type accommodation and opulent banqueting services. The location encompasses the majestic Old Library in which is arrayed the elaborately decorated Book of Kells, created by monks in AD 806.
Delegates Arriving in Numbers
Injected with similar tradition, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has for the last 150 years been housed in the distinguished and atmospheric 'No.6 Kildare Street'. The building abounds with historic detail, elegant decoration and furnishings, and stained and etched glass in a series of rooms and meeting spaces.
Continuing the numbers game and claiming to be, "Dublin's most distinguished address and most exclusive private venue," the four-story 265-year-old Number 10 is dazzlingly furnished in Georgian/Huguenot/ Russian/trompe d'oeil style, which can be used as an exclusive venue for corporate entertainment or private parties.
Cultured Tourism
The Georgian theme is echoed throughout the city center in its stately Georgian squares studded with famously ornate doorways. Other major landmarks include the 12th century St. Patrick's Cathedral made famous by its former dean, Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels.
On a further cultural note, this spring also sees the inauguration of the 2,000- seat Grand Canal Theatre adding to the city's rich cultural life. Among the writers who were born or worked in Dublin are James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, and W.B.Yeats. The latter was also the co-founder of the world-renowned Abbey Theatre in Dublin, which is but a short walk from Trinity College.
Pure Recreation
Shoppers will find authentic Irish design and workmanship at Kilkenny Design Centre or the House of Ireland both located on Nassau Street. The pedestrianized Grafton Street to the south of the River Liffey has a fine selection of international designer stores.
If golf is your bag, Dublin is surrounded by numerous courses, perhaps most imposing of which is Kildare Golf and Country Club, home to the Ryder Cup in 2006.
The city is encircled by water, so there are fishing opportunities galore along the coast or around Dublin Bay. Ireland's strong horseracing culture is at its best at nearby Curragh, Punchestown, or Leopardstown racecourses.
If it's Irish history you're after, there's the National Museum. For personal history, delegates can explore their own Irish roots with a visit to the Genealogical Office.
"Craic" is the Irish word for good times, which they almost guarantee in the city's pubs, several of which host traditional Irish music nights. If delegates would then like to investigate the source of their headaches, they can take the Old Jameson Distillery tour of whiskey-making. There is also the impressive Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's leading international visitor attraction. It offers an incredible journey through the history and making of Guinness.
For foodies, local specialities include steamed mussels, plump Dublin Bay oysters (traditionally washed down with Guinness), luscious lobsters, and juicy pink prawns. That's just for starters. Ireland's rich pastureland renders succulent Irish lamb, and tender Irish beef and pork. Top off your meal with a steaming cup of Irish coffee that consists of coffee, cream, and whiskey.
A Dublin Pass may be a good idea for your attendees as it includes 31 of the city's top attractions, over 25 special offers, and free airport transfer.
Dublin is building on its friendly, hospitable, cultured, historic, sporting, and cosmopolitan reputation with a wealth of new and tempting facilities and services.
Originally published June 1, 2010