Thinking of an away day? With St Patrick’s upon us, we check out some of the best event spaces the Emerald Isle has to offer.
A country that’s rich in history, bursting with natural beauty, and awash with vibrant cities is just a short flight away. Ireland is easily accessible for delegates from across the globe and has multiple impressive venues on offer for both big and small events and is an easy and hassle-free destination for a conference or team away day. Take a look at some of our venue choices and some down time ideas close by…
Guinness Storehouse | Dublin
Is there anything more Irish than Guinness? Treat your delegates to the full Ireland experience by hosting your event at the Guinness Storehouse. Whether it’s a drinks reception in the rooftop Gravity Bar with panoramic views of the city that can host up to 500 delegates or a conference in the Arrol Suite with a capacity of 100, there are 10 event spaces available that will be sure to suit whatever your event specifications – there’s even the option to hire the entire venue!
Stout isn’t the only thing taken seriously at Guinness Storehouse, its award-winning in-house chefs create menus with fun and creative flair to ensure an individual, fine- tuned menu that will suit your clients and delegates perfectly.
Things to do
As it’s in the heart of Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse is surrounded by accommodation and exciting leisure activities for your delegates. McGettigan’s Town House is a charming 11-bedroom terrace that dates back to 1776, and The Hendrick has 92 modern and stylish rooms in the heart of the edgy Smithfield district. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the National Gallery of Ireland.
Adare Manor | Limerick
Originally built in the 1720s, Gothic treasure Adare Manor features lavish old-world décor, a banquet room that seats 350 delegates, and a meeting space for 440. There are many event spaces on offer at Adare Manor, including the Grand Ballroom, the Carriage House restaurant, and the boardroom.
There are 103 bedrooms, as well as a series of lodges that are available set in the 840-acre estate of formal gardens, rolling parkland, and peaceful forests. There’ll be something for all delegates at Adare Manor with a whole host of activities available for them to do in their downtime including shooting and archery, a spa, and even horse riding!
Things to do
The charming village of Adare is home to quaint thatched cottages, medieval monasteries, and captivating heritage centres that share the streets with high end fashion boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries.
Ashford Castle | County Galway
Once home to the Guinness family, Ashford Castle has stood on the shores of Lough Corrib – the second largest lake in Ireland – for over 800 years. This venue is bound to impress your delegates with its breathtaking historical setting that has earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s most iconic and celebrated landmarks.
The castle has five event spaces with a maximum capacity of 88 delegates, including a private 32-seat cinema and an elegant billiards room. Each of the castle’s 83 rooms and suites represent tradition and luxury with the bonus of modern amenities – delegates can admire the antique furniture while enjoying the aircon!
Things to do
Cong Abbey dates to the 13th century and has been described as featuring some of finest examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Ireland and is just a 10-minute walk from the castle. There’s also Lough Mask distillery – only a half an hour drive away – that offers fascinating tours of the distillery which produces whisky, gin, and vodka.
Europe Hotel and Resort | Killarney
The Europe Hotel offers eight event spaces with the capabilities to host a range of events.
Each room has natural daylight with floor to ceiling windows, as well as being equipped with all the top tech you’ll need for a smooth and seamless event. The biggest room – the Ballroom – is designed to be flexible and can host up between 600 and 700 delegates.
With 180 bedrooms and suites on offer, delegates can enjoy the natural beauty of the sweeping outlooks across the lakes, mountains, gardens and national parkland that surrounds the hotel throughout their stay.
Things to do
With one of the most luxurious spas in Ireland on offer at Europe Hotel, your delegates might not even want to leave the resort! But if they’re looking to immerse themselves in some of the landscapes that Ireland has to offer, it has easy access to Killarney National Park, the Ring of Kerry – a scenic drive along dramatic coastlines – and the Gap of Dunloe – a narrow mountain pass.
National Museum of Ireland – Country Life | County Mayo
Set in the picturesque grounds of Turlough Park, the National Museum of Ireland’s Country Life site has a number of exciting event spaces. The museum includes the estate’s original Victorian gothic house as well as a modern, purpose-built exhibition gallery.
The largest room – the galleries foyer – has a capacity of 200 delegates and is a bright open space that’s flexible to hold any style of event. Other rooms include an audio-visual theatre and several workshop and meeting rooms.
Delegates will also get free access to the museum itself, which hosts a national collection of the story of Irish country life between 1850 and 1950 as well as being able to explore the ground of Turlough Park.
Things to do
Located just outside the town of Castlebar, hosting an event at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life is a perfect opportunity for delegates to switch off from the hustle and bustle of busy life and relax in a quaint location. There are lots of charming walking routes as well as a variety of accommodation options, ranging from the fresh unique style and contemporary feel of The Ellison to the traditional, Tudor-style building of Ivy Tower Hotel.