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48 AUGUST 2015 z SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS AT WORK An abundance of purpose-built meeting facilities—including the Convention Centre Dublin (the world’s first carbon-neutral convention facility, opened in 2010) accommodating up to 8,000 delegates, and the Belfast Waterfront Conference and Exhibition Centre (currently undergoing a $48 million expansion, scheduled for completion by Spring 2016)—is testament to Ireland’s highly developed infrastructure. In addition, unique meeting venues are available throughout the island of Ireland. Whether it’s a small board meeting or a large conference, delegates have acclaimed Ireland’s emphasis on the professionalism and friendliness of the Irish people. Ireland is the European headquarters for over 1,000 compa- nies, including eight out of 10 Top Global ICT companies, nine out of 10 Top Global Pharmaceutical companies, and more than 50 percent of the world’s leading financial services firms. Ireland offers a suite of supports (financial and practical) to assist planners secure new business—from bid stage right through the entire process. AT REST Ireland offers a wide range of quality accommodation—from historic castles to campus—with a mix of the traditional and contemporary, incorporating international brands, indepen- dently owned properties, and chic boutique hotels. Ireland delivers on value with a low (9 percent) VAT—Value Added Tax—rate on accommodation in the Republic of Ireland. Plus complimentary Wi-Fi is widely available. AT PLAY When business is done, delegates can enjoy world-class golf on our iconic links or parkland courses, spa facilities, fine dining, shopping, or mingling with the friendly locals. Popular attrac- tions include the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin; Titanic Belfast; and the Gap of Dunloe. Killarney. Game of Thrones fans can experience archery at “Winterfell” Castle Ward, Co Down, while Ireland’s Ancient East takes delegates on a journey of 5,000 years of history. Ireland’s spectacularly scenic coastal driving routes can be explored along The Wild Atlantic Way—a 1,500-mile touring route along the western seaboard, and the Causeway Coastal Route along Northern Ireland’s coast between Belfast and Derry-Londonderry. AT THE TABLE Renowned around the world for its hospitality, Ireland has, in recent years, become synonymous with excellence when it comes to food with an emphasis on the freshest locally sourced produce and the traceability of ingredients. From Michelin-starred restaurants and local cafés to microbreweries, farmers markets, food trails, and cookery schools, Ireland is continuously adding dining options for guests to savor. For more information: (847) 516-0038 www.meetinireland.com/us IRELAND IRELAND Ireland offers a rich heritage, welcoming culture, easy access, top-class venues, facilities, technology, and accommodation options—key reasons why more and more planners are choosing to host conferences, corporate meetings, and events in Ireland. CVBS 5 TIME WINNER
