ireland Special Section
Visitors in town for a meeting or conference can purchase a Dublin Pass, the city’s oficial visitor card, at a discounted price and gain access to 34 of the city’s top attractions.
BELFAST In Northern Ireland, Belfast has experienced a surge of growth and development during the past decade. Groups who convene in this harbor city — known for its Victorian architec- ture, live music, and ever-expanding selec- tion of restaurants — will find plenty of new attractions, accommodations, and venues to experience, as well as many a friendly face who all help to keep this rich-in-history city moving forward. One of the most talked about new
Walk through history Titanic Belfast — an interactive experience comprised of nine galleries — lets visitors explore the history behind the world’s most famous ship. Groups can also wine and dine in one of a number of event spaces on the top two floors, the Titanic Suites.
attractions is Titanic Belfast, which opened in March 2012 in the city’s Titanic Quarter, where the ship was built and launched in 1912. To date, the world’s largest interactive Titanic experience has welcomed 500,000 visitors. The top two floors, designed to resemble the ship’s interior, include a replica of the ship’s grand staircase and can accommodate con- ferences, banquets, galas, receptions, and other special events. Groups of up to 750 guests can be accommodated in the venue, which includes a pillar-free, 16,600-square- foot banquet hall and a 4,800-square-foot gallery. Belfast Waterfront Hall offers meeting
Culinary capital Cork is known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, with world- renowned food festivals, farmers markets, and restaurants serving locally produced and grown fare. Cork’s English Market, which dates back to 1788, is known for its fresh produce, fish, meat, and local artisan specialties.
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planners a multipurpose venue within walk- ing distance of the 198-room Hilton Belfast, as well as many other downtown hotels and attractions. In addition to a 2,223-seat auditorium, the purpose-built facility has 14 meeting rooms, a studio with capacity for 380 guests, and three bars and restaurants. Since opening in 1997, the venue has hosted more than 2,000 conferences and 3,400 arts and entertainment events. Also in the heart of Belfast, the Odyssey Arena makes an exceptional conference venue with its integrated exhibition and breakout facilities. The arena’s auditorium has a flexible seating configuration that can accommodate groups up to 8,500. The King’s Hall Complex, just outside of Belfast’s city center, has hosted everything
from international conferences to perfor- mances by The Beatles since 1934. The venue is one of the city’s largest and most versatile, with capacity to host conferences, exhibitions, concerts, sporting events, and more. The Hastings Europa Hotel, Belfast’s largest hotel with 272 guest rooms, also has extensive conference facilities. Belfast’s unique collection of off-site ven-
ues is sure to impress, especially if a group has a penchant for history and architecture. At the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, guests can step back in time and view steam locomotives, horse-drawn carriages, vintage cars, and electric trams up close, and the venue’s Irish Railway Gallery offers a superb setting for award ceremonies and gala din- ners of up to 350. For larger groups, Belfast’s Grand Opera House sets the stage for suc- cessful meetings and events. Built in 1895, the building’s dramatic spaces — including the 1,020-seat main theater — have hosted such guests as President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Luciano Pavarotti. When it comes to team-building and
recreational activities, the possibilities are endless. Both sea and mountains are within 30 minutes of Belfast, giving meeting plan- ners a wide range of activity options. Just a short drive away from Belfast, groups will find centuries-old castles and country estates to explore, and Northern Ireland has earned much praise for its challenging golf courses. Golf-loving groups will be familiar with the names of Northern Ireland’s world-famous golf champions Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, and Darren Clarke, who all honed their skills on the iconic courses of Royal Por- trush and Royal County Down.
CORK Cork, on the southern coast of Ireland, is a gem of a destination with its rugged coast- line and idyllic scenery. Cork is also a popular choice for gourmands who want to wine, dine, and indulge in world-class restaurants, food festivals, and historic farmers markets. Other popular activities include sailing, surfing, and soaking up the serene surroundings at one of the area’s many renowned spas.
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