ireland Special Section

NOTEWORTHY LINEUP Ireland has a strong track record for hosting international confer- ences and meetings in the medi- cal, science, technology, analytics, and educational fields. During the next few years, an impressive list of meetings and conferences will convene in Ireland, including:

• Dublin City of Science 2012, Dublin — 8,000 attendees

• 24th Annual EAIE Conference 2012, Dublin — 4,200 attendees

• International Bar Association 2012 Annual Conference, Dublin — 4,000 attendees

• World Molecular Imaging Congress 2012, Dublin — 2,500 attendees

• International Committee for Animal Recording 2012 Conference, Cork — 500 attendees

• American Society for Engineering Education’s 67th Midyear Conference for the Engineering Design Graphics Division, 2012, Limerick — 150 attendees

• World Police & Fire Games 2013, Belfast — 25,000 visitors

• 38th Annual International Urogynecology Association Meeting 2013, Dublin — 4,000 attendees

• World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2013, Dublin — 2,000 attendees

• The 11th International Mammalogical Congress 2013, Belfast — 1,200 attendees

• Rotary Club of Londonderry International Peace Conference 2013, Derry-Londonderry — 1,000 attendees

For more information: Tourism Ireland — (847) 516-0038; meetinireland.com/us

king. On site, meeting planners will find two hotels with a combined total of 500 rooms, plus an additional 2,000 hotel rooms within a one-mile radius. Cathedrals, castles, and even monasteries:

Killarney has it all when it comes to inspiring historic sites and settings. Innisfallen Island is home to the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey, a monastery dating back to the 7th century. Visitors can take a boat ride to the island from the 15th-century Ross Castle, another must- see attraction. And just three miles from the Killarney town center is Muckross House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion with gardens, traditional farms, and the Mucros Weavers and Pottery workshops. The 170-seat restau- rant, house, and Walled Garden Centre are all available for private events, and weaving, pottery, and bookbinding demonstrations by Mucros craft workers can be arranged in the adjacent craft workshops.

THE SHANNON REGION AND LIMERICK Besides the easy accessibility of the Shannon Region, which has 200-plus flights arriving per week at Shannon Airport from cities across the United States, the U.K., and Europe, the destination is in the heart of Western Ireland, giving visitors access to some of the country’s most famous scenery. The region is home to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren — one of the largest karst landscapes (layers of bedrock)

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in Europe, dramatic Atlantic seascapes, as well as some of Ireland’s most iconic golf courses, including Lahinch and Doonbeg Golf Clubs. The Shannon Region also offers some

of Ireland’s best sports facilities. The Uni- versity of Limerick Conference and Sports Campus has three flexible venues for confer- ences, meetings, and events of up to 2,000 attendees, including the Kemmy Business School, University Concert Hall, and Jean Monnet Theatre. Meeting planners can also take advantage of on-site event managers, catering, audiovisual support, and accom- modations for 2,400 attendees. Thomond Park Stadium and conference center, home to Munster Rugby, is another great example. The 25,600-seat stadium is supplemented by a multipurpose conference center, whose Main Hospitality Suite can accommodate up to 900 guests for receptions, 700 for theater- style events, and 600 for banquets. The magnificent Dromoland Castle Hotel

has consistently earned accolades and awards from the world’s top travel maga- zines. From lavish guest rooms to an 18-hole golf course, golf academy, and spa, the estate, just 18 miles outside Limerick, is the epito- me of gracious Irish hospitality and luxury. Groups can take advantage of the on-site, 7,700-square-foot Brian Boru International Conference Centre, as well as numerous out- door activities, including horseback riding, falconry, clay shooting, and archery.

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Culture and sports central Following its successful bid to become the European City of Sport in 2011, Limerick now prepares for another first in 2014, when the city will be honored as Ireland’s National City of Culture.