The Dylan

When it comes to doing business on the Emerald Isle, there’s no city with a greater choice of meeting venues than the capital itself, says Ben Lerwill

IT'S little wonder that people rave about Dublin. The Irish capital’s business credentials are among the most robust in Europe, fostering a forward-thinking approach to commerce and enterprise, while its lively work-hard-play-hard spirit is still a major draw in itself. The overall appeal is cast-iron – put simply, it’s a place people get something out of visiting.

Infrastructure on the ground is always improving – take as examples the Port Tunnel construction and firm plans for a National Convention Centre – and the region continues to draw a hefty share of key corporate and association events. This is partly due to ease and speed of access from the British mainland, but more broadly because it has a reputation for delivering when it matters. 

Dublin is very much its own place and wears its culture proudly. But while the period buildings, rich heritage and twinkle-eyed hospitality keep the past alive, the Fair City these days dances to a thoroughly modern beat.

Wow Factor
Name: Royal Hospital Kilmainham
Address: Military Road, Dublin 8, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 612 9900
Email: info@rhk.ie
Web: www.rhk.ie 

The 17th century Royal Hospital Kilmainham makes a win-win setting for an event, combining story-book grandeur with cutting-edge facilities. Set in 48 acres of landscaped gardens, it’s a lavish venue with a lot of flexibility. There are eight separate function areas, ranging from the high-ceilinged Great Hall to the flamboyant Baroque Chapel. Up to 1,500 guests can be catered for at any one time, and an exclusivity policy means any event has the venue to itself – quite a coup.  

Quirky Venue
Name: Guinness Storehouse
Address: St James’s Gate, Dublin 8, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 408 4800
Email: guinness-storehouse@guinness.com
Web: www.guinness-storehouse.com

Inextricably linked with its city of origin, Guinness is still for many one of the keystones of the Dublin experience. This revamped storehouse was the black stuff’s first home and now serves as an enjoyably atmospheric museum-cum-event centre. Taking in the exhibits themselves can certainly while away a couple of interactive hours, while the various spaces on site offer real diversity – the purpose-built Learning Centre has a number of different rooms, but topping the lot in location terms is the Gravity Bar, providing the best panoramic views in town for up to 270.     

New Kid On The Block
Name: Carton House
Address: Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 505 2000
Email: reservations@cartonhouse.com
Web: www.carton.ie

Opened to the public in 2006 following a huge redevelopment project, Carton House has gone from stately home (with a guest list that included Queen Victoria) to funkily refurbished country hotel. The complex is set on the city outskirts, roughly 30 minutes from Dublin Airport, and has firm appeal for business travellers. As well as a vast range of meeting suites and grandiose event spaces – for a maximum of 600 theatre-style – there are two golf courses, extensive team-building options and a suitably lush spa.   

Money No Object
Name: The Shelbourne
Address: 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 6634500
Email: jens.flugge@renaissancehotels.com
Web: www.theshelbourne.ie

At 182 years old, you could be forgiven for thinking that The Shelbourne’s best days were behind it. That would be reckoning without the ongoing charm of one of Dublin’s most iconic hotels, a six-storey palace of pomp presiding over St Stephen’s Green.

The property was recently given a two-year-long facelift at a cost of a cool £60million and is now part of the Marriott hotels empire. It has 12 meeting and banqueting suites for between 10 and 360 guests, while a number of hip bars and eateries also feature at the property. A variety of new leisure facilities are due to open at The Shelbounre by the end of the year.

On A Shoestring
Name: University College DublinAddress: Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland Ireland 
Tel: +353 1 7162827
Email: caroline.stanners@ucd.ie
Web: www.ucd.ie

Like so much in the city, University College Dublin benefits from a rich history, having opened its doors as a seat of learning in1854. The intervening years have seen it grow into a prime draw for meeting planners, offering both the facilities and budget-friendly rates associated with higher education establish-ments. The most notable venue is O’Reilly Hall, which has versatile seating for 1,000 delegates – its conservatory overlooks the campus lake. The faculty buildings provide further options for events, ranging from small classrooms to 500-seater auditoriums.

Wired Up
Name: The Helix
Address: Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 7007000
Email: info@thehelix.ie
Web: www.thehelix.ie

One of the newest and most innovative venues in the city portfolio, The Helix enjoys a central location and a rising reputation. A multi-venue events location that hosts every-thing from Shakespeare to fashion shows, it also provides substantial potential for meeting organisers. The largest space is the Mahony Hall, capable of hosting up to 1,260 delegates over two tiers, while smaller events might be better suited to the complex’s 450-capacity theatre. Elsewhere, The Space and The Gallery – both offering contemporary areas for receptions and meetings – complete the ‘Four Venues Under One Roof’ appeal.

Small But Perfectly Formed
Name: Dylan Hotel Dublin
Address: Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4, Ireland 
Tel: +353 1 6603000
Email: justask@dylan.ie
Web: www.dylan.ie

Recently decreed Hospitality Ireland’s Best New Hotel for 2007, the Dylan Hotel makes up in stature what it lacks in size. The boutique property is a thoroughly decadent affair, blending 21st century design with traditional influences and is already firmly established as a place to see and be seen. For meetings, there are a number of spaces available for groups of up to 12 – choose from the colourful surrounds of the library, the outdoor terrace or the cutting-edge class of the executive meeting room. Other perks include complimentary wireless internet access.

BACK