Dublin – A bold and vibrant city full of life, warmth and culture – whether your trip is for business or pleasure with its infamous Irish hospitality and its eclectic mix of modern culture and traditional roots, there is something to offer for everyone.
I was invited to join a familiarization trip organized by Perception UK and Croke Park held at the RDS. Over the 2-day itinerary I was given the opportunity to view some of Dublin’s most unique event spaces and renowned dining experiences.
Day 1 – After checking into our rooms at Croke Park we were treated to breakfast in the hotels executive lounge including champagne, strawberries and fresh squeezed juices and smoothies from the hotels newest juice bar addition. After breakfast we had a tour of the Iconic Croke Park stadium home to the GAA sports and concert venue for some of the biggest names in the music industry such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé to name a few! To finish the site visit of Croke Park we then took part in the Eithad Skyline tour of the stadium which takes you up onto the roof of the stadium to make your way around various viewing platforms with views of the entire city around you and the stadium grounds beneath you! This is a fantastic activity that I would recommend to anyone visiting Croke Park and Dublin.
Next up was a visit to the Teelings Whiskey distillery, recently re-opened and Dublin’s only working distillery. Here we enjoyed a guided tour of the venue and an insight into the whiskey making process learning about the history of Teelings. We were taken around the distilling room and shown the different stages of the production process including the different barrels used in the aging process which give the whiskey’s their unique flavours. The distillery has a café and some lovely unique event spaces for drinks receptions and evening dinners where they can make bespoke whiskey based cocktails or host private tasting sessions.
Next the nearby Christchurch Cathedral, a beautiful venue steeped in history, with stunning stain glass windows. The most unusual part of the Cathedral is the Crypts below the building which can be hired for various types of events. They are a unique, interesting and versatile space with a series of arches making up the ceiling and stone slabs along the flooring, they can host anything from wine tastings to networking events right through to gala dinners and exhibition style events.
In the evening we headed to the Clifftown House for dinner, well known for its seafood and views over Stephens Green. The venue offers private dining as well as a renowned restaurant experience.
Day 2 – First the infamous Guinness Storehouse to view the many event spaces they have to offer. The Storehouse is a very impressive building and a real part of Dublin’s history offering various interactive experiences and guided tours – learn how to pull your own perfect pint! To finish the tour we enjoyed our pint in the Gravity Bar on the very top floor overlooking the city and beyond!
My final destination was the RDS (Royal Dublin Society) for a meet Ireland exhibition, where I had chance to meet with venues, event companies and entertainers from all over Ireland.
A thoroughly enjoyable and informative trip adding to our knowledge of this diverse destination. Whether it is a board meeting or a residential team building event or even an incentive trip Dublin and Ireland have something to offer for all.
