Destination Guide: Ireland

• The population of the island is approx. 6 million with over 4.3 million living in the Republic of Ireland and 1.7 million in Northern Ireland.
• The island of Ireland is 304 miles long and 172 miles wide.
• English is the official language, with Irish (Gaelic) also used in the Republic of Ireland.
• Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland.
• Easy access from the UK with over 100 flights daily from 29 British Airports.
• No time difference. Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the same as the UK.
• Whilst UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, most carriers by air or sea require sdome form of photographic identity (ID), usually either a passport or driving licence.
• In Northern Ireland the currency is sterling (£) so no currency exchange required. In Republic of Ireland the currency is the Euro (€).
• UK delegates can reclaim VAT on accommodation for international meetings (Republic of Ireland only).
• Purpose built conference centres include Convention Centre Dublin (open Sept 2010), Belfast Waterfront Conference Centre, King's Hall Belfast , Citywest Conference Centre West Dublin (IECC) and INEC Conventions Killarney.
• 60,000 hotel rooms
• A proven track record in conference, corporate and incentive management eg. the 2006 Ryder Cup (at the K Club in Kildare just outside Dublin), the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover in Galway in 2009 and the Google Sales Conference in Killarney also in 2009.
• Countless social / team building / outdoor activity options with breathtaking scenery and dramatic coastlines as a backdrop including gala dinners in historic Irish castles, world class golf courses, spectacular walks and horse or bike rides , not to forget the traditional Irish music and dancing and of course the unique Irish "Craic!"

Voted No.1 Overseas Destination in the 2009 C&IT Corporate Survey, Ireland really does mean business. From a brand new convention centre to state-of-the-art meeting rooms, Ireland offers it all in compact cities like Dublin and Belfast boasting easy transfer times. With a 'can do' attitude, impressive service levels and a more competitive approach, this is a great time to see what value Ireland can add to your next event. Also named "Friendliest Destination in the World" by Lonely Planet 2008, Ireland is sure to bring an easy and enjoyable experience for both the event organisers and delegates.

With over 100 air routes flying from 29 regional airports and less than an hour away, the island of Ireland has unrivalled access from GB.

Getting around Ireland is easy. There are plenty of options from yachts and horse drawn carriages to vintage cars and luxurious executive coaches. For lists of suppliers visit www.meetinireland.co.uk

From breathtaking castles and hip hotels to purpose built centres like the new Convention Centre Dublin, opening Sept 2010 - Ireland has everything an event organiser could want.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our DMCs and have an extensive list available of professionals ready and waiting to assist you. They are highly qualified to customise programmes to your client's every need and whim. The industry is also supported by our regional convention bureaux, who are always eager to assist with any enquiries and requests. Find our full list of over 30 DMCs and 6 Regional Convention Bureaux on www.meetinireland.co.uk

For more information on holding your next event in Ireland, please visit www.meetinireland.co.uk or  contact:

Kate Crossman / Suzanne Morris

Business Tourism Unit,

Tourism Ireland,

 103 Wigmore Street,

 London W1U 1QS

+44 (0)20 7518 0800

+44 (0)20 7493 9065

info@meetinireland.co.uk