Destination:
Dublin is one of our favourite locations to run events – we went there in 2019 and will be back in 2022. It’s impossible not to fall for this lively city thanks to the amazing hospitality of its friendly people.
Here’s what we’ve learned about Dublin:
1. Getting there
2. Getting around
3. Accommodation
4. Key Partners
5. Connectivity
6. Affordability
7. Culture
8. Food & Drink
9. Leisure
10. Sustainability
Dublin is easy to reach by air, with flights from plenty of UK, European and US cities.
1. Getting there
Dublin is easy to reach by air, with flights from plenty of UK, European and US cities. An airport bus connects you with the city or a taxi takes just 10 minutes through the Port Tunnel. If you’re driving, you can arrive by ferry from England, Wales, the Isle of Man or France.
2. Getting around
The good public transport system includes buses and trains to/from the airport, plus a reliable city-wide tram service (Luas). Taxis are reasonably priced and easily available.
The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) is centrally located, overlooking the River Liffey. It’s served by a nearby tram station and is only 5 minutes walk from the bars and shops of the city centre.
3. Accommodation
You can find plenty of hotel rooms within a 10-minute walk of the CCD, ranging in standard. However, as the CCD is located near the booming tech sector, these are in high demand and sell quickly.
They’re also pricey and there aren’t many discount hotels (such as Premier Inn) in the centre due to the high number of tourists. However, strong transport links to outer areas of the city make it easier to find other options – we found lots of delegates chose to stay in Airbnb properties.
If you’re planning a large event, the city offers a total of 6500 bedrooms. For an upcoming conference, Integrity are holding 1000 rooms across a mix of 3 to 5-star hotels.
4. Key partners
- Dublin Convention Bureau | are always happy to offer lots of input
- Fáilte Ireland | can provide practical support to help run and promote your event
5. Connectivity
Dublin’s a very tech-friendly city – hardly surprising when Samsung, Facebook and Google all have offices in the city centre. You’ll find WiFi on buses and good 4G throughout the city.
For an upcoming conference, Integrity are holding 1000 rooms across a mix of 3 to 5-star hotels.
6. Affordability
As with most ‘destination’ European cities, Dublin has its expensive touristy parts such as Temple Bar, but a short walk away you’ll find plenty of interesting areas to explore, offering more reasonable food and drink options.
For an upcoming conference, Integrity are holding 1000 rooms across a mix of 3 to 5-star hotels.
7. Culture
Everyone loves Dublin…! The people are extremely helpful and welcoming, and your delegates will love exploring the lively nightlife. The city is a central hub for European flights and houses some of the largest tech and banking companies in Europe (if not the world), making it very multicultural. There’s always something to do! You can enjoy food and music festivals throughout the year and – as it’s a small city – you’re never far from beautiful coastal walks and the mountains which overlook the city.
8. Food & drink
In Dublin we sampled some of the best event catering we’ve ever had (and we’ve tasted a LOT). Delegates particularly enjoyed the traditional Irish fare – and of course, Guinness – at the welcome reception.
The city has a huge range of tasty restaurants ranging from traditional Irish to… Well, there are limitless options, starting from inexpensive to the very top of the range. During our last event, we chose to visit an incredible Malaysian restaurant near Temple Bar
9. Leisure
Dublin’s lively charm is a magnet for visitors, so if delegates arrive the day before an event – or choose to stay on afterwards – there’s lots to do.
Worth a visit:
- Temple Bar | A bustling riverside neighbourhood whose cobbled lanes are lined with pubs hosting live folk music and DJ sets, plus a quirky mix of restaurants, shops and boutiques
- Food and Drink Tours | Sample the best the locality has to offer, from seafood to tapas to whisky
- Guinness Storehouse Tours | Treat guests to a guided tour or private tasting event
- Dublin Mountains | A stunning natural park with paths, trains and scenery to die for
- Golfing | Dublin has pleasant courses on its doorstep for those who fancy open air relaxation
10. Sustainability
Dublin is home to the world’s first carbon-neutral convention centre (the CCD) and Europe’s greenest hotel, The Sandymount. Dublin ranks well on the Global Destination Sustainability Index and the Dublin Convention Bureau promotes its sustainable approach to transport, purchasing, waste, food, drink, venues and accommodation, as well as support of the local community.
Dublin’s lively charm is a magnet for visitors, so if delegates arrive the day before an event – or choose to stay on afterwards – there’s lots to do.
