Conference Social Programme

Tours and places of interest for accompanying persons

Pre/Post Congress For those who wish to extend their stay, our Conference Organisers, Abbey Conference & Corporate has a specialist Individual Travel Department and their team would be delighted to provide programmes on a tailor-made basis to suit your requirements. Please contact

SATURDAYS ONLY
1. Aras an Uachtarain, Phoenix Park, Dublin
Visit Aras an Uachtarain, the residence of President Mary McAleese (www.president.ie). It is open to the public on Saturdays from 10:15 to 16:00 and it's free! Free admission tickets are issued at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre only on the day, on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Temple Bar Market
This market is on Saturdays in Meeting House Square. There's normally a wonderful variety of foods to feast on from artisan Irish cheeses, organic fruit (look for Wexford Strawberries or other Irish soft fruits) and vegetables, crepes, breads and pastries.

WEEKDAYS AND WEEKENDS
1. Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is reputed to be the largest city (capital city) park in Europe. It has many attractions such as Farmleigh, Dublin Zoo and of course the free-roaming herd of fallow deer.

Farmleigh was bought by the government in 1999. Following renovation it is now used as a residence for visiting dignitaries. Admission is free. For those without a car, take a bus to the Castleknock Gates and a 15 minute walk (see www.heritageireland.ie for info on getting there); it's a long walk from the city end of Phoenix Park. For more information and opening times go to www.farmleigh.ie

If the weather is good, you could take a walk in the 15 acres of Phoenix Park and watch the fallow deer in August there should be plenty of fawns leaping about.

2. Cinema
Ireland is a nation of cinema-goers. As with most capital cities there are soul-less multiplexes, but we also have a couple of small cinemas in Dublin, which show low budget and international films. If you fancy escaping into someone else's world go to the Irish Film Institute (www.irishfilm.ie) in Temple Bar or the Screen cinema off D'Olier Street.

3. Exploring Dublin and Dublin Bay (1/2 day to 1 day trip)
Take the DART around Dublin Bay. There are many places worth a visit including the picturesque villages of Malahide, Howth, Dalkey (home to the rich and famous), and the traditional seaside town of Bray and neighboring Greystones.
Insider tip: There's a great coastal walk between Bray and Greystones.

4. Sea Safari
For those with sea legs, who don't mind the odd splash of sea water. There are safari journeys along the coastline from Malahide to Howth, around Ireland's eye.

5. County Wicklow (1/2 to 1 day road trip)
A typical tour of Wicklow (The Garden of Ireland) includes Powerscourt House and Gardens, Johnny Foxes Pub (www.jfp.ie) and Glendalough.
Insider tip: Bring a good map and someone with a good sense of direction! Some of the roads are small and winding, so take it easy.

6. Powerscourt House and Gardens (www.powerscourt.ie)
Powerscourt has beautiful formal gardens, a great restaurant (called Avoca) and some shops, and a golf course. There is also a stunning waterfall located about 3 miles away from the main house. Powerscourt is also located close to the picturesque village of Enniskerry, where you'll find coffee shops and craft shops.
Insider tip: The restaurant in Powerscourt is often very busy, so go for an early or late lunch, to avoid the queues.

7. Irish Museum of Modern Art/Royal Hospital Kilmainham
If you're into art the Irish Museum of Modern Art (www.modernart.ie) is well worth a visit. It is Ireland's leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. However the setting is what makes it extra special. The museum is housed in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham; thought to be the finest 17th-century building in Ireland. The formal facade, large elegant courtyard and peaceful garden are a joy to stroll around and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Insider tip: Check out the collection of quirky postcards and fun art books for kids in the museum shop located close to the cafe.

8. The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl (www.dublinpubcrawl.com)
This is a great way to spend the evening. Actors lead a tour around some of the most famous pubs in the centre of Dublin stopping off in several pubs to have a quick drink whilst the actors tell stories and perform recitals from some of the most famous writers such as Oscar Wilde, Brendan Behan and Samual Beckett.
Insider tip: The tour is popular during the summer - so consider booking early. It also involves walking from pub to pub - so be prepared!

9. Guinness Storehouse (www.guinness-storehouse.com)
This is probably one of the main tourist attractions in Dublin. It has a wonderful multimedia museum, which explains the philosophy of Arthur Guinness, the history of Guinness in Dublin and the secrets behind the unique Guinness flavour. The highlight of the visit is probably a pint in the Gravity bar - a glass walled room on the top of the Storehouse, which on a good day gives panoramic views of Dublin Bay, the Dublin Mountains and the surrounding Counties.
Insider tip: It's a really popular tour and the Gravity Bar can get crowded.

10. Self-Catering Accommodation
There are many cottages available to rent for either weekends or short holidays in Ireland. If you are thinking about a special holiday or a unique place to stay take a look at www.irishlandmarktrust.com.

11. Botanic Gardens (www.botanicgardens.ie)
The National Botanic Gardens, founded in 1795 are located in Glasnevin. The purpose of the Gardens is to understand, conserve and share the importance of plants. The Gardens are an oasis of calm and beauty within easy reach of the city.
Insider tip: Be sure to leave enough time to visit the wonderfully restored Glasshouses.

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