| Editors
Note
Welcome to this edition of Tourism Ireland’s Business Tourism newsletter.
Ireland has been named the ‘world’s friendliest destination’ by top guide book Lonely Planet. This coveted title follows fast on the heels of Northern Ireland’s achievement as a ‘Must see’ destination also awarded by the Lonely Planet this year.
Following from this, Ireland has never been in a better position to warmly welcome your meeting or incentive group with a wealth of high class, high quality products. The Tourism Ireland team are only too happy to help with your selection process and put you in contact with the appropriate people in Ireland for the perfect meeting or incentive program.
Changes in the Tourism Ireland team…
Earlier this year, Jayne Shackleford was promoted to Marketing Manager, Canada and Róisín Grimes to the Business Tourism Assistant.
We look forward to working with you and your clients in the coming year and hope to welcome you to Ireland soon.
Kind Regards
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| CELEBRITY FANS AND FILM BUFFS TAKE NOTE… |
 P.S. I Love You, a new high profile film based on the best selling novel by Irish author, Cecilia Aherne is due to premiere in Canada on December 21st.
The movie is set to be a box office hit this Christmas with Hollywood favorites Hilary Swank, Lisa Kudrow, and Kathy Bates leading the well known cast. The movie follows the story of Holly and Gerry Kennedy, a young couple full of life and love for each other until Gerry’s life is taken by an illness. Holly, widowed and bereaved, is left alone to fend for herself, or is she? A mystery package with 12 envelopes enclosed arrives on her birthday, changing her life forever…
Movie Trails:
Partly filmed in Ireland, the movie features the incredible scenery and unique landscapes of county Wicklow, a region in Ireland known as ‘The Garden of Ireland’. Due to its stunning backdrop, the region has been used as a location for many films such as Braveheart, King Arthur, and Michael Collins.
Why not make this part of your next incentive trip to Ireland and get your clients to put themselves in the lives of their favourite Hollywood characters.
More information is available at www.wicklowfilmcommission.com |
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| IRELAND INTRODUCES NEW ‘TAX BACK’ LEGISLATION FOR CONFERENCE DELEGATES |
This new legislation which came into effect on July 1st, 2007 by the Irish government, introduces changes in respect to the entitlement of businesses and delegates to claim back VAT (Irish Value. Added. Tax) on conference related accommodation expenses.
Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for business conferences has been enhanced as the new provisions now allow a taxable person to deduct VAT incurred on accommodation connected to a ‘qualifying conference’. A deduction may be made where the accommodation is provided at the conference venue or a different location.
For more information on how this applies to your conference and how to claim visit
www.irelandinspires.com or contact a Tourism Ireland representative, Toronto on 416 925 6368 |
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| DISCOVER THE ‘DA VINCI EXPERIENCE’ WITH FUN IRELAND, THE EVENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS |
 Funireland,
an event management company,
have developed a very unique and
exciting corporate event called
the DaVinci Experience.
A successful this increasingly successful
event, takes place in the cities
of Cork, Galway, Dublin and Ennis.
The ‘Experience’ uses
the historical and religious areas
of Limerick and the other cities
as a blank canvas for a fantastic scavenger
hunt based on the Da Vinci Code
book and movie. Groups are given
various tools and strange items
that hopefully will help them to
see the light which is as usually
right before their eyes!
FunIreland has completed over 24
DaVinci Experiences in Limerick
alone with clients from the US,
UK, France, Germany and of course
locally. Companies such as DELL,
Ernst and Young, Intel and
many, many more have participated
to date.
The Da Vinci experience is not the only event held by FunIreland. Other events include ‘Finnegans Wake’. This event allows groups to re-enact an old Irish Wake with all of the personalities and stories of early 1900's Ireland.
Does this sound like something your clients would be interested in?
For more information on FunIreland Events visit www.funireland.com |
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| HOTEL INFO AND ACCOMMODATION UPDATES |
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| The Galgorm Resort and Spa, County Antrim
Set in 96 acres of lush parkland, near Northern Ireland’s most renowned scenic attractions, such as the Causeway Coast route and Bushmills Distillery. The newly renovated Galgorm Resort & Spa is one of Ireland’s premier resort destinations.
Combining high-spec conference amenities with all the leisure pursuits of a county estate, there’s no better venue for mixing business and relaxation.
Galgorm Resort was originally a gentlemen’s country residence and the ambience lives on in the warm hospitality, the attention to detail, the fine cuisine and the elegant gathering and conference rooms, all of which offer spectacular views.
The Great Hall offers over six hundred square meters of space over two floors; perfect for exhibitions, conferences and gala evenings.
A superb, purpose-built auditorium features tiered leather seating and working desk, in addition to state-of-the-art AV and communications facilities.
Another unique location at Galgorm Resort, The Phantom House, is home to their own Rolls Royce Phantom and is available for an informal get-together, cocktail party or a quick 'swift one' after a hard days fishing.
Relax in the elegance of the converted turbine house with its rich tapestries, reclaimed slate floor and balcony area with views over the River Maine.
For more information visit
www.galgorm.com
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| Lough Erne Golf Resort, County Fermanagh
Whatever the reason – a board meeting, a conference or private party – there are some key ingredients to any successful event: a relaxing convivial atmosphere, attentive staff, the right facilities and of course great food and wine in the Garden Hall, Drawing Room, Catalina Restaurant and Club House.
The Executive Boardroom is a private, luxurious meeting room with an antique boardroom table and has a scenic outlook over the 18th hole of the Nick Faldo Golf Course. This room can accommodate from 2 delegates up to a maximum of 12 for a meeting.
Things to include in any group trip:
- Ulster Folk museum
- Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre
- Castle Archdale Country Park
For more information visit
www.loughernegolfresort.com |
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Cappella Castlemartyr, County Cork
Set in picturesque woodlands, lakes and gardens, Capella Castlemartyr enjoys a setting that is truly breathtaking. Only a 20 minute drive from Cork city or 3 hours drive from Dublin.
The attentive and
discreet Capella service extends
to every aspect of a unique stay.
Gracious comfortable interiors are
the rule in all of their guestrooms
and suites, 11 of which are located
in the 17th century manor house.
The small number of rooms is in
keeping with Capella's commitment
to a scale that ensures the ultimate
in personal attention to each guest.
This insures that all guests are given a unique and specialized catered to experience whether there may be cocktail receptions and board meetings or diplomatic summits, Capella Castlemartyr provides the environment your clients require.
For more information visit
www.capellacastlemartyr.com
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| City Hall, Dublin
City Hall is a truly historic venue with a distinguished and exciting past and is a most memorable setting for any event.
The Rotunda is available
to hire as a unique venue for select
corporate evening functions. Ideal
for candle-lit banquets, fashion
shows, book launches and drinks
receptions. City Hall's opulence
leaves a memorable impression on
all guests.
The sheer size and sumptuous fittings of the building, with carved capitals and stucco work reflect the standing and prestige of Dublin in the 18th century, and can add a certain gravitas to your event. Seasons are delighted to work in partnership with City Hall to deliver first class catering and event co-ordination for conferences, gala dinners or receptions. This unique and exciting venue can hold up to 400 people and is located in the heart of Dublin’s fair city.
For more information visit www.irelandinspires.com |
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Knappouge Castle, County Clare
This truly magnificent Castle is the ideal location for an evening of splendour and refinement. Once the home of a noble Lord, the castle now offers Victorian Garden Parties in the Castle’s Walled Garden and themed dinner evenings in the impressive banquet hall.
The castle has been extensively and sensitively restored and is available for conferences, incentive groups and corporate entertainment. Medieval banquets are held in a separate part the building from April to October.
For more information visit www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/Knappogue...
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Tourism Ireland can help you plan your event in a variety of ways;
- We can better familiarize you
with the Ireland product and variety
of meeting and incentive options
available throughout the regions
of Ireland
- Plan your programme- we can
help you select the right DMC
via our business tourism website
www.meetinireland.com
- By means of our quarterly newsletters
we can provide you with the most
up to date information on new
properties, venues, meeting space
and everything in between that
is relevant to your clients
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| Contact
Us |
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As always, we are readily available at our Toronto office located at
2 Bloor street West,
Toronto, ON
M4W 3E2
Or call us at: 416 925 638
Email: Roisin Grimes at rgrimes@tourismireland.com |
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