Dublin -Lori B

Dublin Pacesetters June 2016

The Shelbourne Dublin – A Renaissance Hotel

A beautiful historic hotel located in central Dublin.  Just across the street from St. Stephen’s Green Park, and near Dawson Street for shopping.  Temple Bar is about 2 miles away.   Being a historic hotel, the layout was quirky – different floor levels with a few stairs between what was at one time different townhomes; stairs leading to various levels and having to head down the hall to another set of stairs; squeaky wooden floors; a mini elevator to the smaller hotel section where I stayed.  They have done an exterior renovation that makes it look brand new; interiors are being renovated by section.  I think the rep said my room was in the upcoming renovations, and I can say the way it is was flawless to me (but probably looks old to them).

Overall the hospitality was excellent – always someone around helping you to get where you needed to be.  Also it was well organized for this size of group – around 400 guests.  They had a variety of small meeting rooms, as well as a large conference area for events.  This property will be in the FHR program starting 2017. 

The Killarney Royal

Another quirky historic hotel.  Located right around the corner from the main shopping street with restaurants and pubs nearby.  While not as deluxe as the Shelbourne, it was still a very warm welcome at the property.  They also had car parking for free a block away at their sister property – The Malton Hotel.  Because I was taking the Ring of Kerry tour in the morning, the bellboy was even kind enough to drive & park the car for me, and I rode along to see where to find it when my tour was completed.  It has a nice breakfast room (included with some rates), as well as a restaurant/bar where I enjoyed a nice sandwich after walking around the town area.  Overall I would rate it 3+ because rooms & hallways were a little shabby (nice bathroom, but no closet in my room).  However they were gracious, warm and welcoming, so I would recommend for the right client. 

Hilton Dublin Airport

I got to the hotel with relative ease, and found the car park under the property (cost 5 Euros/night).  The Hilton is a good quality property for a pre/post travel date.  Modern style, large rooms, very quiet, and a nice restaurant & lounge area to relax.  I would recommend it, and have actually booked for client’s upcoming travel. 

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Activities

Day 1 – Arrival

They kept us busy in Dublin.  On arrival from the airport, it was too early for rooms to be available.  They had options available – have a meal, take a break in the quiet room (complete with blankets & pillows), take a horse & buggy ride, and take a 1 hour walking tour.  I did all but the nap.  That evening our first event was pub tour – we split into groups and stopped at a couple pubs nearby for beverages & entertainment.  Then onto the Guinness Factory for a casual buffet meal.  It was a nice first day, but the 1^st bus back was not until 10 PM which made it a long but fun day.

Day 2 – meetings begin

We started with main meeting, then some smaller breakout meetings focused on Ireland information & historic sites, as well as some vendors (DL Airlines & Sabre).  In the afternoon it was time for an explore Dublin activity – I was assigned to a bus tour which was nice as it covered more territory than the walking tour (which we had also done on Sunday). 

That evening was the event at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.  A beautiful event venue in the countryside.  The gardens were lovely, as well as a large hall for presentations.  This would be a great option for group events or weddings.  The food was good, but the highlight of the night was the Irish dancing.  There were multiple tables used for this (including ours!)  Lots of drumming and dancing, and fun!  Afterwards there was a dance party held in the old hospital chapel.  Overall a great venue for variety of uses.

Day 3 – Our day out of Dublin

We started with a drive out to the Powerscourt Hotel.  Close to Dublin, but more of a country lodge feeling.  There were small group breakout meetings with about 20 vendors, and it was interesting to meet up with these companies to hear about updates & upcoming changes.  For lunch we were split into smaller groups and treated to an authentic pub lunch.  My group went to Johnnie Fox Pub – a historic pub.  A little music & a great lunch there!  Afterwards on to Ballyknockern Farm.  This was a fun event with a variety of activities.  1^st was the sheepdog presentation – amazing to see how well trained these dogs are!  Then we broke into small activities – mine was scone making.  Catherine Fulvio the local baker, taught us how to make authentic scones, and afterwards we got to sample them (what they made, not our own thank goodness!)  The last farm event was assembling wooden toys to be given to a children’s charity.  We ran out of time due to not having quick drying glue, but we were promised they would be completed and brought to the children.

We had a more casual dinner at Powerscourt event center.  Lots of good food options, and a nice countryside setting.

Day 4 – meetings, U2 tour & award ceremony dinner!

After morning general meeting,  we had a short time to meet one on one with vendors, and then grab lunch.  For the afternoon we had different local touring options.  I took a U2 tour of Dublin.  Our guide Mick was quite informative, and fun as he had some personal interaction stories to tell.  That evening was the gala dinner, and it was quite lovely (& warm!)

Day 5 – Hertz rental, Dromoland Castle, Killarney Royal Hotel, and city of Killarney

Sadly leaving the Shelbourne hotel, it was about 15 minute taxi to the Hertz City location.  I found it was quite busy as it was a holiday weekend (Thursday) and everyone was leaving for the countryside.  So besides the tourists, locals were waiting too, and it took a good hour to get through the line and out the door.  Luckily the location was on the west side of town, so with just a few turns I was on the Motorway heading to Dromoland Castle.  A lovely historic castle hotel that I thoroughly enjoyed visiting and would highly recommend for a special stay or event.