[INSERT CONFERENCE NAME]
NUI Galway, Ireland, [INSERT MONTH, YEAR]
Contents
Executive Summary
Conference Ambassador
1
Invitation
1
Letters of Invitation and Endorsement
Introduction
Conference Topic
[INSERT SUBJECT] at NUI Galway
1
1
1
1
Welcome to Galway
1
Welcome to Galway
Access
1
1
Welcome to Ireland
1
Venues and Facilities
Conference Organising Committee
Conference Dates and Schedule
Social Events
Accommodation
1
1
1
1
1
Budget
Marketing & Promotion
1
1
The Partner Programme
Pre and post-event tours
1
1
Appendix 1 – Bid Summary
1
Why Ireland?
The Conference
Budget and Event Promotion
Visitor Information
Appendix 2 – Conference Interpreter
1
Executive Summary
Ireland, and specifically Galway, is recognised internationally and regarded as a
very popular and interesting destination, with unparalleled hospitality and
beauty of scenery. This reputation leads in general to increased conference
attendance, both by delegates and accompanying persons.
Ireland is ideally situated in Europe with good access from all parts of the
world. Ireland is English-speaking and part of the Euro zone, making it very
convenient for conference delegates.
Galway offers excellent conference facilities, including the proposed venue, NUI
Galway, which can accommodate meeting needs with great flexibility. There is
an excellent range of hotels and campus accommodation within easy reach of the
meeting venue.
“Unparalleled
hospitality
and beauty in
the West of
Ireland”
13
Conference Ambassador
[INSERT CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR NAME]
Ambassador for this conference bid.
is
the Conference
[INSERT CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR BIO TO INCLUDE CURRENT
STATUS, BACKGROUND, SUCCESSES, PREVIOUS CONFERENCES
ORGANISED ETC.]
[INSERT BIO OF ORGANISING COMMITTEE]
[INSERT IMAGE OF AMBASSADOR BELOW]
Invitation
[INSERT LETTER OF INVITATION FROM THE PRESIDENT]
[INSERT LETTER FROM E.G. HEAD OF OPERATIONS, FÁILTE IRELAND]
Introduction
Galway and NUI Galway are proud to put forward its bid to host [INSERT
CONFERENCE NAME].
As a country that is renowned for its natural beauty and that has enjoyed a
successful tourist industry for many years, Ireland is a natural choice for
this prestigious conference.
National University of Ireland, Galway is beautifully situated along the
banks of the River Corrib, and the 260-acre campus is an ideal location for
conferences and events. Picturesque grounds, state-of-the art meeting
facilities, excellent accommodation, a choice of restaurants and first class
recreational amenities add to the attractiveness of the National University
of Ireland, Galway as a conference destination.
NUI Galway recently opened its new multipurpose venue, the Bailey Allen
Hall, which is located within a 5-minute walk of the city centre. This
prestigious new venue can cater for various events such as conferences,
exhibitions, concerts and gala dinners.
•
•
•
•
•
Seating in excess of 1,000 delegates theatre-style
Can be subdivided into three independent soundproof venues
State-of-the-art AV specifications
Mobile staging to allow for multipurpose set ups
Blackout facilities also available
“State-ofthe-art
conference
facilities
only minutes
from Galway
city centre”
[INSERT SUBJECT NAME] at NUI Galway
[INCLUDE INFORMATION RELATING TO SUBJECT IN QUESTION AND REPLACE IMAGE
BELOW ACCORDINGLY]
“From the
outset,
[INSERT
SUBJECT
NAME] has
attracted large
numbers of
students”
Conference Topic
[INSERT CONFERENCE NAME] will explore a variety of issues in [INSERT
SUBJECT NAME]. The specific themes will be agreed nearer the time of the
conference but broad themes could include;
[INSERT THEME NAMES]
[REPLACE IMAGE BELOW TO SUIT RELEVANT TOPIC]
“The
conference
will explore
a variety of
issues”
Welcome to Galway
Galway
Galway is a city located on the west coast of Ireland, which sits on the
River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay. The population of
Galway's Borough area is 75, 414.
Galway is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city steeped in culture, rich in folklore
and famous for its cobble-stoned streets, quaint shops and charming
restaurants. Galway is known as Ireland's Cultural Heart and is renowned
for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and events.
Home to the world-renowned Druid Theatre Company, Macnas Street
Theatre Company and An Taibhdhearc, there is much to do in this
wonderful city.
The landscape leaves one breathless, from the prehistoric fort of Dun
Aengus, the most westerly point in Europe, to Connemara and the Burren,
Galway boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Galway City has experienced very rapid growth in recent years and has a
strong local economy with complementary business sectors, including
manufacturing industry, tourism, retail and distribution, education,
healthcare and services that include financial, construction, cultural, and
professional.
“A vibrant
cosmopolitan
city steeped in
culture”
Access
Galway is situated on the West Coast of Ireland and may be easily reached by air,
ferry, train, bus or car or a combination of these. As a major tourist attraction, there
are many well-developed transport options available. There are two airports in the
western region.
•
•
•
•
•
Knock International Airport
(www.knockairport.com) and
Shannon International Airport
(www.shannonairport.com) both located
one hour’s drive from Galway City.
Between the two airports, a huge range of
direct flights currently serves Galway from
the UK, Europe and the USA.
Dublin Airport (www.dublinairport.com),
located two hours from Galway City,
provides more international flight options
Galway is currently accessible by bus and
taxi from Dublin International Airport,
Shannon International Airport and Knock
International Airport.
Ireland’s air
access points
and
sea
Why Ireland?
Ireland
In short, Ireland is a progressive, vibrant,
energising place – a key reason, no doubt, why
more and more businesses and international
associations are choosing to stage conferences
here. But there are practical reasons, too, why
Ireland is proving a popular choice:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Communication
English is the main language in Ireland
Dublin’s air access routes
Access
Getting to and from Ireland has never been easier or more affordable. There
are daily direct flights to Ireland from a wide range of cities in the UK, Europe,
and the US, along with three-times-weekly flights from the Emirates. Ireland is
served by two major low-cost national airlines – Ryanair and Aer Lingus – as
well as dozens of international carriers, and boasts international airports in
Dublin, Cork, Knock, Shannon and Belfast.
World-class facilities
Ireland has made a substantial investment in tourism facilities and is
extremely well served by hotels, restaurants and other essential
tourism/business infrastructure.
Euro currency
Ireland is part of the geographical and economic area that has adopted the euro
currency, making it attractive for delegates from EU countries.
Enduring appeal
Every year, hundreds of international companies choose Ireland as their
overseas location for conferences, corporate meetings, incentive trips – with
many returning to Ireland again and again.
Tax refunds
Ireland offers delegates the opportunity to reclaim VAT on accommodation.
–
The Conference
The Conference
Venues & Facilities
The National University of Ireland, Galway is delighted to bid to host
[INSERT CONFERENCE NAME]. Beautifully situated along the banks of the
River Corrib and only minutes from Galway city, NUI Galway’s 260-acre
riverside, parkland campus is an ideal location for conferences and events.
Picturesque grounds, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, excellent
accommodation, a choice of restaurants and recreational amenities add to
the attractiveness of the venue.
NUI Galway offers an attractive location with adequate co-located spaces
for large plenary sessions and also parallel tracked sessions and
workshops, with large communal areas adjacent to the main hall for coffee
breaks, poster sessions etc. where delegates can mingle. A range of
excellent catering facilities are also on offer at the University.
The facilities available in NUI Galway include:
●
●
●
●
●
●
The Bailey Allen Hall, which can accommodate up to 1,200
delegates theatre style. This venue can also be subdivided into three
venues to enable parallel track sessions.
The adjacent glazed foyer is 52.9 x 8.4 m and immediately off the
foyer is the University café bar with a standing capacity for 800.
A number of parallel sessions can be accommodated in nearby
lecture rooms.
A choice of 15 campus restaurants and cafés with seating capacity
for up to 1,500 delegates
Accommodation can be provided by local hotels and campus
accommodation.
NUI Galway also boasts outstanding sporting and recreational
facilities, such as a 6,500 sq metre Sports Centre which includes a 6lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a national league basketball arena
other facilities of an international standard.
“A wonderful
riverside
parkland
campus”
Conference Organising Committee
The Conference Organising Committee will be chaired by [INSERT NAME
AND POSITION]
[INSERT NAME AND POSITION OF AMBASSADOR]
[INSERT DETAILS OF PREVIOUS CONFERENCES ORGANISED BY
CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR]
Conference Organising Committee
[INSERT CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR NAME] will be supported in this role
by a committee of experienced academic and administrative staff. The
committee will include:
[COMMITTEE MEMBER 1]
[COMMITTEE MEMBER 2]
[COMMITTEE MEMBER 3]
[COMMITTEE MEMBER 4]
NUI Galway Commercial Services Office
This committee will be responsible for [INSERT RELEVANT INFORMATION]
all the administrative functions of the conference, including paper
submissions and review follow-up, conference materials and organisation.
Where appropriate, they may contract with specialist third-party
event organisers and service providers to manage specific aspects of the
conference schedule, such as registration, transfers to and from the airport,
hotels, conference venue and the conference gala dinner, tours and themed
entertainment.
The organising and scientific committees plan on producing a programme
with the following (provisional) themes:
[INSERT THEMES]
Many sessions will run in parallel. Delegates will be able to move between
sessions and choose a combination of sessions to suit their needs, interests and
backgrounds. The programme will be designed and scheduled to allow
delegates to take in suitable combinations of topics at all levels and will provide
excellent networking opportunities for delegates and exhibitors.
The calibre of the members of the scientific committee along with the key note
speakers will ensure that all topics will be very relevant and well addressed.
Scientific Committee:
The committee will comprise of leading international experts.
Key Note and Invited Speakers
The organising committee will seek Key Note Speakers who are world leaders
and whose work influences and shapes practice. Speakers from [EG. Europe,
the US and Australia] will be considered and it is planned to seek sponsorship
to cover some of the expenses incurred and to ensure that speakers of the
highest calibre are available to speak at the conference.
[INSERT NAME] will be invited to open the conference.
Conference Dates and Schedule
[INSERT MONTH, YEAR] is proposed which is subject to confirmation. At present,
there are no significant sporting, cultural or other events due to be held in Galway
during that time that might significantly reduce the number of hotel rooms and
conference facilities available.
A Provisional Conference Schedule is Proposed as Follows
[SAMPLE BELOW]:
Day 1 :
Arrival and registration at hotels Transfer
to Welcome Reception
Day 2 :
Morning:
Registration
Official Opening – invited dignitary
Plenary session – Keynote speaker(s)
Tea and Coffee break
Parallel sessions
Afternoon: Lunch
Parallel sessions
Evening:
Conference Gala Dinner and Céilí,
Day 3 :
Morning:
Plenary session – Keynote speakers
Tea and Coffee break
Workshops and Symposia Sessions Lunch
Afternoon: Workshops & Symposia
Evening:
Evening event
Day 4 :
Morning:
Keynote speaker
Parallel sessions
Tea / Coffee
Symposia / Workshops Lunch
Afternoon: Exhibition / site visits
Evening:
Reception
Day 5 :
Morning:
12 noon:
Final workshops
Closing session
Social Events
A conference in Galway is about more than just the academic proceedings!
One of Europe’s most thrilling cities, offering culture, history, energy and a
wealth of social entertainment options from tours of Connemara and the Aran
Islands to set dancing lessons or dinner in a thatch cottage, the only limit is
imagination!
A number of events will be organised as part of the programme, including a
welcome reception giving delegates a taste of a traditional Irish night, a gala
dinner and a number of tours can be organised for delegates during their
stay.
“The only
limit is
imagination”
Accommodation
Hotels:
Galway boasts a first-class accommodation structure. In the last few years, there
has been a significant increase in the number of hotel beds available in the city.
As well as established, high quality local operators, most of the major
international hotel chains are now present in Ireland.
Bed & Breakfasts and Guesthouses:
Many fine Bed & Breakfasts and Guesthouses are within easy walking distance
of the congress venue and are popular choices with conference delegates and
tourists alike.
University Accommodation:
The University campus residence is adjacent to the meeting facilities and offers
capacity for over 800 delegates in a riverside setting.
“Campus
residence
adjacent to
meeting
facilities”
Budget and Promotion
Budget and Promotion
Budget
The Budget structure will be based upon experience from previous years
and associated guidelines. According to the attendance figures achieved
by previous conferences in the [INSERT CONFERENCE NAME] series, we
conservatively estimate that between 600 and 900 delegates will come
to Galway to attend [INSERT CONFERENCE NAME] in [INSERT YEAR],
and we can cater for more than double that number if necessary.
The funding goal for this conference is to provide a quality programme
and information at a reasonable cost to delegates. There will be an
emphasis on value for delegates, with subsidized rates for students and
participants form developing countries.
The main source of funding will be the Registration Fee. We envisage this
will be in the region of €370-€450 range per delegate – with the reduced
rate for students and delegates from developing countries.
Delegate registration will include:
•
•
•
•
•
A delegate pack and programme information
Participation in all conference sessions
Tea and coffee breaks
Lunches
Welcome reception on night one
In addition to registration income, we expect to secure levels of
commercial sponsorship for this prestigious international event,
including;
•
•
•
Failte Ireland is the National Tourism Development Authority and is
responsible for the promotion of Ireland as a quality destination for
International Conferences. Failte Ireland would become an active
partner in [INSERT CONFERENCE NAME] and work with the
organizing committee to ensure this conference is supported
practically, in an advisory capacity and also financially through the
Conference Alliance programme.
NUI Galway’s Millennium Fund offers support to
International speakers attending conferences at the
University.
Medical devices
[SAMPLE] Income and Expenditure Statement
Income:
Registration Fees:
Early Members Registration
Late Members Registration
Early Student/Developing
Countries
Delegates
Fee
Total
400
€370.00
€148,000.00
75
€440.00
€33,000.00
130
€150.00
€19,500.00
Late Student/Developing Countries
25
€210.00
€5,250.00
Speaker Registration
20
€0.00
€0.00
650
€0.00
€205,750.00
€0.00
€0.00
Total Delegates
Accompanying Guest
Total Registration Fees
€205,750.00
Exhibitors:
Exhibitor 10
10
€500.00
Total Exhibitors
€5,000.00
€5,000.00
Sponsorship:
Sponsorship 1 - Millennium Fund
€1,000.00
Sponsorship 2 - Failte Ireland
€5,000.00
Total Sponsorship
€6,000.00
TOTAL INCOME
€216,750.00
Expenditure:
Fixed
Marketing/Promotion/Printing
Fixed
Graphic Design/Logo
€1,000.00
Fixed
Website Set up/changes/hosting
€2,000.00
Fixed
Conference Announcement (1st
announcement)
€1,000.00
Fixed
Conference Announcement (2nd
announcement)
€300.00
Fixed
Conference Announcement (Final
announcement)
€300.00
Total
Marketing/Promotion/Printing
€0.00
€4,600.00
Fixed
Entertainment:
Fixed
Music for welcome reception/BBQ
€1,000.00
Fixed
Music for conference dinner
€3,000.00
Total Entertainment
€4,000.00
Fixed
Roomhire & Audiovisual:
Fixed
Roomhire (NUI Galway discount of
50%)
Fixed
Audio Visual technicians &
equipment
Total Roomhire & Audiovisual
€9,000.00
€2,000.00
€11,000.00
Fixed
Office Set up:
Fixed
Office supplies
€500.00
Total Office Set up
€500.00
Fixed
Speakers Fees:
Fixed
Travel for keynote speakers (#
speakers)
Accommodation for keynote
speakers (# speakers) 10 X 5
nights
Fixed
Dinner for Keynotes (5 nights X 10
speakers)
Fixed
10
1000
10000
€10,000.00
50
100
5000
€5,000.00
50
50
2500
Total Speaker Fees
€2,500.00
€17,500.00
Total Fixed Costs
Variable Costs:
Variable
€37,600.00
Number
Delegates
Amt
Total
Catering:
Variable
Mineral water for speakers
1
1
€200.00
€200.00
Variable
Coffee Breaks (# sessions)
10
650
€2.70
€17,550.00
Variable
Lunches (# days)
5
650
€20.00
€65,000.00
Variable
1
650
€25.00
€16,250.00
Variable
Welcome Reception /BBQ
Conference Dinner - billed
separately delegates
1
20
€75.00
€1,500.00
Variable
Pre conference dinner reception
1
650
€5.00
€3,250.00
Variable
Closing Reception
Total Catering:
1
500
€5.00
€2,500.00
€106,250.00
Variable
Printing:
Variable
Conference Programme
1
650
€10.00
€6,500.00
Variable
Abstract Book/CD
1
650
€5.00
€3,250.00
Total Printing:
€9,750.00
Variable
Miscellaneous:
Variable
Name badges
1
650
€1.20
€780.00
Variable
Conference Management fee &
web design (per delegate + vat)
1
650
€75.00
€48,750.00
Variable
Cr card charges, online security
charge (% of online income), bank
charges
1
0
€4,500.00
€4,500.00
Variable
Conference Bags
1
650
€5.00
€3,250.00
Variable
Material for conference bags
(paper/pen)
1
650
€2.00
€1,300.00
Variable
Gift for delegates (based on #
delegates)
0
0
€0.00
€0.00
Variable
Social programme - additional
charge
0
0
€0.00
€0.00
Variable
Accompanying Guest programme additional charge
0
0
€0.00
€0.00
Variable
Tour - Optional extra
0
0
€0.00
€0.00
Variable
Unexpected costs
1
1
€4,000.00
€4,000.00
Variable
Other
0
0
€0.00
€0.00
Total Miscellaneous:
€62,580.00
Total Variable Costs
€178,580.00
Total Expenditure
€216,180.00
Profit/Loss
€570.00
Note: The summary budget is estimated for year 2012. A large amount of control is available over certain items of
expenditure and a typical value has been selected in these areas. Accompanying persons have been omitted for the
purposes of this budget, but will be self financing.
Marketing & Promotion
A comprehensive and well-executed marketing and promotion plan will be
developed to ensure the conference is a success. There will be a heavy
emphasis on using technologies such as internet, email and social media to
identify and target potential delegates and communicate in a timely fashion
and with confirmed attendees. The plan will include;
•
•
•
•
•
Appointing the Commercial Services Office, NUI Galway as
Professional Conference Organiser. The professional team will
take care of all the conference logistical arrangements.
Services provided by the conference office include:
o Booking of the meeting facilities
o Technical support for the audio visual
o Catering
o Conference management software
o Participant registration
o On-site registration
o Accommodation and social-programme, among others.
NUI Galway has hosted a number of high profile conferences on
campus over the past number of years, welcoming over 10,000
delegates attending 32 conferences in 2010.
A dedicated conference website with an advance booking service
for delegates, special offers such as ‘early bird’ discounts, and
useful links to relevant information, such as hotels, restaurants
and cultural facilities. www.conference.ie
Direct marketing to delegates of previous [INSERT CONFERENCE
NAME] Conferences.
A robust public relations programme to generate media interest
in the run up and during the conference and to keep it in the
public eye.
Visitor Information
Partner Programme
To cater for the needs of partners of delegates attending the conference, an
extensive partner programme will be offered. Partners will be able to
select from a range of professionally organized half and full day tours in
and around Galway. In addition, a tourism advisor appointed by the
conference team will be on hand to make suggestions, offer information
and book particular activities and tours, thus ensuring that partners make
the most of their visit to Ireland. The following is a sample of what can be
included in the programme.
Guided Walking Tour of Galway City
Our professional tour guide will meet the group at a designated point in Eyre
Square. The tour will start with a visit to Kirwan's Lane, one of Galway's last
remaining late Medieval Lanes. A unique development, Design Concourse
Ireland is situated here in a 17th century merchant's house. The Design
Concourse promotes Irish design and manufacture in a living exhibition
environment. Judy Greene, the owner and world-renowned potter, will meet
the group and demonstrate how her pottery is created and hand-painted here
in Galway.
The remainder of the tour will include a visit to the historic St. Nicholas’
Church, Lynch’s Castle, Galway Cathedral, the University, Spanish Arch and
Eyre Square. It is a great way for visitors to become familiar with the city
centre.
Cruise on the River Corrib with an Irish Coffee Demonstration on Board
The group will enjoy a cruise on board the Corrib Princess. The Corrib
Princess is a luxury river cruiser which will depart from Woodquay in the
heart of Galway City for a scenic cruise of the River and Lough Corrib.
Passengers will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside
and the lake. Lough Corrib is the second largest freshwater lake in Ireland
and there is an abundance of wildlife including birds, hawks, otters, mink,
stoat, and much more. The Captain gives a commentary on all points of
interest.
The Corrib Princess has a full bar with tea/coffee service on board. As
passengers cruise along Lough Corrib, Roisin Sweeney, who is the 2011
Powers Irish Coffee Making Champion, will share the History of Irish
Whiskey and its making, and subsequently demonstrate the Art of Irish
Coffee making, offering the drink to one of the passengers. She then
teaches them the Irish Swing which regularly ends with four men and four
women dancing the ‘Siege of Ennis’, sometimes even on the top deck with
the fabulous Lough Corrib as a wonderful backdrop.
An Exclusive Interactive Cultural Experience in a Unique Traditional
Setting
We will visit Cnoc Suain (restful hill) in Spiddal, a renovated small
village of thatched and slated stone cottages located on 200 acres of
stunningly beautiful ancient landscape, bog, lake and sea. Some of the
cottages date back to 1691. As Gaelic speakers, musicians, natural
scientists and owners of this historic hill village, Dearbhaill Standun and
Charlie Troy are the perfect hosts for the group.
They will accompany the group on a short walk through the
Connemara Bogland that surrounds Cnoc Suain. Charlie will introduce
them to the fascinating archaeology and natural history of the bog
including turf harvesting.
In one of the old thatch cottages, Dearbhaill, a native Gaelic speaker will
relay the history of the local area. They will hear the Irish language
spoken and enjoy stories about the life and customs of the inhabitants of
the cottage. Dearbhaill, a talented musician is a founder member of the
much acclaimed traditional music group Dordan. She will play the fiddle
and will be accompanied by a local musician on the accordion and tin
whistle. Together they will perform a selection of jigs and reels as guests
enjoy a drink in the main cottage. There may even be an opportunity to
learn an Irish dance!
Pre- and Post-Event Tours
For delegates who wish to combine attendance at the conference with a short
holiday in Ireland, a number of pre- and post-event tours will be offered in
conjunction with local Destination Management Companies.
Golf
The golfers in the group will enjoy golfing on some of the best courses in the
West of Ireland. A three-day itinerary is proposed including:
Connemara Golf Course
At the Edge of Europe, in Connemara, on the wild Atlantic coast, lies a links
course that is a challenge to all who play her. Nestled between the mountains
and the sea in the West of Ireland, the Connemara Championship Golf Links is
an exhilarating golfing experience.
Galway Golf Club
Galway Golf club, located in Salthill, is an 18-hole parkland course which is
recognized as one of the finest courses in the country.
Lahinch Golf Course
Lahinch Golf Club is frequently referred to as “the St. Andrew’s of Ireland”
because of its close proximity and interaction with the local village. The links
is situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The combination of bracing air
and wind from the sea is one of the enduring attractions for golfers who ply
their skills on two magnificent championship courses – the Old Course
measuring 6950 yards and the Castle Course, measuring 5556 yards.
Optional Tours
“Experience the Best of Ireland’s West Coast”
Option 1: Tour of Connemara
Connemara is one of Europe's last great natural wildernesses, with towns
and villages existing along a beautiful, indented coastline. The beauty of the
area lies in its rocky and rugged landscape. Connemara is covered in purple
heather and desolate tracts of brown bog-land, dotted with lakes with a
backdrop of purple mountains. The tour is led by a professional tour guide,
who will accompany you from the hotel and follow the scenic route along
Lough Corrib and through the villages of Moycullen, and Oughterard. The
tour will continue through the Inagh Valley to Kylemore Abbey, with its
picturesque lake and famous abbey. Kylemore Abbey is the only Irish home
of the Benedictine Nuns. Built originally as a castle in 1868, it is one of the
best examples of Irish neo-gothic architecture. The estate features include
a Victorian walled garden, restored abbey, reception rooms, a Gothic
church, tranquil walks, a craft shop, pottery, and restaurant.
We will visit the Connemara Smoked Salmon Smokehouse, a small, familyrun business with over 26 years’ experience passed down from generation
to generation and Connemara's longest established smokehouse. They
have become one of the world's leading manufacturers of high quality
seafood, where every product is hand-produced in the traditional way. You
will be met by Graham who will explain the various smoking methods and
you will enjoy a tasting of this fantastic smoked salmon.
Option 2: Full Day Tour to the Aran Islands
On this tour, the group will depart their hotel to Rossaveal accompanied by
our professional tour guide for their visit to the Aran Islands. 10:30am
depart Rossaveal by ferry to Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands.
Inis Mór is criss-crossed by dry stone walls and the landscape is bleak with
soaring cliffs rising out of the Atlantic. Aran has retained much of old Gaelic
culture and Gaelic is still the spoken language of the islanders. Traditional
music and song have been well preserved there. Guests are transferred by
minibus for a guided tour of the island including Dun Aengus Fort, a 4000year-old fort situated on top of 400-foot-high cliffs. They will walk to the
fort and on their return will continue their tour by minibus. The tour will
finish in Kilronan Village where they can enjoy an appetising lunch and
some free time in the village to explore the local craft shops and pubs.
17:00pm Depart Aran by ferry.
Option 3 The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher
On this morning, we will travel to The Burren, in North County Clare. This unique
place is like no other in Ireland. There are no bogs and very few pastures, instead
there are huge pavements of limestone. The word "Burren" comes from an Irish
word "Boíreann" meaning a rocky place. This is an extremely appropriate name
when you consider the lack of soil cover and the extent of exposed limestone
pavement. However, it has been referred to in the past as "fertile rock" due to the
mixture of nutrient rich herb and floral species.
We will continue to the Cliffs of Moher, which are 214 metres high at the highest
point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of
County Clare. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic cliffs.
From the cliffs, one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins,
the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. Lunch is
arranged in O’ Connors, one of the most famous pubs in Ireland. The pub is located in
the heart of the picturesque village of Doolin, set amongst the rolling hills of West
Clare, a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean. We will return to Galway via
Blackhead and the scenic coast road.
Visitor Information
Geography
• Ireland is 385 kilometres/300 miles at its longest; 304 kilometres/190
miles at its widest. It is divided into four provinces – Ulster, Munster,
Leinster and Connaught, which make up 32 counties
• The Republic occupies 26 counties and the capital is Dublin
• The Republic is a constitutional democracy and a member of the European
Union
• Northern Ireland is part of the UK and its capital is Belfast
Language
• English is the everyday language spoken in Ireland
Population
• Approximately five million, north and south. The island of Ireland
enjoys a rich diversity of ethnic groups and cultures. It also has a
young demographic.
Climate
• Mild and temperate
• Average summer temperatures range from 15-25 degrees Celsius (60-75 F)
• Spring and autumn temperatures average around 10+ degrees Celsius (50+
F)
• Winter is 0 to 10 Celsius (30 to 50 F)
• Rainfall: 700mm per annum (Dublin)
Electricity
• 240 volts AC
• Small appliances – for overseas visitors (except UK) a plug adaptor will
be needed for Irish flat three-pin/round two-pin sockets. Adapters
available at airport or local electrical retailers
Currency and Banks
•
•
•
The currency in Ireland is the euro (€). The currency in Northern
Ireland is the pound sterling (£).
Bank opening times are:
o Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am-4pm
o Thursdays: 10am-5pm in Dublin (and some other regions)
o Small towns and rural areas – banks may close for lunch from
12.30pm-1.30pm
o In Northern Ireland, most banks open 9.30am-4.30pm MondayFriday, with some opening longer hours and on Saturday
Any credit card that bears the Visa, MasterCard or American Express
symbol will be widely accepted in Ireland. Visitors with other cards
should check in advance if it will be accepted
Shopping
•
•
•
•
•
Monday-Saturday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Thursday and Friday: late-night shopping in most malls/shopping centres
Sunday: many shops are open 12:00pm-6:00pm
Duty-free shopping is available at all the international airports
Tax refunds are available for non-EU residents; check in store for
further information before purchasing
Smoking Ban
Smoking is prohibited in public areas within the Republic of Ireland and
Northern Ireland – this includes all bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
Although hotel bedrooms may be exempt from the ban, it is applied to all
other areas within hotels.
VAT Refunds on Purchases
To qualify for a VAT (value added tax) refund you must be a non-European
Union visitor to Ireland. Look for the ‘Tax Free Shopping’ sign in the
windows of participating shops. You must complete a valid tax refund
document obtained from the retailer and present the tax refund document
and goods to Customs on departure from the European Union. A customs
officer will check the goods and validate the tax refund document. You can
receive your refund on the spot at some airports, otherwise you should
mail the validated tax refund document back to the shop and a refund will
be issued. VAT is charged on almost everything, but remember, refunds
only apply to goods being taken out of the country, not services.
APPENDIX 1: BID TO HOST [INSERT
CONFERENCE NAME]
APPENDIX 2: CONFERENCE
INTERPRETER