Conference Full Day Excursions
Full Day Excursion: 1 – Glendalough and Powerscourt House and Gardens
Full Day Excursion: 2 – Japanese Gardens, National Stud, Kildare Village
Full Day Excursion: 3 North Dublin and Malahide Castle
All excursions are booked online at time of registration and are included in your registration fee
Excursion details may be subject to change
Date: Thursday 30 September
Departure Time: 8.45am – time TBC
Departure Location: Dublin Castle
Return Time: 9pm
Full Day Excursion: 1
Guests on this tour will enjoy stunning scenery and a glimpse of Ireland’s monastic past at Glendalough in Co. Wicklow, one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. Founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, Glendalough (meaning glen of two lakes) is a former glacial valley renowned for its early medieval monastic settlement. For thousands of years people have been drawn to Glendalough for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. The Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and has many attractions to entice, entertain and enthral visitors, from its world-famous Monastic Site with Round Tower to its scenic lakes and valleys.
From the gentle wilds of Glendalough, guests are then taken to the beautiful grounds of Powerscourt House & Gardens. Powerscourt House and Gardens is one of Europe’s great treasures and Ireland’s most famous estate. Gracing the foothills of the Wicklow mountains, the 18th century mansion was partially destroyed by fire in 1974. A long restoration project ensued and an exhibition now brings its rich history to life. Also onsite is Ireland’s premier shopping emporium, Avoca Handweavers.
The tour will finish at Trinity College at 6.30pm where dinner will be served in the historic Dining Hall. Guests are then at leisure and free to socialise in the city centre or it is just a short stroll back to all conference hotels circa 9pm
Full Day Excursion: 2
For a truly unique experience, The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens in Kildare, is the home of equine royalty. Immaculately bred stallions can be seen and admired alongside protective mares, frolicking foals and athletic yearlings.
On this fascinating tour you will also visit the Japanese Gardens. These gardens are said to trace the passage of a soul from birth to death and beyond, at the same time providing a meeting place for the cultures of East and West.
From here, there is a complete change of pace with a visit to Kildare Village, Irelands premier designer shopping outlet. An afternoon spent browsing 100 exclusive brands offering luxury for less in a chic and casual open-air environment it truly time well spent.
The tour will finish at Trinity College at 6.30pm where dinner will be served in the historic Dining Hall. Guests are then at leisure and free to socialise in the city centre or it is just a short stroll back to all conference hotels circa 9pm
Full Day Excursion: 3
Participants will be collected and brought along the north shore of Dublin, where a view of Howth Head, Bull Island Bird Sanctuary and other sights can be seen. Guests will have time to explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle and AVOCA, one of Ireland’s most exciting retail and food stores, before they visit Malahide Castle. Malahide Castle is one of the oldest castles in Ireland, set on 260 acres, this magnificent & historic 12th century castle has been home to the Talbot family for over 800 years (1185 to 1975).
Highlights of the tour are the beautiful reception rooms, The Oak Room, The Small & Large Drawing Rooms and the Great Hall, home to the original Battle of the Boyne painting – (currently on loan to the National Gallery of Ireland.) The Castle is adorned with beautiful period furniture and an extensive collection of paintings from the National Gallery of Ireland.
The tour will finish at Trinity College at 6.30pm where dinner will be served in the historic Dining Hall. Guests are then at leisure and free to socialise in the city centre or it is just a short stroll back to all conference hotels circa 9pm
Full Day Excursions Evening Event
There are few places as synonymous with Dublin as the world-famous Trinity College Dublin. In the very centre of the city, cross the cobbles of main square to the impressive Dining Hall. Once there, enjoy dinner while swapping stories of the day’s adventures. Once the evening is over, guests are at leisure for the remainder of the evening, free to enjoy an evening in Dublin city or to take the short stroll back to their hotel.
