Conference Social Programme

No matter what your interests, Dublin has something to offer. The city centre is dotted with museums, art galleries, theatres, historical buildings and churches and these include medieval, Georgian and modern architecture. Monuments in literature and stone mark the achievements of world renowned Irish writers, poets and Dublin figures and also bear testament to the way the city has developed over 1,000 years.

As well as being a bustling capital, Dublin also boasts excellent beaches, parks, and coastal scenery. Within a half hour’s drive, you can be immersed in the Irish Countryside known as the “Garden of Ireland”, Co, Wicklow. Drive 200 miles and you will witness a total transformation of the landscape, people and even the language.

We would like to offer delegates tickets on the following excursions. Please refer to the registration form if you would like to make a booking. Early booking is essential for the countryside tours.

Dublin City Tour (Departs every ½ hour from the Tourist Office on Suffolk Street)   IR£8.00 p.p.

Enniskerry & Powescourt (10:00 – 14:00) (Wednesday) IR£15.50 p.p. We travel south of Dublin, to Enniskerry, a village very beautifully situated in the Dargle Valley at the foot of the Dublin Mountains. Visit the magnificent Powerscourt Demesne. Beautiful terraced gardens sweep down from Powerscourt House towards the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Visit the new Visitor Centre, featuring the history of the house. Return to Dublin via the Scalp

Newgrange (14:30 – 18:00) (Thursday & Saturday)  IR£15.50 p.p.

In the heart of the Boyne Valley, is one of the finest examples of a prehistoric passage tomb. Some of Ireland’s first inhabitants settled in this fertile valley. You will visit the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre, which will interpret the archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley, which includes the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange & Knowth. Returning to Dublin view Slane Village and the Hill of Slane, then on through Drogheda, which completes this interesting and informative tour.

Malahide Castle & North Dublin (14:30 - 17.30) (Wednesday)   IR£15.50  P.P.

This tour takes you past the famous Abbey Theatre and across the North City to the 14th Century Castle at Malahide. During this tour visitors will have an opportunity to view excellent examples of Irish period furniture and famous portrait paintings from the National Art Gallery. The tour travels through the village of Malahide and along the coastline to the fishing village of Howth and the Hill of Howth, which offers panoramic views of Dublin Bay & its surroundings. Return to Dublin city centre along the coast via north city villages.

Glendalough (10:00 - 14:00) (Thursday & Saturday)     IR£15.50 p.p.

This tour travels south through the Dublin & Wicklow mountains to the monastic site of Glendalough, founded by St Kevin in the 6th Century. Highlights of the tour include St Kevin’s Kitchen & Cross. A guided tour of Glendalough also includes a visit to the Heritage Centre for an informative audio-visual show. Return to Dublin via mountain villages & valleys, including Roundwood, the highest valley in Ireland.

Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains, Valleys & Lakes (10:00 – 17:15) (Friday & Sunday) IR£27.00 p.p.

Travelling south of Dublin City passing through Dun Laoghaire, Sandycove, Dalkey & Killiney, areas rich in literary & historical association. First stop will be at Avoca Handweavers, the oldest established handweavers in the country, where you can browse through the excellent craft centre or enjoy a coffee in the restaurant. Continue through the mountains to the monastic site of Glendalough, founded by St Kevin in the 6th Century. Highlights of the tour include St Kevin’s Kitchen & Cross. A guided tour of Glendalough also includes a visit to the Heritage Centre for an informative audio-visual show. Return to Dublin via the Wicklow Gap & Blessington Lakes, stopping to visit Russborough House, home of Sir Alfred & Lady Beit, an outstanding Palladian House built between 1740 and 1750, also home of the world famous Beit Art Collection.

Thursday, 13th July, 2000 – Liturgy in St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Liturgy in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Its site was once a small island of the River Poddle, where St. Patrick is traditionally meant to have baptized converts, but the river now flows underground and the island only exists in History. It is thought that the south side of the Church may preserve some of the original church which was consecrated in 1192, but the most present cruciform structure is of early-English style and dates from a century later. Most people associated St. Patrick’s with Jonathon Swift, who was Dean here for 32 years. He and his wife Stella are buried at the foot of a pier near the south-west entry. The best preserved portion of the ancient fabric is the choir. Over the stalls are the helmuts, swords and banners of the Knights of St. Patrick, an order instituted in 1783 by George III Included in registration fee.

Friday, 14th July, 2000 - Gala Dinner in the Dining Hall of Trinity College   IR£40 p.p.

8:00 pm

Dinner will be served in the 18th century Dining Hall of Trinity College. The Hall was desigend by Richard Cassels and completed in 1761, has a magnificent Portland stone floor and oak panelled interior. An relaxed, fun evening is guaranteed.