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SOCIAL PROGRAMME

Introduction

The Social Programme at GA 2023 will provide attendees with an unforgettable experience of the very best of Irish culture, music, and entertainment. Our events will be a celebration of everything Irish, featuring traditional food, music, and dance.

 

As you may know, Irish culture is rich and vibrant, filled with history, mythology, and traditions that have endured for centuries. We are proud to showcase this culture at GA 2023, and we invite you to join us in celebrating it.

Welcome Reception

Monday 3rd July - Trinity College Dublin

The GA Welcome Reception will 'Shine a Light on Irish History'. The evening will include a visit to the Book of Kells, Ireland's greatest cultural treasure and The Long Room which is one of the world's most beautiful libraries. It will take place in the grounds of Trinity College, a short walk from where the Congress sessions will take place in the Trinity Business School. Please see some videos here and here for a sneak peek of what is in store for you!

Gala Dinner

Tuesday 4th July - Taylors Three Rock

The GA 2023 Gala Dinner will be on like no other! We are looking forward to welcoming our delegates from all over the globe to the Best Irish Show in Dublin! You will be served a delicious three course meal complete with Irish whiskey and Irish coffee. Additionally, you will be entertained by world champion Irish Dancers and famous Dublin traditional Irish musicians. 

 

This show is full of audience participation and we do not just mean foot tapping! You will be singing Irish Ballads like 'On Raglan Road' and 'Danny Boy' and Irish Classics like 'Fields of Athenry' and 'Whiskey in the Jar!'

 

This will be a great treat for GA 2023 delegates to network and make new friends. It is an opportunity to capture the Irish spirit of involving everyone in the room, fabulous Irish dancing and great Irish traditional songs. It will be a night not to miss! Join us for a bit of craic (Irish for 'FUN')

Optional Tours

Thursday 6th July - Various

We are delighted to offer Optional Post Congress tours to GA 2023 delegates which will give our attendees the opportunity to experience all that Ireland has to offer.  

 

With our stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, we have the perfect destination for Delegates looking to unwind after a busy congress!

 

Whether you're interested in exploring ancient castles, tasting the finest whiskey, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery, we have a tour that's perfect for you.

 

Our experienced guides are passionate about Ireland and will go above and beyond to make sure your trip is unforgettable. They'll take you to some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, including the world famous Cliffs of Moher. You will also visit some of our distilleries and sample some Irish whiskey. 

Please see our 3 tour options below. Don't miss out on the opportunity to discover the magic of Ireland with us at GA 2023! 

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Option 1 - Cliffs of Moher Tour

Cost - €134.50 per person

Duration - 12 hours approx

Price includes:

  • Return Coach Transfer from Dublin City Centre

  • Tour Guide

  • Visit to the Tullamore Dew Experience

  • Lunch

  • Visit to the World Famous Cliffs of Moher

  • Dinner

What's in Store!

Join us as we discover one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, the Cliffs of Moher.  Here you can peak over the 120-metre-high cliffs and enjoy incredible views along the cliffs and of the famous Wild Atlantic Way. Feel the sea breeze on your face and listen to the waves crash along the base of the cliffs. Learn the history of Cornelius O’Brien, a man ahead of his time, and wander the edge of the cliffs to O’Brien’s Tower. Consequently, you will lose yourself as you look out across the open horizon at the infinite ocean.

For whiskey fans, when we depart Dublin, we will pause along the way to take in the Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre. Set in the heart of Ireland, the Old Bonded Warehouse sits on the banks of Tullamore’s Grand Canal. Since 1829, Tullamore has sent it’s whiskey out to the world. Nowadays, the world to come to Tullamore, as we share the story of how this whiskey got its character.

Step inside the Visitor Centre - housed within our Old Bonded Warehouse - and follow in the footsteps of Daniel E. Williams as he goes from stable boy to distillery manager to creating the whiskey which still bears his initials today. Discover the state-of-the-art process as you get to intimately know the history, and the whiskey.

Tullamore D.E.W. is the original triple distilled, triple blend whiskey. Known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity. Tullamore D.E.W. is named after Daniel E. Williams, the man who decided that true craft could only come from the True Character and insisted that his whiskey was made accordingly.

 

While on tour our friendly and experienced guides will keep you company on your travels and provide you with entertaining and informative commentary.

Option 2 - Wicklow Tour

Cost - €86.50 per person

Duration - 8 hours approx

Price includes:

  • Return Coach Transfer from Dublin City Centre

  • Tour Guide

  • Visit to Powerscourt Distillery

  • Lunch

  • Visit to the Avoca Experience

  • Visit to Beyond the Trees Avondale

  • Visit to the Glendalough Visitor Centre

What's in Store!

Departing Dublin, we visit the Garden of Ireland – County Wicklow. Wicklow is known for its stunning natural scenery, including mountains, lakes, forests, and coastline. Our tour will take you through some of the most beautiful and interesting spots in the area:

Glendalough - This is a monastic site that dates back to the 6th century. It's located in a beautiful valley with two lakes and surrounded by mountains. You can explore the ruins of the monastic buildings, including a round tower and several churches.

 

Powerscourt Distillery - Powerscourt Distillery is a unique Whiskey distillery is located on the  Powerscourt Estate. Home to Fercullen Irish Whiskey, the distillery & visitor centre opened to the public in May 2019. 

 

At Powerscourt Distillery you will enjoy fully immersive guided tours of the whiskey distillery process. Starting in the converted old Mill house dating back to 1730 and like a time portal, the visitor emerges from the ancient entrance building into a light, bright contemporary distillery and a modern visitor centre which has been thoughtfully designed to seamlessly blend old with the new. Experience first-hand the sights, sounds, smell and feel of a fully operational distillery including a visit to the on-site maturation warehouse. 

Beyond the Trees Avondale - This is a new world class visitor destination in Ireland’s Ancient East that reopened its door in June 2022. The longest Treetop Walk in Ireland & the UK, at 1.4km it brings visitors on an adventure through and above the trees, their journey culminating at the impressive Viewing Tower. Here the magnificent architectural tower standing 38m above the forest reveals panoramic 360-degree views over the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River, and the Vale of Avoca. To complete this innovative experience, you can opt to continue their adventure and whizz their way back down the tower via the gigantic 90m spiral slide.

 

Avoca Village - This picturesque village is located in a valley with a river running through it. It's known for its handweaving industry and you can visit the Avoca Handweavers shop to see some of the products being made.

Whether you're interested in history, whiskey, nature, or just enjoying the outdoors, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of Ireland.

 

Option 3 - Kilkenny Tour

Cost - €56.50 per person

Duration - 8 hours approx

Price includes:

  • Return Coach Transfer from Dublin City Centre

  • Tour Guide

  • Visit to Kilkenny Castle

  • Lunch

  • Visit to Kilkenny City Centre

  • Visit to Jerpoint Abbey

What's in Store!

Welcome to Kilkenny, a charming medieval city located in the heart of Ireland! Kilkenny is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. Join us for a tour of this beautiful city.

 

First, let's start with Kilkenny Castle, a majestic castle that dates back to the 12th century. The castle has been beautifully restored and is now open to the public for tours. You can explore the castle's magnificent rooms, gardens, and galleries, and learn about the history of the castle and the people who lived there.

After visiting the castle, we'll take a stroll through the charming streets of Kilkenny. The city is filled with historic buildings, traditional pubs, and artisan shops. We'll stop by the Kilkenny Design Centre, which showcases the work of local artisans and craftspeople. Here, you can find handmade pottery, textiles, jewellery, and other unique items.

Finally, we visit Jerpoint Abbey. Jerpoint Abbey is one of the most complete Irish Cistercian monasteries.  The church, dating mainly from c. 1160-1200 is still relatively intact and its fifteenth-century crossing tower dominates the surrounding landscape. Preserved within the church is an important collection of sculpted tombs, including carvings of saint and apostles associated with the sixteenth-century O’Tunney ‘School’ of sculptors.  The reconstructed fourteenth- or fifteenth-century sculptured cloister arcade is unique in the context of Cistercian cloister arcades for its rich array of quirky sculptures.  The abbey is located close to the river Nore, 2.5km from the medieval town of Thomastown.

Please note, all tours are based on minimum numbers attending. Should minimum numbers not be reached on tours, they may not be able to proceed. The conference secretariat will be in touch with you if it is not possible for your tour to go ahead. 

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