Social Programme


Sunday, 15th August 2010


Welcome Reception

Following registration in the Clarion Hotel guests are invited to attend the official welcome reception which is also taking place in the Clarion Hotel.

You will be free to mingle with your fellow conference attendees in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Finger food & a complimentary drink provided.

Partners and children are welcome to attend.
Price: Included in registration fee

Friday, 20th August 2010


Gala Dinner ‘Shindig night’

The social highlight of the week will take place at the Jameson Experience in Midleton.

On arrival to the distillery your evening begins with a guided tour including a short video on the story of John Jameson. This is then concluded with a delicious aperitif of Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Following a sumptuous 5 course meal you will be entertained by the famous Jameson Players and the Claddagh Dancers. Places are limited & tickets are on a first come first serve basis. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Please note that children may not attend the Gala Dinner.

Price: €90

Price includes coaching to and from the conference hotels.



Optional Tours



Tours can be booked on the online registration form or on-site at the conference on a first come first served basis, if available.

Cork City - Hop on Hop off tour

This city tour operates every 30 minutes from 09:30 to 17:00, seven days a week in August and departs directly from the conference venue the Clarion Hotel. There is no better way to see Cork City than the “Hop On, Hop Off” Tour. See all of Cork’s famous sights such as the Cork City Gaol, St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, City Hall, the English Market, City Library, the Triskel Art Centre, Cork Opera House, St. Anne’s Church, the Shandon Butter Museum, the Custom House, City Library, the Courthouse, Museum & Fitzgerald Park, & Elizabeth Fort.

With a ticket that is valid all day, you can get on and off as often as you wish. A complimentary map and discounts off certain admissions is included. 

Price: €13

East Cork Evening Tour - Cobh, Tuesday 17th August

Cobh is a very picturesque town situated just 12 km from Cork city.  Known as Queenstown, it was some decades before reverting to its old Irish name in 1922 - the Cobh (cove) of Cork. From Cobh, hundreds of thousands of mostly hungry and penniless Irish men and women left to build a new life, especially in the Famine years of 1844-48. Many thrived and prospered, but many died on the journey in the terrible travelling conditions of the time.

A visit to Cobh Heritage Centre is recommended. It is open from 09:30 to 18:00 (last admission at 17:00).

The town is overlooked by St. Colemans Cathedral which has a carillon of 47 bells. .

Cobh is situated on Great Island, one of the three large islands in Cork harbour which are all now joined by roads and bridges - Little Island and Fota are the others. The harbour is one of the largest and safest anywhere, being capable of taking the largest vessels afloat. The great Transatlantic liners used to come in up to the 1950s. On the quayside there is a memorial to the victims of the Lusitania, which sank off the coast of Kinsale.  Another unhappy association is with the Titanic. Queenstown was her last port of call on her fateful maiden voyage.

Price: €15
Price includes return coach to Cobh and driver guide.

Cobh and Kinsale Restaurant Suggestions




West Cork Evening Tour - Kinsale, Thursday 19th August

Kinsale is one of Ireland’s prettiest towns situated just 20 miles from Cork. It was the site of a battle in 1601 that was a turning point in Irish history. For over 300 years, it was a garrison town and port of consequence, leaving a legacy of Georgian and Victorian architecture.

A visit to Charlesfort is recommended.  It is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort.  It is open from 10h00 to 18h00 (last tour at 17h15).  You can as also enjoy some free time to wander through the narrow streets to enjoy the shops and galleries

Price: €15
Price includes return coach to Kinsale and driver guide.

Cobh and Kinsale Restaurant Suggestions