Marie Lawlor

Ovation Ireland DMC has been creating award-winning, high-end programs for planners and their clients from around the world for more than 25 years. Sitting proudly at the edge of Europe, Ireland is regularly considered as one of the top incentive destinations in the world.  Dublin is renowned for many things, such as the music and the people.  Marie Lawlor, the DMC’s director of sales, can’t wait to welcome planners back and share the following with them.

Food, Glorious Food.

An exciting Irish food scene has developed, with new generations of specialty food producers opening the eyes of local chefs and food lovers as to just how good Irish food can be. Enjoy a tour of Dublin tasting local cheese and charcuterie, smoked salmon and scones as you meander through the cute little backstreets of Dublin.  Finish off with a private Oyster and Chablis Tasting at SOLE. | Photo from SOLE Seafood & Grill, Dublin. 

Killruddery, an 800-acre estate in County Wicklow.

Located 35 minutes from Dublin this beautiful estate is a must-see. Whether you choose this venue for your gala dinner, or as a location for an Irish immersion day, this beautiful venue and its spectacular gardens are worth the journey. Killruddery has been in the Brabazon Family since 1618.  Under the stewardship of Lord and Lady Ardee, it has been transformed into a cultural highlight.  | Photo courtesy of Fáilte Ireland.

Afternoon tea, one of Dublin’s most popular treats.

The meal gained popularity amongst the wealthy social classes in England in the 1840s. The custom then travelled to English landed gentry living in Ireland, and now it’s the thing to do! Whether you want to keep it traditional or add a few bubbles, the choice is yours.  From the Art Tea at the five-star Merrion Hotel to the Vintage Tea Tour Bus.  If you really like bubbles with yours, then the Champagne Trolley at the Westin is a perfect accompaniment to their offering. | Photo of “Art Tea” pastries courtesy of The Merrion Hotel. 

Whiskey. Sláinte!

I don’t know which to choose, so I’ll choose all of them! Let’s start with Jameson, at its Bow Street distillery, you can choose a workshop, either Make Whiskey or shake some Whiskey Cocktails.  Then head over to Teelings Distillery for a tour and tasting, then head to Pearse Lyons Distillery for a whiskey and food pairing experience and finish up with Roe and Co. to make more whiskey cocktails. | Pearse Lyons Distillery is a boutique distillery located in the heart of Dublin. Photo courtesy of Pearse Lyons Distillery.

Ceol agus Craic

Dublin has many many pubs and they all have a story to tell. Pubs such as Davy Byrnes, which was made famous by its appearance in Chapter 8 of James Joyce’s 1922 modernist novel Ulysses, or O’Donoghue’s and The Palace Bar! One of my favorites is The Abbey Tavern.  This pub has it all, amazingly good food, music and dance.  Enjoy our music and dancing in one of these many establishments.  Try your hand at pulling the perfect pint of Guinness or making your own Irish Coffee.

Ovation DMC Ireland is part of Ovation Global DMC. The winner of seven SITE Crystal Awards for incentive travel program excellence, its services include venue sourcing, accommodation sourcing and management, high-end exclusive group experiences and activities, event decoration and theming and much more. Ovation DMC Ireland is represented in Canada by Select Group Marketing.