Meeting News - June 16, 2008 - (Page 22C) www.irelandinspiresus.com Ritz Carlton Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow Galway Races, Co. Galway Adare Manor, Co. Limerick Inspired byIreland Dynamic and vibrant—Ireland offers a rich heritage and welcoming culture, easy access, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, and a sizzling economy. These are just a few of the reasons why an increasing number of meeting and incentive planners are choosing Ireland. “Ireland has a rich history and a modern, vibrant society offering historic venues and excellent entertainment options. Ireland is an enchanting land with enchanting people.” Nigel Millar Vice President Docherty Incentives, Inc. Minneapolis, MN P lanners rely on Ireland’s professional DMCs and PCOs to create and deliver programs that motivate, excite, reward, and indulge participants. In 1742 Handel’s Messiah premiered in Fishamble Street, Dublin. The event was recreated in Dublin Castle’s St. Patrick’s Hall, with full baroque orchestra and chorus, for a group of global financial services executives. “We were charged with designing a program that reflected Ireland’s deep cultural heritage, while strenuously avoiding clichés,” says Padraic Gilligan and Pat Delaney of Ovation Group, a Dublin-based DMC. For this group, Ovation also tapped into stories of Ireland through the ages with a dinner theater event in the Mansion House—official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin. Actors in traditional dress recreated the tribal drumming of ancient Celts; a chamber choir followed, evoking the monastic age. The Celtic Tenors sang of Ireland’s history from famine to independence. The grand finale featured traditional and contemporary step dancers. “Work entirely outside the box,” says Anne Wold-Graham, of TG&A Ireland, a Dublin-based DMC that takes creativity to the hilt. “As part of an incentive program we organized a treasure hunt en route from Dublin to Killarney with an overnight and dinner in 12 Manor Houses, meticulously selected to provide Irish hospitality and an enriching experience. We added mystery by not revealing the overnight destination assigned to each group.” Divided into 12 groups—each with a driver and guide—350 participants embarked on a fun-filled adventure. Clues reflected the history and traditions of the areas and generated interaction with locals, which included pulling the perfect pint in the village pub. www.irelandinspiresus.com 1 http://www.irelandinspiresus.com http://www.irelandinspiresus.com http://www.irelandinspiresus.com
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