Prevue November-December 2013 - (Page 58)

Dublin & Killarney [ON LOCATION] GIANNA WYATT Ireland's reputation for tradition and natural beauty ﬁnds balance with a new wave of creative group product in the Irish capital city and down south in the country D ublin is becoming an innovative hub of technology, sustainability and culture thanks to a new throng of creative groups that are settling in town. The Docklands area is Dublin's most poignant example, home to new ofﬁces of Google, Linkedin, Amazon, Facebook and the sleek Convention Centre Dublin. Open since April, The Marker Hotel is a chic and modern property with 166 guest rooms and the only rooftop garden in the city. The design of the expansive lobby draws on the elemental nature of Irish geography. The 3D ceiling takes its inspiration from the ancient basalt columns of Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The moment you enter, you can't help but let your eyes drift to the white geometric structures that appear to be falling from the high ceilings. "It is exciting to have a new hotel that is modern and contemporary as part of Leading Hotels of the World," says Ken Lyons, senior sales manager. "The Marker creates a wonderful contrast against the many traditional hotels found in the city." Step onto the rooftop garden for creative cocktails and smooth electronic beats for a cool alternative to the pub scene. Whether for teambuilding activities on the patio during the day or 54 | prevue magazine a cocktail party by night, General Manager Charlie Sheil says this is the most intimate space in the whole city. Tech companies top the list of bookings, some of which are already penciled in through 2015. Easy access to the convention center and the technological advances found onsite are a major selling point, according to Sheil. The Marker Hotel's 7,500 sf of meeting space, including nine meeting rooms seating 10 to 250 guests, is another big plus. The 130-seat Brasserie restaurant facing the Grand Canal is a bold, abstract space with a large marble slab table in the center for intimate group dinners. Menu highlights include succulent rare breed pork and beef combined with colorful salads, soups and pastas. A prix-ﬁxe theatre menu is fully customized by Chef Gareth Mullins for groups using private booths and banquettes. DUBLIN: CITYWIDE MEETINGS During a 4-day trek around Ireland, we booked Moloney & Kelly Travel DMC in conjunction with Meet In Ireland to guide us around popular group venues and attractions. "Never has there been a better time for groups to travel to Ireland," says Michael Dalton, groups/incentives manager.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue November-December 2013

Planner's Pick: Hartford
Fresh Meets: MGM Resorts
Bureau Buzz: Las Vegas
Good Business: Hyatt, Hilton, Fairmont
Sea Shores: Silversea Cruises
Cool, Cultured & Creative
Imex America
Special Section: Asia Pacific
Ireland
On Location: Hard Rock San Diego
Santa Fe
Cincinnati
On Location: InterContinental Costa Rica
On Location: Marriott Orlando
On Location: Hilton Orlando
South Walton, Florida
Check Out: Moon Palace Cancun

Prevue November-December 2013