“If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough.” This time of year, I hear that saying often, and while it may be true, so too is this: If you’re lucky enough to attend an incentive or special event in Ireland, you’re lucky enough indeed!
Of course, we all know that winning an incentive contest is not really luck. It takes a lot dedication and hard work, which makes the success even sweeter. And with one of the incredible destinations below as the “pot of gold” reward at the end of a colorful rainbow, who wouldn’t be working harder than ever! After all, in the words of Thomas Jefferson, “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I have.”
In Case You Missed It: In the Buyer’s Eye – Sweet Spots
Gems of the Emerald Isle
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the properties highlighted below go beyond the ever-popular Dublin to explore the best of everything Ireland has to offer. The Emerald Isle may be small, but it is enormous in unrivaled beauty and experiences. It’s very easy to craft a journey that seamlessly combines city and country with plenty of charming towns in between.
Kildare
Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Fairmont properties are well-known and well-loved thanks to their fusion of grandeur and glamour, awe-inspiring destinations reflecting local culture and history, and impeccable service. An irresistible option for individuals and groups, they have certainly earned their bragging rights! None more so than this Irish location…
Welcome to Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, one of Ireland’s grandest country estates situated in a spectacular rural setting with 1,100 private acres of parkland, woods, and lakes yet only 25 minutes from Dublin’s city center. A national treasure with over three centuries of history, a new chapter awaits the House.
Ireland’s first Fairmont hotel opened in 2021 and offers 169 rooms and suites, two world-class championship golf courses, a luxury spa, and a wide range of on-property activities such as fishing, falconry, archery, cycling, hiking, and wellness facilities, making it a true experience-inclusive destination. I would be remiss not to mention The Whiskey Library, an exclusive venue dedicated to the appreciation of whiskey. Quite fitting for Ireland—sláinte!
Tipperary
Cashel Palace Hotel
Relais & Chateaux has unveiled a new property opening this spring: Cashel Palace Hotel. Built in the 18th century as a mansion, it is now meticulously restored and redesigned with 42 rooms, making it an intimate option worth considering for small groups.
The palace is both magical and mystical—a fairy tale come true! From the enchanting English-style gardens to the unique, boutique rooms, it will surely leave a lasting impression.
Located in the town of Tipperary, Cashel Palace is in the heart of Ireland. And don’t worry—it’s not really a “long, long way to Tipperary!” The closest airport is in Shannon, and Dublin is only two hours away by train. Tipperary is a lovely hub for experiencing everything that Ireland has to offer; the food, culture, and sheer beauty all come together here. That said, the local infrastructure is still developing, so it would be highly encouraged for a split program or a pre-/post- option.
Killarney
The Europe Hotel and Resort
The Europe Hotel and Resort is located in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland on Killarney’s largest lake, Loch Léin. The setting is so idyllic that when you look at photos, you hardly believe they’re real. This impressive destination is perfect as a standalone incentive, or it can easily be combined with a stay in Dublin to experience both eastern and western Ireland.
Lakes and mountains, mountains and lakes… and toss in a golf course and gardens! It’s impossible to find a bad view from any of the 187 rooms and suites at this resort. Everything is impeccably stylish, with panoramic views (Panoramic is actually the name of the main restaurant, and rightfully so) and a very soulful connection to the destination.
Speaking of the destination, the ideal location on the Ring of Kerry means this resort is perfectly situated for countless excursions and activities such as the Gap of Dunloe, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park, countless striking golf courses, and ESPA at The Europe, the property’s 5,000-square-foot spa. This landscape is painted by nature, the activities in a class by itself. You really do have to see it to believe it.
Contributor
Mary Enke, CIS
Sr. Destination & Experience Design Lead
Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc.
