With the promise of plentiful Guinness and bars full of drunken camaraderie, Dublin has earned itself a somewhat undesired reputation as a stag and hen destination – especially since it can be very cheaply reached thanks to the budget airlines. But this notoriety is not entirely just, and should not put the civilised business traveller off discovering what the city offers to its trade visitors, nor from exploring Dublin’s excellent eating and drinking establishments outside of work.
Irish charm oozes from the pores of the capital in copious amounts, while Dublin’s growth as a destination to do business in is developing further all the time. Whether here for business or pleasure, the stags and hens needn’t get in the way.
Dublin is a historically rich city with a thoroughly modern outlook. For example, it was recently awarded the Fairtrade Capital City title after a two year campaign. Council staff, retailers, schools and universities across Dublin supported the bid to fight against poverty and inequality, and around 120 retail shops and 160 catering outlets signed up to sell Fairtrade products from developing countries.
Such forward thinking attitudes can also be seen related to the city’s growth as a business destination, with the grand opening of the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) this September. After four years of construction, the CCD will present Ireland with a brand new, purpose-built international conference and event venue – and the world’s first carbon neutral convention centre.
Designed by Irish-born architect Kevin Roche, a renowned Prizker award winner, the CCD has been built with long-term environmental sustainability in mind and will be seeking accreditation from the International Standards Organisation within 18 months of opening. The venue has 22 multi-functional rooms, with spaces suitable for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and banquets up to a maximum capacity of 3,000. And of course, the CCD is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to make any function go smoothly.
As well as the sustainability focus, another selling point of the CCD is the ‘speaker ready’ room. This room provides a technical network throughout the venue and allows a presentation to be uploaded onto a central server, meaning that the presentation master copy is ready to use in any of the venue’s meeting rooms. Speakers, therefore, do not need to carry a file around during their event.
A further recent addition to the city and its business trade is the Aviva Stadium, which opened its doors in May 2010. The stadium cost €410m to build, and as well as hosting sports events will provide a venue for conventions, exhibitions and entertainment functions. Aviva has over 50 different spaces on five levels, including 36 boxes available for meetings, focus groups, media events, casting calls or private functions. The venue is proud to be hosting its first concert this September, with Michael Bublé taking the stage.
After-work drinks
Dublin, clearly gearing itself up for doing business this decade and into the next, does not fail either in how it can entertain its business guests outside of their working hours in the city, or while schmoozing with clients. Temple Bar, just south of the river, is the main tourist attraction of Dublin for drinking and revelry – and exactly where you’ll find the notorious stag and hen parties. It can be fun for a short while and is great to wander around in the day, but if looking for something more civilised, there is plenty else.
A good place to come for drinks is the ‘no name’ or ‘secret’ bar at 3 Fade Street, (+353 17 645 681). This bar quite literally doesn’t have a name and has therefore ended up being anything but a secret. Still, it’s a cool and atmospheric place to clink glasses and is famous for its mojitos. Look out for the large snail above the doorway, denoting the entrance.
If you enjoy drinks in a trendier and – dare I say it – slightly pretentious setting, look no further than The Bailey (Duke Street, +353 16 704 939 ). It’s the kind of place where you’re not supposed to look like you’re having a good time, but is dandy if you want to hang out with the ‘beautiful people’ (guaranteed no bunny ears or wearable ‘L’ plates).
There are other bars around St Stephen’s Green, Duke Street and Dawson Street which all provide stag-free zones, such as The Horseshoe Bar at The Shelbourne Hotel. It’s something of an Irish institution and you need to come early, as it gets packed.
Dining out in Dublin
For drinks or food, you’ll find The Exchequer close to Dublin Castle and a short walk from St. Stephen’s Green (3-5 Exchequer Street. +353 16 706 787). This homely and relaxed venue is winner of the Best Gastropub in Ireland 2010 award as well as Best Pub Food in Dublin 2010. It serves wholesome, simple food, specialising in nationally sourced seasonal produce and sustainable seafood from Irish waters. You’ll also find an extensive range of world beers and wines (as well as some excellent cocktails) and huge vintage sofas to enjoy them on.
If you’re interested in “good, honest, Irish fare with a modern touch,” look no further than The Pig’s Ear at 4 Nassau Street (+353 16 703 865). The restaurant cooks up hearty food in an informal setting and there are plenty of interesting twists to be found on the menu. Jane Russell’s Beef and Guinness Sausage is a speciality here.
Fans of fine dining however should book a table at Pichet Restaurant, based on Dublin’s lively Trinity Street in the centre of the city (14/15 Trinity St. +353 16 771 060). Pichet is a relatively new restaurant from Nick Munier and Stephen Gibson, and serves an imaginative menu dedicated to offering high quality, fresh food to its diners. This is a sound choice for entertaining clients.
It is easy to see that the city is aiming to make its mark as a top business capital in Europe, and if you are here to do business, don’t forget the pleasure – though remember, tar and feathers are not necessary.
