Ireland
Kerry: where business excellence meets Wild Atlantic beauty
O ffering outstanding
facilities in idyllic locations, Kerry is a spectacular place to bring people together. Some of the wildest and most dramatic coastline on the Wild Atlantic Way can be found here. With the iconic Ring of Kerry on the doorstep, attendees will experience both modern-day cultural treasures and a link to an ancient, mystical world.
For business, Kerry’ s economy is broader than many expect, with strong capabilities across tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, engineering, food technology and financial services. This diverse economic base offers valuable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and local engagement. Events held in Kerry can tap into local specialists, technical tours and regionally based delegates, adding depth and relevance to business gatherings. The county is home to internationally recognised companies such as Kerry Group( food technology), Liebherr( manufacturing), Astellas( pharmaceuticals), Fexco( financial services and technology) and Dairymaster( agritech). All of them contribute to Kerry’ s reputation as a centre of innovation and global industry leadership.
Below: Jaunting Cars of Kerry
Kerry is easily accessible via four airports – Kerry, Cork, Shannon and Dublin – with direct flights from major cities across Europe, the UK, the US and the Middle East. Shannon and Dublin airports both offer US pre-clearance. With scenic travel options by train, bus or car, and tailored transport services, reaching Kerry is both convenient and efficient for international visitors.
Killarney, around 15 minutes by car from Kerry Airport, is home to Gleneagle Conference and Events, one of Ireland’ s largest and most versatile venues, located next to Killarney National Park. Designed to cater for between 150 and 2,500 delegates, the venue offers:
• the multi-level Gleneagle Arena
• around 3,000 square metres of event space
• two large conference suites
• a variety of smaller rooms that can be used for standalone events or incorporated into larger multistream programmes
The venue is directly linked to the four-star Gleneagle Hotel, which offers around 240 bedrooms as well as self-catering apartments. A further 2,500 bedrooms are within walking distance, many of which are in hotels of similar exceptional standard, and ideal for smaller meetings and teambuilding activities.
With the growth of the‘ bleisure’ market, Gleneagle has also cleverly created Hotel67, a hotel within a hotel. Built in a long-forgotten wing, it offers a design-led, adults-only stay. The stylish, minimalist rooms come with Juliet windows and views over the national park.
Delegates may be tempted to stay put, but with sights such as Ross Castle and Lough Leane close by, delighting delegates at every turn is easy for organisers. And however comfortable you feel inside, the lure of emerald-green pastures, mist-shrouded mountains, ancient stone walls and rugged Atlantic coastline will be impossible to resist. n
ISSUE 145 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 35