Dublin as a destination for the modern business traveler

When planning a business trip, people often think of efficiency, connectivity and the opportunity to network. Dublin offers all of these benefits and more. Although the city is known for its lively pubs, famous Guinness and rich whiskey tradition, Dublin has much to offer the modern business traveler. Learn more about why Dublin is a top destination for your next business trip and how to make the most of your stay....

General

• Dublin is Ireland's capital and largest city and has a whopping 544 thousand inhabitants;
• Dublin is located about a 1-hour and 20-minute flight from Amsterdam;
• There are more than 250 flights a week from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, so plenty of choice!
• Most flights are operated by the airlines Ryanair, KLM and Aer Lingus;
• It rains quite a lot during the year in Ireland, but if you want to catch a ray of sunshine, May through September is when you have the best chance.

Why Dublin is a destination for the business traveler

Dublin is an attractive destination for business travel for several reasons:

1. Economic hub: Dublin is a major economic center in Europe, with a strong presence of multinational companies, especially in the tech, pharmaceutical and financial sectors. Companies such as Google, Facebook, Apple and Pfizer have their European headquarters in Dublin. This provides numerous networking and collaboration opportunities.
2. Access to European and global markets: Ireland offers strategic access to both European and global markets. As a member of the European Union, it offers companies in Dublin access to the EU market.
3. English speaking: English is the working language in Ireland, which facilitates communication with international partners and makes it easier to get by.
4. Education and innovation: Dublin has a strong focus on education and innovation, with renowned universities such as Trinity College and University College Dublin. This ensures a well-educated workforce and a culture of innovation and research.
5. Infrastructure and connectivity: Dublin is well connected to the rest of Europe and the world thanks to Dublin Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe. The city's public transportation system and infrastructure are modern and efficient.
6. Quality of life: Dublin offers a high quality of life with a rich culture, vibrant nightlife, historic sites and a friendly population. This makes it attractive for both short and longer stays.
7. Business facilities: The city has excellent facilities for conferences, trade shows and business meetings. Venues such as the Convention Centre Dublin and several luxury hotels offer sophisticated facilities for business events.

Transportation to and in the center

• From the airport you can choose to:
  • Reserve a transfer in advance who will pick you up at the airport. Our business travel consultants book this transfer in advance, so that when you arrive at the airport you are met and taken to your desired location in the city. An additional advantage is that you pay in advance or afterwards by invoice, so you don't have to worry about anything on location.
  • The Dublin bus to take, particularly the Airlink Express (lines 747 and 757), which runs to various stops in the center. You can also board at any of these stops later to travel back to the airport. The price for a return ticket is about 12 euros. Other options are the Aircoach and Go-Ahead Ireland services, which also run to the city center.
• Getting around Dublin by bicycle is the fastest option. This can easily be done through Dublin bikes, also known as NOW Dublin Bikes. These bikes can be found on almost every street corner. You can rent your bike through a vending machine near the bikes, for example, for 1 day for €3.50 or 3 days for €5 euros. To keep in mind: they do often reserve a deposit on your credit card, which is released when you return the bike.
• Traveling through the city with the streetcar, through the Luas network. At each stop there is a vending machine where you can buy tickets for a single, return or day ticket (Leap Visitor Card). The prices of these are €8 euros for 1 day, €16 euros for 3 days and €32 euros for 7 days. This card is also valid for the Dublin Bus and DART (train).
• A cab Take can also be taken, of course. However, it can be very busy in the city so the price can add up quickly and a ride can take a very long time. On average, you pay €15 euros for a 10-minute ride.

Lodging in Dublin

There is very much on offer for hotels in Dublin. Highly recommended is hotel The Samuel. This is a 4-star hotel in the center of Dublin. It is a beautiful hotel with nice rooms and a wonderful restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, this hotel has several meeting rooms available: ideal for business meetings:

Other recommendations for business travelers include:

• The Westbury Hotel: A luxury hotel in the heart of Dublin with excellent facilities for meetings and conferences. This 5-star hotel is known for its elegant decor, personalized service and spacious rooms. And features several meeting rooms, a business center and high-quality dining options.
• Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel: Known for its sleek, contemporary style, this design hotel offers extensive business facilities, including meeting rooms and an auditorium. Located in the Docklands, offers modern amenities, a spa and a rooftop terrace with stunning city views. Located in the Docklands with modern amenities, a spa and a rooftop terrace with stunning city views. So after a long day at work, you can relax here in the luxurious spa or enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace.
• The Shelbourne Dublin: A historic 5-star hotel with extensive business facilities and a central location. This iconic hotel on St. Stephen's Green offers refined luxury and a rich history. It features several meeting rooms, a fully equipped business center and first-class dining options. The Shelbourne is perfect for those seeking a blend of classic charm and modern amenities.

Source: Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel. 

What to do in your spare time?

• Dublin Castle is a beautiful castle right in the center. Do you like history? Then it's great fun to take a stroll through the castle and its beautiful gardens. An adult ticket costs €8 euros. The castle was the headquarters of the English administration in Ireland for more than 700 years. Currently, it is now the center of the Irish government and is used for state affairs and state visits.
• Phoenix Park: One of the largest city parks in Europe. You can enjoy walking here or rent a bike at the entrance to explore the park. The park is also home to Dublin Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world, and the residence of the President of Ireland, Áras an Uachtaráin.
• Whisky tastings: Highly recommend booking a tour + tasting at the Irish Whiskey Museum. A guide will take you through the history of Irish Whiskey, very interesting. Then, of course, it's time to taste! Other popular whiskey tours are those at the Jameson Distillery Bow St. and the Teeling Distillery, where you can learn more about the distillation process and enjoy various tastings.
• Trinity College: Visit Ireland's largest library with a whopping 4.5 million books. Very unique to tour!
• Guinness Storehouse: Go to the brewery of the famous dark beer. Follow the route through the beautiful industrial building and see the entire Guinness brewing process. Of course, you also get to taste a freshly tapped Guinness on the top floor with a great view of Dublin.
• Temple Bar district: Here you will find many cozy pubs & restaurants. Of course, do not forget to visit the famous Temple Bar, this is the walhalla for whisky lovers, as here you will find the largest whisky collection in Ireland. Besides the famous Temple Bar, there are plenty of other atmospheric pubs, live music and markets that make this area a lively and popular destination.

What to consider when doing business in Dublin/Ireland:

• Handshake: it is customary to shake hands when greeting and parting.
• Dress code: dress casually, business culture in Ireland is generally informal.
• Communications: keep it short and businesslike. Irish people are honest and sincere and the ice is quickly broken in a conversation. Humor is appreciated, but make sure not to get too informal.
• Respect the Irish pride: show respect for Irish culture, history and pride. Avoid political topics unless you are sure your interlocutor is comfortable with this.
• Round of drinks: if you are in a pub with colleagues, everyone is expected to buy a round of drinks for everyone and not just for yourself. This shows collegiality and team spirit.
• Connections and networking: connections are important when doing business in Ireland. It is sometimes more important who you know than what you know. Invest in building and maintaining relationships.
• Time and punctuality: although Irish people are generally flexible with time, being on time for business appointments is still appreciated. It shows respect for others' time.
• Food and drink: lunch with business partners is common and seen as a good opportunity to build relationships. Dinner can also be used for business meetings, but it is important to know when to wrap up the business aspects and move on to more informal conversations.

With these tips and information, you will be well prepared for a successful and enjoyable business trip to Dublin.

Dublin offers a unique blend of business opportunities and cultural experiences, making it a top destination for the modern business traveler. From its efficient transportation options and excellent business facilities to its lively pubs and rich history, Dublin has something for everyone. We are happy to help you plan your next business trip to Dublin! 

Travel Well!

Zooey de Vries
Business Travel Consultant