16 October 2024

Last weekend, the Kerry Convention Bureau (KCB) proudly showcased Kerry as a globally recognised sustainable business events destination, where inspiration, innovation, and excellence meet warm hospitality. The event welcomed eight influential Meetings, Incentives, Conference, and Exhibition (MICE) planners from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Highlighting the region’s accessibility via Kerry, Cork, and Dublin Airports, along with Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail, this meetings focused familiarisation programme allowed attendees to experience firsthand what Kerry has to offer for business events through a two-day educational itinerary. This initiative also facilitated valuable connections between the event planners and local business event suppliers.

The programme commenced in Tralee with an official welcome reception at Roundy’s Bar featuring dancers and musicians from Siamsa Tire, followed by dinner and Kingdom Whiskey Tasting Event at The Rose Hotel.

Saturday morning’s activities included site tours of the Meadowlands Hotel and The Ashe Hotel, the opening session at TEDxTralee and a tour of the Munster Technological University Sports Academy and its outdoor classroom. Participants enjoyed an estate tour and lunch at Ballygarry Estate Hotel before the onward journey to Killarney. The afternoon featured a jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, and an orientation walk through Killarney town, visiting JM Reidys, Hilliard, and The Laurels. The day concluded with a visit to Killarney Brewing and Distilling for a tour of its newly opened gala dinner space, followed by an educational Taste and Tour at Killarney’s Urban Farm, before finishing with dinner at The Tan Yard and a nightcap at Pigs Lane.

On Sunday, the attendees explored Muckross Park Hotel and The Brehon, participated in a fun and interactive tour of Muckross Traditional Farms, and took a comprehensive walk through the Killarney Convention Centre, culminating in a final lunch at Great Southern Killarney.

The combination of immersive experiences and industry networking left the group with lasting impressions of a region capable of delivering first-class, authentic MICE events that seamlessly blend iconic landscapes and culture with expertise, knowledge, and warm hospitality.

Becky Hargrove, Manager of KCB said, ““We were delighted to collaborate with our members to bring this group of influential event planners to Kerry and provide a memorable overview of why Kerry should be top of mind for business events.”

“Choosing to host an event in Kerry inspires innovative thought and fresh ideas. As seen with our inclusion of TEDxTralee in the itinerary, we aim to nurture and celebrate creativity,” she added. “Whether it’s an association meeting, corporate conference or a high-end incentive programme, we offer unrivaled facilities in idyllic locations throughout the county—ideal for every type of business event.”

The showcase highlighted Kerry’s commitment to sustainability, ranking #19 on the Global Destination Sustainability Index in 2023. The itinerary integrated key elements of sustainability at every touchpoint and featured Catherine Carty, Kerry Ambassador and UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Physical Education, Sport, Recreation, and Fitness at MTU, who discussed the importance of impact and legacy for the upcoming International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA) 2025 conference.

All featured Kerry suppliers emphasised their commitment to hosting green events through dedicated activities within their businesses.

“As a county, Kerry is future-focused and leading the way in sustainable tourism. We are committed to growing Kerry’s reputation as a premier destination for sustainability, community, social entrepreneurship, and responsible tourism,” said Becky. “We were especially thrilled to partner with one of our Kerry Ambassadors to spotlight the potential impact and legacy of the ISAPA 2025 conference, which will attract approximately 600 international attendees to Tralee next June.”

Kerry Convention Bureau is supported by Fáilte Ireland and Kerry County Council.

“Fáilte Ireland are delighted that associations, event agencies and international media had the opportunity to experience Kerry’s outstanding Business Events infrastructure and breath-taking landscapes during the #MeetInKerry Fam. The exciting programme showcased first class hotels, meeting facilities, events spaces, offsite venues, immersive activities and sustainability offering across Tralee and Killarney” said Paul Mockler, Head of Commercial Development, Fáilte Ireland.

Paul continued “Killarney Brewing & Distilling Visitors Experience which featured on the familiarisation trip was among one of five venues awarded grant funding by Fáilte Ireland through the Platforms for Growth Gala Dinner Venues Investment Scheme this year. The Gala Dinner Venues Investment Scheme was established to accommodate demand in the market, and to ensure the sustainable growth of business events revenue, which is central to Fáilte Ireland’s sustainable tourism agenda.”