Ireland: It's Not Just Luck

Ireland is beginning to make a name for itself on the exhibition industry scene.

Its venues have started hosting more and more events, and its newest convention center is slated to open in less than two years, meaning even more shows can book space in the Republic of Ireland.

The country's largest venue is the Royal Dublin Society in Dublin, according to Eimear Dunne, marketing and development executive for the Dublin Convention Bureau. It offers more than 20,000 square meters (215,278 square feet) spread over a 42-acre complex.

The RDS hosts hundreds of Ireland's exhibition events, 60 percent of which are tradeshows, while the other 40 percent are consumer shows, said Michele Griffin, commercial director for the venue. Of those consumer shows, 35 percent are international events.

“During 2008, the RDS, Ireland's leading international event and conference center, has hosted 400 events, while continuing to maintain (its) dedication to an ongoing program of capital development,” Griffin added.

The largest show held at the RDS, Dunne said, is The Dublin Horse Show, scheduled Aug. 5-9. The international show, Dunne added, brings together horses, fashion, music, antiques and fine art, spread through several exhibition halls for an attendance of about 84,000.

Shows at the RDS range from the Interior Design Show 2009, on tap May 14-17, to the Access and Mobility Exhibition, scheduled June 19-20.

And, Dunne said, the city is awaiting the Sept. 1, 2010, opening of its newest venue, the Convention Centre Dublin. With exhibition space of 4,500 sq. m. (48,437 sq. ft.), a 2,000-seat auditorium and 22 flexible meeting rooms, it will be able to host a number of shows.

“The CCD is also significantly investing in the latest audiovisual and communications technology, which will position it as one of the leading technological venues in Europe,” Dunne added.