With so much to see, do and experience in magical County Down, delegates may never return from this impeccable destination for conferences, meetings and events! Said to be where Ireland’s patron Saint Patrick is laid to rest, County Down’s history spans a remarkable 7,000 years. Steeped in heritage and folklore, this incredibly picturesque county is an ideal meeting destination for the conference connoisseur.
The magnificent Mountains of Mourne, Slieve Donnard and captivating coastline provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor pursuit teambuilding events and corporate activities on land and water, whilst championship golf courses are ideal for relaxed corporate golf events. Prime County Down locations such as Bangor, Newcastle, Downpatrick and Newry offer meeting planners urban, rural and coastal settings with a wide range of conference venues to choose from. Whether opting for a sporting venue, historic building, country house hotel or modern training and conference centre, event organisers can rest assured that excellent meeting facilities, first class service and Irish hospitality are guaranteed.
Being in close proximity to Belfast it is no wonder that County Down is a popular conference destination. Meeting delegates will find the region easily accessible having travelled to Belfast via ferry services from England or Scotland or via flights into Belfast International or Belfast City George Best airports. The M1, A1 and A24 are major road routes throughout the region for those opting to drive.
An undoubted haven for teambuilding events and corporate activities, many adventure centres and sporting venues also offer excellent meeting facilities to cater for all aspects of the corporate getaway. Formula Karting provide superb options for would be racing drivers whilst the Clearsky Adventure Centre combines an inspirational setting with motivational activities and a conference centre able to accommodate 180 delegates. Set against the Mourne Mountains, Downpatrick Racecourse offers meeting spaces for stylish corporate events, weddings and conferences, whilst Newry Arts Centre provides exhibition space, meeting rooms for small delegate groups and an auditorium with capacity for 110 people. A unique and unusual historic venue with an impressive facade, the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre comprises meeting spaces including a large conference hall for 250 delegates alongside a further 8 conference and meeting rooms whereas the academic venue SRC Business Incubation Centre offers ideal meeting and training rooms for smaller delegate groups. Stately home Mount Stewart House is a fine example of the region’s history boasting dramatic views and elegant conference spaces, whilst County Down hotels are also able to provide outstanding conference and banqueting facilities catering for weddings, corporate and private events alike. These include the Burrendale Hotel, Country Club and Spa, The Mill at Ballydugan, and the Canal Court Hotel which alone accommodates up to 500 delegates. Major hotel groups represented in County Down include the National Trust and WWT.