Business trip to Dublin, Ireland.
Dublin, being the capital city is the hub of Ireland’s transportation, education, communication as well as finance. Over the last few decades, Dublin has established a reputation as Europe’s software capital. Dublin looks well set to sustain its current economic boom, which started over a decade ago. Employment growth in Dublin has strengthened in recent years, with its average unemployment figures being among the lowest in Ireland.
Agriculture is no longer the main contributor to the national product but that does not mean that agriculture is a neglected sector. The government has thrown its weight behind the process of modernization of agriculture. Textiles, IT, electronics and chemicals are the dominant sectors of industry.
Read more...
Although the primary service sector is dominated by finance and banking, Dublin’s highest growth service industry is tourism. Tourism numbers have been growing consistently each year, with figures more than doubled in the past 10 years. These figures however is also dominated by overseas visitors traveled for business purposes. These visitors can be contributed to the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), which is one of the main conference and exhibition venues of the Ireland in Dublin.
Further, Dublin is also the center of both media and communications in Ireland, with many newspapers, radio stations, television stations and telephone companies having their headquarters in Dublin.
The recent discovery of oil and natural gas deposits is going to further strengthen the economy of Ireland, while its already attracting a lot of foreign investment.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names, professional and academic titles at first but expect to go on a first-name-base very soon.
Irish are sometimes direct, sometimes not at all. It depends on the situation.
Be very modest, never brag about anything.
Use humor if you have a flair for it.
You will never hear a "no" although the real answer is a "NO!". Be aware of understatements.
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative in the first meetings. The dress-code depends on the branch you are working in. - Meetings and negotiations:
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving and smile a lot.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
Some time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned because discussions tend to be very long.
First appointments are more socially oriented, Irish would like to know you a bit better at first.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
Within the EU region, Ireland’s economic exceptionalism continues to stand out, particularly the country’s inviting business environment and continued attractiveness to foreign investment. There are significant opportunities within the marketplace for small-to-medium sized exporters.
Successful exports include state-of-the-art products and parts and components for products in the information and communication technologies sector, pharmaceuticals, medical and healthcare devices, travel and tourism, engineering/design, and financial services.
The current economic downturn presents opportunities in select market segments. Growth sectors for exports include consumer and sporting goods, building and construction products, hotel and restaurant equipment, food processing equipment, industrial machinery, energy&power generation, and air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.
The Irish Government seeks to sustain its strategy to refashion Ireland as a R&D-centered, innovation-based, knowledge-intensive economy. Regardless of the recessionary landscape, this strategy will be a deciding factor in Ireland’s ability to attract continued investment from R&D-focused companies. The Irish Government “Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation” indicates a long-term commitment to build on Ireland’s R&D strengths.
Along with healthy birthrates and the recent spike in migration to and from Ireland, the country has begun to add a continental European and multicultural flair to a once relatively homogeneous population—opening the door for products and services suiting different and more exotic wants and needs.
Some facts in a list:| Currency | EUR |
| Time zone | GMT |
| Population | 4.156.119 |
| Area | 70.273 km² |
| Population density | 59,1 / km² |
| GDP | € 122.000.000.000 |
| GDP/per capita | € 27.610 |
  | Product tip: Power charger for you USB devices Very convenient can be a portable, long lasting battery power for all USB-compatible devices such as iPods, iPhones, cellular phones, digital cameras, PDA’s, Bluetooth headsets and others. With a portable power charger you can recharge you USB device anywhere. |
Dublin Airport is a fast growing airport, almost 18.5 million passengers were processed in 2005, and in 2006 the number will exceed 20 million. This growth has coincided with the economic rise in Ireland since the beginning of the 90s. The airport has had to keep up with the growing number of passengers, so there are almost always construction activities at Dublin Airport.
Address
Dublin Airport
Dublin County
Republic of Ireland
Telephone: +353(0)1 814 1111
Fax: +353(0)1 814 4816
www.dublinairport.com
Airport codes
IATA airport code: DUB
ICAO airport code: EIDW
Lost property
Items left behind by their owners at Dublin Airport may be turned in to the Airport Police station . Airport Police endeavor to match items that have been turned in with items reported lost by their owners.
To contact Lost Property phone: +353 (0)1 814 5555
Terminal info
Terminal 1 originally opened in 1972, and was initially designed to handle five million passengers a year. The original design included a second pier which would have been identical to what is now pier B but this was never built.
After several years of debate, the planning for Terminal 2 began in 2005 when the Irish Government directed the DAA (Dublin Airport Authority) to build a new terminal at Dublin Airport as part of its Aviation Action Plan which also included the sale of the majority share holding in Aer Lingus.
Terminal 2 will be fully operational by November 2010, including its new pier (Pier E).It will be home to all Aer Lingus flights & Long-Haul carriers.A third terminal is provided for in the blueprint for the future development of the airport.
Connectivity from the airport
Bus
There are many bus connections between Dublin Airport and various destinations in Ireland. AirCoach and Dublin Bus have lines to Dublin for €7.00 and €5.00, respectively. AirCoach goes to destinations further to the south and the north. Bus Eireann maintains a fast service between Dublin and Belfast which also stops at the airport. JJ Kavanagh has bus connections to the south, and Citylink is the bus company that goes to destinations in the west. All buses leave from stops close to the exit of the Arrivals Hall.
Taxi
Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall. All taxis have meters but they are only used for destinations in the so-called Dublin City Taxi Metered Area. Apart from that you must negotiate the price beforehand, a ride to the center of Dublin costs approximately €20.00, but there may be an extra charge for baggage there is also an added surcharge for evenings and weekends.
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Dublin. Increased availability of taxi’s in Dublin means that it’s easy to travel to and from Dublin, day or night.
Transport in Dublin city now provides passengers with lots of options offering excellent services. The massive increase of taxis in Dublin since the deregulation of licenses means that Dubliners and tourists can call at taxi with little difficulty. The numbers of taxi’s on Dublin’s roads has almost tripled since deregulation. We give you some numbers to give you a start.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Access Metro Cabs | 01 6683333 |
| Castle Cabs | 01 8319000 |
| City Cabs | 01 8731122 |
| Pony Cabs | 01 6612233 |
Dobbins
In the refurbishment is a new Private Dining Room which is also available for small business meeting.
15 Stephens Lane
Mount Street
Dublin 2
Tel:(01) 661 9536
www.dobbins.ie
Tippenyaki
If you are on a business trip to Dublin, Tippenyaki is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts. The word "teppanyaki" is derived from "teppan" (which means "iron plate") and "yaki" (which means "grilled"). The art of teppanyaki is relatively new in the long history of Japan... Accompanied with SUSHI it creates the backbone of modern Japanese cuisine.
39 Castlewood Avenue
Rathmines
Tel: 01 4979463
www.tippenyaki.ie
Canters Restaurant
This low-key stylish newcomer is a breath of fresh air to Fairview. Formerly Trotters, one of the oldest restaurants in the area, the premises has been given a welcome makeover.
9 Fairview Strand
Fairview
Tel: 01 833 3681
www.canters.ie
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Dublin.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Dublin it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Dublin.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Hilton Dublin Hotel
Overlooking the historic Grand Canal, the Hilton Dublin hotel is a 10-minute walk from the famous St. Stephen’s Green area and Grafton Street and only 3 miles away from the RDS Convention Center. Hilton is the perfect base for business travelers. Located on the green LUAS line it only takes and a short tram ride to get to the fashionable Dundrum Town Centre.
Charlemont Place
Dublin, Ireland 2
Tel: 353-1-402-9988
More info about Hilton Dublin Hotel
Best Western Premier Academy Plaza Hotel
The Best Western Premier Academy Plaza Hotel has an exceptional location as a Dublin City Centre Hotel and following a complete redesign and expansion, the property boasts 285 deluxe bedrooms and suites.
Findlater Place, off O’Connell Street
Dublin, 00000, IE
Phone: +353 1 8780666
More info about Best Western Premier Academy Plaza Hotel
The Clarion Hotel Dublin IFSC
The Clarion Hotel in Dublin City is modern 4 star hotel and leisure centre in the heart of Dublin City with inviting surroundings and warm, friendly staff. A relaxing safe haven after a busy day for the business traveler which is very convenient during a busy business trip.
Dublin 1
T +353 1 4338800
More info about The Clarion Hotel Dublin IFSC
South side
Grafton Street, located between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green is the more smart shopping area with fashionable stores such as Brown Thomas, the department store catering for many designer showcases, both foreign and local. Dublin’s leading and most exclusive jewelers, Weirs, is also here, as well as the most popular of the famous Bewley’s Cafés. Other principal shopping streets in the area include Wicklow Street, Dawson Street, and South Great Georges Street. The nearby Powerscourt Towncentre is one of the nicer, shopping centres in the city. Also close by is The Georges Street Arcade, an indoor market well worth a visit.
North side
Henry Street has department stores such as the popular Arnotts, and an assortment of popular clothing and footwear stores. The ILAC shopping centre, the newer Jervis Street Shopping Centre are both here. The well-known outdoor food market of Moore Street is always full of bargains. The nearby O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main thoroughfare, is home to the excellent Clery’s Department Store and Eason’s Booksellers as well as several other shops but not the main shopping area by any means.
To many Dublin is the heart and soul of Ireland, and Guinness® is at the heart of the Dublin itself. So a trip to Dublin is not complete without a visit to the home of Guinness® and Ireland’s number one visitor attraction: Guinness® Storehouse.
If you have only a short time for sightseeing during your business trip to Dublin, this would be the place to visit. At Guinness® Storehouse you’ll discover all there is to know about the world’s most famous beer. A dramatic story that begins 250 years ago and ends - where else - in the Gravity® bar with a complimentary pint of Guinness®.
Since opening in November 2000, Guinness® Storehouse has attracted over four million visitors from every corner of the globe. Its grand design and unique features continue to excite and intrigue. A favorite with every visitor is the Gravity® bar - located above the roof (in the head of the pint glass), Gravity® is the highest bar in Dublin. While relaxing with their pint, visitors can sit back and enjoy uninterrupted 360° panoramic views across Dublin City and its hinterland.
The year 2006 has seen much development at Guinness’ Storehouse, this began in January with the revealing of impressive new additions to the visitor experience. 2.5 Million was invested by Guinness® Storehouse in the development, which saw a new wing opening to the public complete with a live installation of the modern day Guinness® Brewing process.
Up to 100 lucky visitors each week are now actually able to "Start the Brew" of Guinness® themselves by operating a computer that is scheduled on the same timetable as the Brew House. A state of the art Tasting Laboratory also forms part of the new Brewing Experience where visitors can taste Guinness® from the Keg Line and, with the assistance of the Guinness® Storehouse professional Tasting Team, learn how to savor the beer, just like the real connoisseurs.
March 2006 saw Guinness® Storehouse getting into the spirit of the St Patrick’s celebrations by hosting its inaugural Guinness® Storehouse Fringe Festival. Over the course of the three-day Fringe Festival the home of Guinness® played host to an exciting array of entertainment - both Irish and International. More than 300 acts, ranging from comedy acts, brass and jazz bands, live Celtic Rock and American Marching Bands performed at Guinness® Storehouse. Thousands of complimentary oysters were consumed and tastings of all the popular Guinness® variants were hosted by experts throughout the building. More exciting plans are in place for the coming year, including the second Guinness’ Storehouse Fringe Festival 2007 and the creation of a new exhibit, which will showcase the long and illustrious history of this well-known Irish stout.
Guinness® Storehouse has won fans the world over, including some very famous people along the way such as former US President, Bill Clinton, Elijah Wood, Rupert Everett, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Eddie Irvine, Westlife, MTV’s Johnny Knoxville, Green Day and the infamous Jackass crew.
Guinness® Storehouse truly is the home, heart and soul of Guinness®, and therefore at the heart of any visit to Dublin.
Advance bookings can be made at www.guinness-storehouse.com.
Guinness® Storehouse is open 7 days a week from 9.30am to 5.00pm (open late in July and August open until 8pm and you may stay in the building until 10pm). Closed: Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day).
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| General emergencies | 999 |
| General emergencies | 112 |
| Gas leak | 1850 20 50 50 |
Language should be no problem when you are in need of urgent care because everyone speaks English.
For emergency help you can contact:
St. James’s Hospital
James’s Street
Dublin 8
tel: 01 410 3000
