2018 Award Winners BUSINESS DESTINATION OF THE YEAR 2018

Tankardstown House, Slane, Co Meath

While other guides are focused solely on the leisure market, we have always taken the needs of business guests into account when making our selections. Business tourism is a fast developing sector in the Irish tourism industry (see www.meetinireland.com for further information) and, although the main focus may be on large events, boutique business destinations offering high levels of comfort and service are of particular interest to us.

Our Business Award usually goes to an hotel - and that may well be an international chain, as it has to be conceded that some hotel groups have the needs of the business and conference market down to a fine art.

But sometimes the business guest or corporate event manager is looking for something different, an away-from-it-all place, offering a change of pace, privacy, personal service and special extras such as lovely surroundings and an outstanding food and drink experience…

Somewhere like Tankardstown House in Co Meath, which is famous for its good food and firmly established as one of Ireland’s most desirable country house destinations - a wonderful place for a short break, family reunion or special party. Likewise, this fine property is perfect for conferences or business meetings, seating up to 200 people in the Orangery, theatre style or at tables of 10. There are smaller rooms available too, and several reception rooms in the main house providing excellent break out areas.

It’s very conveniently located (only a short drive from Dublin airport and handy from the North as well) and the area will repay time given to exploration – Newgrange World Heritage Site is nearby, also the new Distillery and Visitor Centre at Slane Castle and there are lots of less obvious places to visit and things to do.

Many attending a meeting or event here will decide to stay on a day or two…