Duration: 2 Days | Group Size: 100 – 150 | Locations visited: Powerscourt Hotel and House, Killruddery House, Wicklow Gaol and Brewery
It takes a world-class incentive travel experience to make an impact with corporate groups — that’s why this incredible incentive itinerary leaves no stone unturned when it comes to sourcing exclusive, authentic and unusual experiences. The Secrets of Upstairs and Downstairs in Ireland's Ancient East is a reward programme designed for teams of high-achieving managers and includes options for partner programmes, networking activities and brand seminars.
Based in Ireland's Ancient East, the programme is packed full of culture and storytelling, and features world-class hotels and venues. An engaging and rewarding incentive in Ireland's lush landscapes, The Secrets of Upstairs and Downstairs in Ireland's Ancient East takes top performers and their partners on a high-end journey through the history of Ireland’s Great Houses.
Guests are whisked through Dublin Airport via the platinum arrival service and chauffeured in 10 Mercedes mini coaches to Wicklow, known as the 'Garden of Ireland'. Upon arrival at the luxurious Powerscourt Hotel and Estate, the group will quickly become immersed in one of the most scenic and historic estates in the country — the first of the Big House Experiences.
This Palladian mansion, with a beautifully manicured garden and waterfall, is just half an hour from Dublin but feels more like a remote, relaxed getaway. An ice breaker lunch is the first item on the agenda; hosted by golf champion Padraig Harrington and catered by Feast Catering (owned and run by Domini and Peaches Kemp), this will be a sumptuous occasion in the formal dining room of the double height Georgian ballroom.
After lunch, the corporate team will have the chance to equip themselves with Padraig Harrington-designed golf gear and play a round or two with Padraig and the Powerscourt Estate golf pro. Partners will browse Avoca Handweavers (one of Ireland’s premier shopping experiences) with a €100 voucher and discover the beautiful Gates to the Garden collection.
An evening celebration will be hosted at elegant Killruddery House, the second of the Big House Experiences and only a short journey from Powerscourt. The group will enjoy a drinks reception in the beautiful atmosphere of the 1850s orangery and hear the fascinating stories of the ancient Brabazon family residence, a living, working house, garden and farm. A gourmet feast of local produce will be served in the Killruddery Grain Store, an elegant 19th century barn conversion facing onto the beautifully restored horse yard.
Overnight accommodation will be provided at Powerscourt Hotel and Estate, where room gifts can include handcrafted Avoca Handweavers throws, made with traditional Irish fabrics.
After breakfast, the corporate group will gather for a dynamic Brand Seminar, followed by a networking lunch. Partners will undertake cooking masterclasses at Ballyknocken Cookery School, home to one of Ireland's best-known chefs, Catherine Fulvio.
The afternoon will see a spell of rest and relaxation, as the whole group enjoys the luxurious spa facilities and estate parklands at Powerscourt.
As evening falls, guests will reconvene for a Black Velvet (Guinness and Champagne) cocktail reception in the Sugar Loaf Lounge, before departing for an evening of entertainment at the atmospheric Wicklow Gaol. This interactive historical experience will thrill all participants, as the iron gates clang shut and the jailer turns the key to dramatic effect.
The next stop is Mickey Finns Pub, for a restorative brew in the rustic surrounds of a traditional Irish pub. A visit to the Hooley in the Brewery will follow, where a night to remember in the beer hall will be orchestrated by the master brewer. Anything can happen on an Irish hooley (from fiddlers on the tables, to visiting musicians and storytellers), a fitting end to a rewarding adventure in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Ireland’s incentive itineraries
This is just one of a range of sample incentive itineraries available for corporate travel groups from around the world. Contact the Meet in Ireland Team today to learn more about our expert panel of Destination Management Companies (DMCs), each one ready to help design an engaging, inspiring and rewarding Irish experience for your team.