The prestigious British Orthopaedic Association is partnering with the Irish Orthopaedic Association for its annual congress this year, in Ireland's vibrant capital of Dublin.
As hosts, the British Orthopaedic Association has arranged a social event and, in keeping up with tradition of previous BOA meetings, it is co-sponsored by OPN. The Informal Reception will be held on Wednesday 14th September from 6.15pm to 7pm, on Level 5 of the Convention Centre. The informal gathering provides an opportunity to wind down and meet in a rather more relaxed atmosphere. The reception is free to all attending delegates, whilst exhibitors will recieve one pair of tickets each. We hope to see you there.
At this year's congress, you will be able to attend lectures that will be taken by senior experts in the field of Orthopaedics and hear the latest developments concerning orthopaedic surgery. The main focus will be on the themes of Training, Education and Revalidation, Specific seminars to be held at the event include; Advances in hip recontruction, Orthopaedic Surgeons in Disasters and Emergencies, and recent advances in limb reconstruction, amongst many other valuable talks. In addition, throughout your time, you will be encouraged to attend hot topic debates, which offer a more informal and relaxed atmosphere, and interactive style of teaching. The Congress has developed into the highlight of the year in terms of you being able to gain the latest news from Europe's leading experts within Orthopedic research. Therefore it promises to be a huge success, following its popularity in previous years. We look forward to seeing you at the show. The following pages provide a sightseeing and attractions guide to Dublin, an exhibitor floorplan and the exhibitor list. We hope you enjoy the show!
View the floor plan and exhibitor list in PDF format.
The OPN Guide to Dublin
Being over 1,000 years old, there is no doubt that Ireland's capital city of Dublin offers a great wealth of culture and unique attractions in and around it. When you get a chance to explore this exciting, vibrant and historical city, the sights you encounter will include museums, castles, parks and gardens, the theatre, libraries and historic buildings. With so much variety, you will be spoilt for choice concerning what you decide to see and do, as the city caters for all interests. OPN has compiled this short guide for you to enjoy just some of what Dublin has to offer.
Words: Kate Chamberlain
Christ Church Cathedral
Website: www.cccdub.ie
Christ Church Cathedral is definitely not only Dublin's oldest building but it is also one of the best historic buildings to be awed by. This leading visitor attraction has an impressive interior and exterior of stunning architecture and historic features unique to the Cathedral, creating a breathtaking experience.
Abbey Theatre
Location: O'Connell Street Area
Phone: +353 (0)1 878 7222
Website: www.abbeytheatre.ie
The National Theatre of Ireland has hosted world famous players such as Yeats, Synge, O'Casey, Beckett, Behan and Hugh Leonard over the past 90 years. The theatre showcases a wealth of classic and contemporary plays from around the world. Check out their website to see a list of upcoming plays.
National Botanic Gardens
Location: Glasnevin
Phone: +353 (0)1 837 7596
Website: www.botanicgardens.ie
Within part of the Botanic garden's 19.5 hectares contains the natural flood plain of the River Tolka. There are 20,000 species and cultivars as well as four ranges of glasshouses holding a variety of impressive displays and the Gardens offer a tranquil atmosphere.
Merrion Square
Featuring a large statue of the writer Oscar Wilde and two square marble columns illustrating Wilde quotes, Merrion Square is one of the largest in Dublin with Georgian style houses present here. The Square is the perfect place to relax and unwind, away from the busyness of Dublin. The west side leads onto Leinster House, government buildings, the Natural History museum and the National Gallery. There is a railed-off garden central to the square that serves as a public park.
Dalkey Island
Dalkey Island is believed to have been used as a Viking base in the 4th Millenium BC due to there being ruins of a church dating back to the 7th century. Despite being a small island, there is a wealth of history here and plenty to be discovered when you visit.
Phoenix Park
Location: Dublin 8, Phoenix Park
Phone: +353 (0)1 677 0095
Website: www.phoenixpark.ie
Phoenix Park is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe, therefore it is a must see attraction due to its stunning gardens, trees and grassland. In addition, the grounds are home to a polo park and Dublin Zoo.
Dublin Zoo
Phone: +353 (0)1 4748900
Website: www.dublinzoo.ie
Dublin Zoo covers an area of 28 hectares and is home to around 600 animals. Opened in 1830, it is one of the oldest yet modern zoos in the world. Located in the centre of Dublin, the zoo attracts a million visitors annually, and is officially Ireland's biggest family attraction. Notable for its role in wildlife conservation efforts.
The Pearse Museum
Location: Grange Road, Rathfarnham
Phone: +353 (0)1 493 4208
Website: www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/PearseMuseum-StEndasPark
Features within this former school run by Patrick Pearse include exhibitions, a nature study room and an audio-visual show titled 'This Man Kept a School'. The Museum is surrounded by beautiful grounds for you to relax in and appreciate. Surrounded by St Enda's park, which provides a great scenic walk, accompanied by the river, waterfall and walled garden..
The Guinness Storehouse
Location: St. James Gate
Phone: +353 (0)1 408 4800
Website: www.guiness-storehouse.com
The Guinness Storehouse has been deemed the city's number one tourist attraction, as Guinness is known to be the heart of this exciting city. With a 30 million visitor experience, the superstore holds seven floors, which surround the central glass atrium, itself mirroring the shape of a pint of Guinness. This Guinness Superstore grants visitors the privilege of discovering the ingredients, process, time, craft and work that goes into a Guinness pint, as well as offering the opportunity for you to experience the past, present and future of Ireland's iconic beer brand.
Dublin Writer's Musuem
Location: 18 Parnell Square North
Phone: +353 (0)1 872 2077
Website: www.writersmusuem.com
Dublin is a well renowned city in terms of its extensive literacy heritage and the Writer's Museum gives visitors a chance to explore this through its collection which highlights work from authors such as Swift, Sheridan, Shaw, Wilde and Yeats. These author's works, personal items, letters and portraits are all kept in the elegantly restored Georgian house, which in itself is well worth going to explore.
Trinity College
Location: College Green
Website: www.tcd.ie
Visit the 1592 college, orginally founded by Queen Elizabeth and attended by many famous students, including Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Beckett. Described as a pleasant haven in the heart of the city, the College's lawns and cobbled streets add to the charm, character and nostalgia of the major attraction and features the historic Old Library and famous Book of Kells.
The Old Jameson Distillery
Location: Bow Street, Smithfield
Phone: +353 (0)1 807 2355
Website: www.whiskeytours.ie
Jameson's quality whiskey is a fundamental part of Dublin's culture and upon a visit to the Distillery; you will be able to experience the atmosphere of Ireland as the tour guides show you the malting, milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling and maturing of the whiskey making process. After this, you can enjoy tasting the whiskey in the Jameson bar, browsing in the gift shop and absorbing the unique atmosphere.
National Gallery of Ireland
Location: Merrion Square West
Website: www.nationalgallery.ie
Featuring the national collection of European and Irish fine art, free admission into the gallery enables you to admire the exhibitions and collections of art available. See their website to be informed of the latest exhibitions, events and collections on display for your enjoyment. Other free admission galleries which may be of interest within the city include the Dublin City Gallery and The Green Gallery.
Custom House
Location: Custom House Quay, Docklands
Phone: +353 (0)1 888 2000
A major contributor to Dublin's fine city skyline is the Georgian Custom House. Designed and completed in 1791 by James Gandon, its beautifully proportioned arcades, columns and the central dome, topped by a sixteen foot statue of Commerce provide you with a spectacular view. After being burned in 1921, it has been fully restored.
Shaw Birthplace
Location: Harcourt St-Camden St-Wexford St
Phone: +353 (0)1 475 0854
Website: www.visitdublin.com/visual/detail.asp?ID=1355
Here is your chance to pay a visit to a restored elegant Victorian house and the first home of the well loved writer and playwright, George Bernard Shaw. He will have imagined many of the characters for his plays in this house. Upon your visit, you will gain an understanding of the charm, nostalgia and atmosphere present during the Victorian era.
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk
Website: www.wicklowwalks.com/bray-cliff-walk
If you want to venture off on a coastal walk, the Bray to Greystones Cliff route is the answer. Along your journey, you will discover breathtaking scenery and wildlife, amazing views of the sea cliff and the stunning scenery of the Wicklow Mountains. The walk will be refreshing and exciting, allowing you to experience the contrast and harmony of the Bray Promenade and seaside town, as well as the views of the mountains. Various guided tour walks are readily available in Dublin, such as Pat Liddy's Walking Tours of Dublin, who offer a Viking and Medieval Tour, Castle and Cathedral Tour and Temple Bar and River Liffey Tour for you to choose from.
Dublin Castle
Location: Dame St George's Street
Phone: +353 (0)1 677 7129
Website: www.dublincastle.ie
Visiting Dublin Castle gives you the opportunity to see at first hand the oldest and most impressive architecture of Ireland's capital, with the Castle built between 1208 and 1220. On your visit, you will be able to explore the highlights of the grounds: Chapel Royal, Chester Beatty Library, Garda Museum and Revenue Musuem. Tours are also available, providing access to the State Apartments.
