The accompanying persons' programme costs €450 and includes the following social events and tours. Please note that accompanying persons may not attend scientific sessions, present a paper or be a co-author.

A welcome drinks reception will take place in the O'Reilly Hall of UCD, which will provide an opportunity for delegates and accompanying persons to meet in a relaxed environment.

This will start with a tour of Georgian Dublin, followed by a visit to Trinity College, The Book of Kells, and St. Patrick's Cathedral (where Jonathan Swift - author of Gulliver's Travels was once Dean). A walk through Powerscourt Shopping Centre en route to The Porterhouse for lunch. The Porterhouse is a fantastic rustic pub, which brews its own beer and stout, and is well worth a visit. After lunch, we will visit the Guinness Storehouse where you'll take an incredible journey through 250 years of brewing history, discover the pride and passion which goes into making this worldfamous beer and uncover a few unexpected surprises!

A drinks and finger food reception will be held in the historic State Apartments of Dublin Castle hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Food. Situated on an ancient Celtic Site, Dublin Castle was used by the British from the time of Elizabeth I until Irish independence.

Return transportation will be provided from UCD and the conference hotels.

We will travel to Powerscourt House and Gardens, one of the world's greatest gardens. Powerscourt is situated in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. It is a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces and ornamental lakes. The 18th Century Palladian House now incorporates an innovative shopping experience, terrace café and house exhibition. Onward to the village of Ashford, Co. Wicklow for lunch in the Chester Beatty restaurant. After lunch, we travel south to the monastic site of Glendalough, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century.

A barbeque will be held in the grounds of Ashtown Food Research Centre (AFRC), which is part of Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority. This will be a very informal, relaxed evening with good food, drinks and Irish music provided.

Return transportation will be provided.

Click here to view detailed information on tours available. Please select the tour of your choice as part of online registration.

Travel to Co. Kildare to the home of one of Ireland's proudest traditions - the National Stud. A tour of the stud and horse museum will entertain and delight even those who have not been bitten by the bug of horse racing! Integrated into the grounds of the National Stud are the Japanese Gardens. These really are a delight to view and are landscaped to take visitors on the "Path of Life" from the cradle to the grave. From here, we travel to the K Club, host of the 2006 Ryder Cup, for a private lunch in the restaurant. After lunch, there is a short drive to Castletown House, Ireland's largest and finest Palladian country house built in the early 18th Century.

A coach will bring you to Ireland's largest shopping centre, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin, where you will have the morning to shop.

Cost €450.00