The event had to balance the tranquility and exclusivity of a countryside retreat with the energy and vibrancy of a city-based luxury hotel. Executives required a mixture of downtime for relaxation and high-end professional networking opportunities, along with unique activities that would appeal to their status and tastes.
PRECISE Events International was entrusted with organising a split-location Incentive programme for a group of C-level executives from a global financial firm. The objective was to provide a luxurious and inspiring retreat that combined the historic charm of Kilkea Castle with the sophisticated elegance of The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.
The main challenge was creating a seamless experience between two vastly different venues—the historic Kilkea Castle and the bustling Shelbourne Hotel.
Precise Events designed a tailored, split-location Incentive program that allowed the executives to enjoy the best of both worlds. The itinerary balanced immersive historical and countryside experiences at Kilkea Castle with refined urban luxury and business networking at The Shelbourne Hotel.
Phase 1: Kilkea Castle (Days 1-2)
Luxury Countryside Retreat: The program began with a two-day stay at Kilkea Castle, a stunning 12th-century property set amidst the rolling countryside of County Kildare. Executives were treated to a royal welcome, complete with personalized check-ins, custom amenities, and a private tour of the castle’s grounds.
Team Building & Relaxation: The stay at Kilkea Castle offered both relaxation and carefully curated team-building activities. Guests participated in;
Falconry Displays and Archery Competitions, offering interactive yet relaxing experiences.
A Private Golf Tournament at Kilkea’s championship course, allowing for informal networking in a stunning setting.
An Exclusive Wine Tasting Dinner in the Castle’s dining hall, featuring a gourmet, multi-course meal paired with fine wines, fostering connections in an intimate setting.
Executive Wellness: To cater to the well-being of the high-level guests, luxury spa treatments were made available at the Castle’s Wellness Center, offering a relaxing counterpoint to the day’s activities.
Phase 2: The Shelbourne Hotel (Days 3-4)
Seamless Transition to Dublin: After the tranquil stay at Kilkea Castle, the group was transferred to The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin’s premier five-star hotel. The Shelbourne’s grandeur and central location offered an urban escape without losing the high-end exclusivity needed for C-suite guests.
City Luxury & Networking: The next two days were focused on urban sophistication and professional networking opportunities. Key activities included;
Private Dining & Business Meetings: The Shelbourne’s exquisite event spaces were used to host executive-level meetings and fine-dining experiences, giving attendees the opportunity to discuss business in an elegant yet professional environment.
Exclusive Whiskey Tasting at the Jameson Distillery: Executives enjoyed a guided tour and tasting at one of Dublin’s most iconic venues, offering a blend of cultural immersion and informal networking.
VIP Shopping Experience: A luxury shopping tour at Brown Thomas, featuring exclusive access to high-end fashion and bespoke experiences for the executives.
Gala Dinner: The \incentive programme culminated in a grand gala dinner in The Shelbourne’s historic ballroom. Guests enjoyed an evening of Michelin-starred cuisine, live entertainment, and a final opportunity for networking in a formal setting, highlighting the program’s blend of luxury, exclusivity, and business focus.
The split-location Incentive was a resounding success, meeting and exceeding the client’s objectives of offering both relaxation and high-level networking opportunities for their C-suite executives.
Key outcomes included:
Unique Dual Experience: The combination of Kilkea Castle’s countryside tranquility and The Shelbourne’s urban sophistication provided a balanced experience, leaving the executives feeling both refreshed and professionally enriched.
Strong Networking Opportunities: The intimate, exclusive setting and well-designed itinerary facilitated meaningful connections among the executives, leading to stronger business relationships.
Positive Feedback: Attendees praised the seamless transitions between venues, the attention to detail, and the balance between relaxation and professional focus. The client noted a high level of post-event engagement and future business opportunities among the participants.
PRECISE Events designed a truly exceptional incentive program that struck the perfect balance between luxury, relaxation, and professional networking. Both Kilkea Castle and The Shelbourne Hotel offered world-class experiences, and our executives left feeling deeply valued and motivated. The attention to detail was impeccable, and the event exceeded all of our expectations.