CONFERENCE VENUE - KEMMY BUSINESS SCHOOL The Kemmy Business School (KBS) is a dynamic and innovative business school with a reputation, established over 30 years, for providing a first class business education that prepares graduates for successful and rewarding careers in a variety of business disciplines and professions. The School was named in 2003 after the late Jim Kemmy, local historian and politician, former Alderman and Mayor of the City of Limerick. Jim was a quintessentially Limerick person, dedicated to improving the lot of his fellow citizens, champion of the underclass and a man with high principles. He believed in the value of education and placed a strong emphasis on continuing education and education for employees. He was a member of the Labour Party during his later political career and was prepared to stand by his principles, even if it required taking unpopular decisions. The Kemmy Business School's mission and vision focuses on serving both the needs of business and the wider community. This is consistent with the emphasis that Jim Kemmy placed on education as a means to enhance the economy, reduce emigration and improve the employability of workers. Further information on the University of Limerick LIMERICK Limerick (Luimneach, "Bare Spot"), the third city of the Republic of Ireland, lies on the River Shannon in the southwest of the country, at the point where the river begins to open out into its estuary. This was the most westerly point where the river could be forded and round it, at the junction of busy traffic routes, a considerable town gre... More >w up. A number of main roads and railroad lines meet here, and Shannon Airport is only 15mi/24km away. Limerick has a harbor which is not particularly large but which is kept very busy. The city's main industries are flour milling, tobacco, readymade clothing, cement and steel cord. Limerick cured hams and bacon enjoy a wide reputation. Many people assume that the verse form, the "limerick," a five line verse with a humorous-satirical message, was originally conceived in the town of Limerick. However the origin of the verse is uncertain; in all probability it originated in England. On more than one occasion the term "limerick" has been ascribed to an Irish social song of the 19th century, which in numerous verses describes the adventures of Irish townspeople. Ireland, with its beautiful scenery, offers a range of attractions, including ancient archaeological sites and monuments, a wide variety of sporting activities such as fishing, riding and golf, as well as traditional dancing and music. GETTING TO LIMERICK Limerick’s central location makes it easily reachable by a variety of means. The most convenient access is by air via Shannon Airport, located about 30 minutes west of the city. Limerick is also well-connected by train and bus, with frequent arrivals every day of the week from all the main Irish towns. If you are driving, the city lies along the path of many major Irish motorways. By car Limerick is conveniently situated at the crossroads of several of Ireland’s main highways. From Dublin, the N7 runs straight into the city in under 3 hours. The N20 motorway connects the city with Cork to the south in about 1 hour, 30 minutes, and driving from Galway involves taking the N6 motorway to the N66 and then the smaller N19, which will lead you into Limerick. By rail There are regular train services from every main town in the country to Limerick. Limerick-Colbert station is located 5 minutes' walk from Limerick City Centre. The only other station in Co Limerick is at Castleconnell. From Limerick-Colbert station, there are rail services to Dublin, Ennis, Rosslare, Waterford, Cork, and Kerry. Visit www.irishrail.ie for further information. By bus Bus Eireann provides all the bus services between Limerick and the other cities in Ireland. Bus Eireann also operates the bus service between Shannon Airport and the city centre. Visit www.buseireann.ie for further information. All buses arrive at Limerick’s central bus terminal, Colbert Station, which is also the city’s train terminal. From Colbert Station, it’s a short walk to the city centre. There are tourist information and currency exchange kiosks at the Bus Eireann information desk. By air Access to Limerick by air is handled by Shannon Airport, the regional air hub, located about 30 minutes by car from the city centre. Several major airlines provide regular services from the UK and many cities in Europe. Flights between North America and Limerick are limited due to a tight air travel restriction between the two countries. From the airport, there is a convenient bus shuttle service to Limerick. Shannon International Airport Shannon International Airport is 30 minutes west of the city centre by car and offers the quickest and most convenient way to get to this popular Irish destination. This modern and efficient airport has a single terminal, which handles all of its domestic and international flights. Air travel from the rest of the UK is mainly handled by Aer Lingus, Ryanair and British Airways, which operate frequent flights from all the main cities. From the United States, Delta, Continental, American and Aer Lingus operate regularly scheduled flights, while flights from Canada are limited to Toronto via Air Canada. Due to the Air Services Agreement between the US and Ireland, service into Shannon Airport is limited to just a few cities in the US. Flights from Europe are handled by a range of major airlines, with Ryanair and British Airways leading the way. The airport’s terminal has all the usual facilities which travellers might need. ATMs, four currency exchange offices and a branch of the Bank of Ireland can be found in the main terminal area as well as restaurants, a news-stand, gift shop and duty-free shopping. An airport information desk, open daily from 06:00 to midnight, is located in the Arrivals Hall to assist with any questions you might have. Shannon International Airport transportation Limerick’s city centre can be easily reached by taking the bus provided by Bus Eireann. These airport buses depart frequently from outside the terminal, taking passengers to Colbert Station in about 30 minutes. The Bus Eireann desk is located in the Arrivals Hall, and is open from 08:00 until 16:00. Taxis are also available 24 hours from the taxi desk located outside the Arrivals Hall. There is no train service from Shannon Airport. If you rent a car, simply follow the N19 from the terminal to the N18 leading into Limerick, which is well-signed and easy to navigate.