The top destinations for a team get away in Ireland

Ireland is blessed to have so many options when it comes to sporting activities, team building events, team day out locations and cultural enhancing organizations at everyone’s disposal in a relatively small Island.

Our forty shades of green land on the west of Europe has gone from zero to 95 mph in record time. Facilities are modern and state of the art, event locations are properly managed and the range and diversity of events is varied and wide.

The modern office team and team builders are prepared to pay good money for service with quality. Team building, team bonding and getting employees out of the office environment for an exciting bonding, relaxing and stimulating  events all works well with team builders and also for football teams and sports people looking for an exciting well structured break.

Team getaways are so good not just for the moral of the team but for bonding, and mental well-being.

Number one on our list of top destinations for team breaks is Cork City and the surrounds.

Cork

Cork is Ireland’s third largest city and as Cork people would say, the real capital, boy. Like all the major cities in Ireland it is on the coast so a diverse range of activities in both marine and land based activities is available for teams organising a getaway. Cork is easily accessible by road from all major centers, has an international airport and a major rail network hub.

For the marine enthusiast, a choice of sailing, sea fishing, water skiing or just messing about on the river is on the Cork menu. For groups more interested in land based team building activities the range is wide. Sports groups love a challenge, so why not go Karting and get the adrenaline rush. Groups might like indoor bowling or even hop on hop off tours. A visit to the English market is a must for first time visitors to Cork. Cork has a fine range of quality hotel and a large amount of B&B’s. The city center is bursting with a diverse collection of amazing restaurants, bars and music establishments. So it’s just right for a team’s break away or team building.

Belfast

Belfast is another great City for a break visit. As we have pointed out before, teams, whether taking a break or team building like to get involved in activities. Belfast has some fantastic locations where teams can hone their footballing skills, be it rugby, soccer or Gaelic. Visit any of the sports recreation grounds and enjoy a 5 a side game of football, archery, ten pin bowling or paintballing. A walk with your team around Belfast city centre is a must as it a visit to the Titanic centre. Belfast is easily accessible from all major towns and cities in Ireland and is also served by an international airport.

Athlone

Athlone can be put third on this particular team break away list. It is bang in the middle of Ireland and situated on the banks of the river Shannon. Bursting with beautiful buildings, pubs and gastro outlets the team will find plenty on offer in this beautiful town. There are the standard events that teams on a break like to do like playing golf, horse riding swimming or bike riding but the main attraction has to be the boat trip up the Shannon or white water rafting.

Waterford

Let’s not forget Waterford in the sunny south east as a team break destination. Marvelous state of the art sports facilities, hotels, restaurants and the wonderful green way walk or cycle track out to Dungarvan.

So, which of the The top destinations for a team get away in Ireland will you choose?

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A work annual outing is always a brilliant occasion. The buzz and excitement around the work place lifts everyone. Everyone is in a happier mood in anticipation of what will be a great day and team building event. A happy team is a hard working team is what they say. There are a few things to bear in mind when organising an annual outing. So, here’s our 5 Tips When Planning An Annual Outing!

Pick A Day That Suits Everyone

This seems pretty straight forward I know. But you’d be surprised how often people don’t stop to think what day would suit your team. You want your team to get the most out of the day, experience and outing. If they’re distracted or thinking of an unfinished project or even if it’s coming up to a big deadline. They won’t enjoy it.

Your annual outing should be an enjoyable time away from the office. And not seen as a hindrance to your team completing their work. Some teams prefer to have an outing at the start of the week as come Friday they may be under pressure. Whereas other team may like to have it towards the end of the week to kick off their weekend. You know your team better than we do so, you’ll know what time will suit them better. And do get their input.

Dress Appropriately

Depending on what team building activity you choose, it’s a wise move to let your team know what type of clothing they’ll need. For an indoor activity it might be light, breathable clothing for an active afternoon before the night ahead.

Alternatively, if it’s an outdoor activity, check the weather forecast and suggest that the team bring a light jacket, hoodie and if our unpredictable Irish weather is anything to go by maybe some sunscreen too. Also, if you’re going straight from the activity to dinner on the annual outing. Make sure to remind the team to bring a change of clothes and a towel for a shower etc.

Team Bonding Meal

On an annual outing with BigPotatoes.ie we always make a point of suggesting going for a meal to allow your team to bond even further. The dinner is also seen more as a treat. Not every team member will be keen to be dragged away from their work to go on the annual outing but a meal is sure to sweeten the deal.

Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail

This is a pretty obvious tip and a smart one too. Preparing for the Annual Outing can be a little tedious and boring at times. But, if you share the workload across the team and turn this preparation into a type of scavenger hunt. It will make the process a bit more fun.

You may want to pick up little takeaways on the day, a few bottles of bubbly maybe, beers, nibbles, a first aid kit, water, and disposable bags to mention a few. You may even decide to have a mini awards day after the activity.

Keep It Going

Over the course of your annual outing your team will get the chance to make memories, bond as a team and improve working relationships. As with any good relationship, it takes work. So, plan ahead and ensure that you keep that team building ethos up. Reinforce where ever possible the team building skills you learnt on the annual outing and transfer that positive energy from the outing into their work.

So, there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Our Top 5 Tips When Planning An Annual Outing. Hopefully these quick little tips will help to improve your overall experience on an annual outing both before and after the event.

Remember on an Annual Outing, don’t go big, go BigPotatoes!

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