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Ireland will welcome you at any time of the year but June may be the ideal time to visit. Days are long, the sun sets after 10pm, the tourist season is just starting and the weather - statistically - is at its best. You can expect mild temperatures (18 to 20C), sunshine and occasional showers
Limerick is the gateway to Ireland's scenic west. An ancient city, with a charter predating that of London, Limerick epitomises Ireland's industrial and cultural renaissance. An economy that has grown at an average of 7% per annum for over 5 years, driven in large part by the IT sector, has resulted in a reinvigorated social and cultural scene that has, nonetheless, lost none of its traditional spontaneity and charm. You have to look very hard to find traces of 'Angela's Ashes'.
The many attractions of Limerick and its hinterland will be in full swing in June. The city itself boasts galleries, theatre, excellent restaurants and a world class museum housed in the restored Custom House. King John's Castle bestrides the Shannon at one of its many bridges while St Mary's Cathedral is a small scale gothic masterpiece dating from the 12th century. Above all, Limerick is a haven for Irish traditional music and you can find a lively 'session' on any night of the week. Limerick is the heart of the Shannon region. A short drive takes you to the wonders of the Burren, the cliffs of Moher or the beauty of Galway Bay. An additional short boat trip reaches the Aran Islands, last outpost of Europe and a stronghold of the Irish (Gaelic) language. To the east is the Shannon river and its hills and lakes; to the south lies Kerry and the legendary beauty of Dingle and Killarney. There are organised tours or you can drive yourself along winding country roads.
The University of Limerick has played a major part in Ireland and Limerick's rebirth. Set on a magnificent parkland campus, beside the Shannon, the University is the centrepiece of the National Technological Park. The conference venue is the university Foundation Building (number 8 on map) which houses research groups, faculty offices, lecture theatres, display areas and a 1,000 seat Concert Hall. On campus accommodation can be provided in the modern Kilmurray village, where each house has its own lounge, kitchen and bathrooms. For sports fans the university provides excellent facilities for swimming, tennis, squash, weights, running and quiet riverside jogging. Other essential services are also on hand, including banks, shops and, of course, a pub.
The Silver Apples Crèche, on campus, will be available to delegates requiring childcare during the conference.
Ireland is proud to host ICSE 2000 and we wish you Céad Míle Fáilte - one hundred thousand welcomes.
Kevin Ryan, Organization Chair, ICSE 2000
Telephone: +353 (61) 202776 Fax: +353 (61)
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