Dear Delegates,

On behalf of IOMST I am delighted to welcome you to Dublin and warmly extend our traditional greeting; 'céad míle failte!

It's no secret that Dublin is the birthplace of Ireland's most famous market trader, Molly Malone. In her honour, the world-famous song 'Cockles and Mussels' has become a sort of unofficial anthem for Dublin city. During your free time, you'll find the song's buxom heroine and her famous street barrow have now been immortalised in bronze at the bottom of Grafton Street.

Market trading is the world's oldest form of commerce and plays a vital role in the supply of fresh food and produce. Unfortunately, with very few exceptions, Dublin and Ireland can no longer claim to be the home of thriving municipal markets.

The current worldwide recession has seen Ireland brought to its knees financially. Many experts are advocating that we return to localised centres of commerce, which is exemplified by the way a well run market serves its locality. There are many lessons Ireland can learn from our WUWM colleagues and it is my sincere hope that in hosting this conference, their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm can be conveyed to our own local authority representatives.

Retail markets worldwide, like so many businesses, are facing many challenges; particularly as the recession continues to bite. However, markets provide best consumer value for money; therefore they need protection and development. It is heartening to know we are not alone and that by coming together as delegates of WUWM we will have the opportunity to explore these issues in detail. Problems shared can be problems halved, particularly when sharing leads to speedier and more efficient solutions.

As a native Dubliner I know my city has its own unique charm and magic; may you all find the best of it.

Yours,
Alicia O'Reilly

Welcome To Dublin!

An eclectic modern capital city, Dublin provides the tradition you would expect alongside an exciting cosmopolitan aspect - this fusion of the old and the new makes Dublin exciting and unique.

Dublin, a sophisticated metropolis with a population of over 1.7 million people, is widely acknowledged as one of Europe's loveliest and liveliest capital cities.

A big city yes, but as intimate as a small town

Dublin prides itself on being one of the most engaging capitals in the world. Dublin people have friendliness running through their veins, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the city's many pubs, cafes and restaurants. A city that invites you into its heart, a city comfortable to explore and a city with a contagious energy and genuine welcome that makes you happy to be there.

Established by the Vikings over a thousand years ago, it has through the centuries gradually become an important commercial and cultural centre. Though home to over 100 different nationalities, the city still retains its own distinctive charm and culture which is expressed in a love of literature, drama and music.

Home to Nobel laureates Yeats, Shaw ,Beckett & Heaney, and home to such other notable writers as Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and the world renowned James Joyce whose most celebrated work Ulysses was set in Dublin, the Irish love affair with music and literature can be experienced in the many pubs, theatres, galleries and clubs throughout the city.

Besides its many museums and libraries, Dublin boasts many other cultural jewels such as the famous Abbey Theatre, Trinity College with its 8th century masterpiece, the Book of Kells, magnificent Dublin Castle and the many Georgian Squares.

You can be sure of one thing in Dublin - you will most certainly be entertained! Dublin has a well-documented history in song and dance. This means that the Irish have very high expectations in terms of entertainment, and you will not be disappointed in Dublin. Whether you participate in a pub crawl, spend an evening at the greyhound races or take a stroll down Grafton Street and enjoy the street musicians, the entertainment value will be very high.

Add to this a great range of top class hotels, gourmet restaurants and world class shopping all within walking distance around the city centre, you must conclude that Dublin is the perfect choice for delegates attending international conferences or meetings.