Venues & Travel Information

The ARA 2023 Annual Conference will take place at the world famous Europa Hotel in the heart of Belfast.  

A welcome drinks reception will be hosted in the hotel's Piano Restaurant on the evening of Tuesday 29th August. A reception and dinner will be hosted by PRONI (Public Records Office of Northern Ireland) on Wednesday 30th and the Gala Dinner will be held on Thursday 31st in the hotel's Grand Ballroom, which will be transformed for our delegates in the perfect evening setting! Expect live music and the opportunity to dance.  

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CONFERENCE VENUE

Europa Hotel Belfast

The world famous 4 star Europa Hotel is superbly located in the heart of Belfast City Centre, and simply epitomises indulgence. Having undergone major refurbishment the hotel now boasts 272 exquisite bedrooms, making it one of the largest and most luxurious hotels in Northern Ireland. 

It is also ideally positioned in the heart of the city, next door to the famous Grand Opera House and close to the Waterfront and SSE concert venues. The Europa Hotel has an international reputation for hosting prestigious events and looking after many of the celebrities and VIPs who visit Belfast. 

At the Europa Hotel every guest is a VIP and will experience the finest in Irish hospitality and the highest level of customer service. 

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GETTING HERE

By Air

George Best Belfast City Airport:
Situated 3 miles from the centre of Belfast. The N.I. Rail service to Sydenham stops at the airport and runs from Great Victoria Street Station.  

Belfast International Airport:
Situated at Aldergrove, 19 miles from the centre of Belfast. Journey time approximately 30 minutes (via the M2 motorway). An airport shuttle service operates between the City Centre and Belfast International Airport.

Dublin International Airport:
Situated approximately 98miles south of Belfast, a 2h direct coach journey.

Airport Bus Transfer

Translink offers airport services taking passengers to/from Belfast International and Belfast City Airport (George Best City Airports) as well as cross border services to Dublin Airport. 

The bus stop is located very conveniently behind Europa Hotel - Europa Buscentre (Glengall St).  

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By Ferry

HSS ferry from Stranraer to Belfast, journey time 1 hour 45 minutes.

Norfolkline: 8 hours from Liverpool – Belfast, operates an overnight service.  

Dublin Port: P&O European Ferries operates a service from Liverpool to Dublin, journey time 8 hours

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By Car

Car Parking: There are two multi-storey car parks adjacent to the hotel, both offering preferential rates for hotel guests of £12 per day. Please validate your parking ticket at hotel reception on departure, then pay directly at car park before leaving. 

• Value Car Parks (19-31 Grosvenor Rd, Belfast BT12 4GN)
• Great Northern Multistorey Car Park, at Great Victoria St Rail Station (access via Hope St, St Andrews Square)

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By Rail

Belfast Central Station: Trains run regularly between Belfast and Dublin, journey time is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. Trains run North to Londonderry, North-East to the Port of Larne, East to Bangor and South to Dublin.

The closest rail station Great Victoria Station is located directly beside the hotel, access via Great Northern Mall. 

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GALA DINNER VENUE

The Grand Ballroom

The Gala Dinner will be held in the hotel's famous Grand Ballroom, which will be transformed for our delegates in the perfect evening setting! Expect live music and the opportunity to dance.

The Gala Dinner will be preceded by a drinks reception to be held in the Piano Bar area, outside the main Ballroom entrance. 

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EVENING MEAL & DRINKS WEDNESDAY

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)

PRONI is the official archive and record office for Northern Ireland with a statutory remit to receive, preserve and make available public records and privately deposited archives.

PRONI, the only archive in Northern Ireland with Archive Service Accreditation has the vision of “Protecting and Providing Archives for All”.