By the Irish Section

The Committee of the Irish Section of the Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers is pleased to announce the 2026 Annual Dinner, which will be held at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, on Friday 20th February 2026. A drinks reception will commence at 7:00pm.

A tour of Dead Centre Brewery with a guided tasting has also been organised, with a bus departing from the Hodson Bay Hotel at 2:30pm. Please note:

• Brewery Tour & Tasting: Max capacity 30 (first come, first served)
• AGM with Pizza & Pints: Max capacity 70 (first come, first served)

The dress code for the dinner is smart casual.

As always, members are welcome to bring guests to the Annual Dinner. The Section is very keen for this event to be inclusive of all CIBD members in the Irish Section, as well as members from other Sections. If your company would like to provide samples of its products on the evening, please contact Daragh Cuskelly at Daragh.Cuskelly@cibd.org.uk or Jan Hodel-Keane jan.hodel-keane@cibd.org.uk.

A charity raffle will also take place on the night in aid of a local charity.

The full schedule:

• 14:30 – Bus Depart Hodson Bay Hotel for Dead Centre Brewery & Taproom.
• 14:45 – Arrive for Tour & Tasting at Dead Centre Brewery.
• 16:00 – AGM served with Pizza & 2 Pints at Dead Centre Brewing.
• 17:00 – Bus Depart Dead Centre Brewery & Taproom to Hodson Bay Hotel.
• 19:00 CIBD Irish Section Annual Dinner at Hodson Bay Hotel.
• 19:00 – Pre Dinner-Drinks.
• 20:00 – Dinner.
• 21:15 – Speeches.
• 21:40 – Exam results.
• 22:20 – Music.
• 00:30 – Finish.

Transport

A bus is being organised to bring members from the Hodson Bay Hotel to Dead Centre Brewing and then back to the Hodson Bay Hotel.

Public transport is available to Dead Centre in Athlone town. While there is no direct public transport to the Hodson Bay Hotel, a complimentary bus will run from Dead Centre Brewing to the hotel. Please confirm whether you will require the complimentary bus when booking your ticket on Eventbrite (there is a form provided during the booking process).

Bus Éireann - View Ireland Bus and Coach Timetables & Buy Tickets (buseireann.ie)

Ireland rail travel information - Iarnród Éireann - Irish Rail

Hotel

Attendees can get a discounted hotel rate (subject to availability) by entering the promo code 2207IRISH when booking. Rooms will be held at this rate until 5th January 2026.

https://www.hodsonbayhotel.com/

Why You Should Attend:

• Celebrate the achievements of the CIBD candidates
• Socialise and expand your professional network 
• Enjoy good company and food in a top-class venue

Dinner tickets:

• €65 per person

Deadline: 23rd January 2026.

Please indicate on the Dinner Ticket booking form:

• If you you would like to attend the Brewery tour
  • If you require use of the bus To/From Hodson Bay Hotel / Dead Centre Brewery
• If you are attending the AGM
• If you wish to book a table for the dinner? If so, how many?