Celtic Conferences

CELTIC CONFERENCES · ESTABLISHED 2008

Good conversations.
Practical insight.

Bringing people together to learn, discuss the issues that matter and take fresh ideas back to their communities and workplaces.

Explore our conferences ↗Meet Celtic Conferences ↓
Independent conference organisersOne-day and three-day eventsIdeas with a practical focus

ABOUT CELTIC CONFERENCES

Space to learn.
Time to talk.

Celtic Conferences is an Irish conference and event management company based in Clonakilty, West Cork. Established in 2008, we organise informative and professionally managed events for Ireland’s elected local representatives.

Our events range from focused one-day sessions to three-day conferences, giving delegates time to explore a subject, ask questions and exchange experience with others.

Our recent programmes have covered artificial intelligence in public relations and the implications of the Budget for councillors and their communities. We focus on making the subject accessible and relevant to the people attending.

Talk to us about our events ↗

THE PEOPLE BEHIND CELTIC CONFERENCES

Meet Peter and Mick

Peter Hayes

CO-FOUNDER

Peter Hayes

Peter Hayes is an experienced Tax Consultant and Accountant with over 25 years’ expertise in financial management, taxation and business advisory services. He operates his own accountancy practice, specialising in Income Tax Planning, having previously held a management position with Ernst & Young. Peter holds an honours degree in Accounting and Finance from Munster Technological University (MTU) and is a qualified Tax Advisor.

He is also a Director of Frazer Ferries, bringing commercial and business management experience to his professional portfolio.

As co-founder of Celtic Conferences, Peter combines his financial expertise with extensive experience in conference organisation, helping to deliver informative and professionally managed events for Ireland’s elected local representatives.

Mick Hanly

PARTNER

Mick Hanly

Mick Hanly is a retired Garda Sergeant with extensive experience in administration, management and community affairs.

A former Chairperson of Clonakilty Chamber of Tourism, he also served for ten years as Administrator of Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce, supporting local business and tourism development.

As a partner in Celtic Conferences, Mick brings considerable organisational experience and an understanding of local government and public administration.

A qualified Microsoft Office User Specialist, he has a keen interest in digital technology, social media and artificial intelligence, particularly the practical application of ChatGPT in business and communications.

OTHER BUSINESS VENTURES

Working together beyond conferences

Beyond their conference activities, Mick Hanly and Peter Hayes have collaborated on other business ventures, including the development of RIP for Pets.ie, an online memorial platform dedicated to celebrating and remembering cherished pets. The project reflects their shared interest in entrepreneurship, digital technology and developing new services.

WHAT’S NEXT

Upcoming conferences

OUR NEXT EVENT · DECEMBER 2026

11–13 DECEMBER 2026 · CLONAKILTY, CO. CORK

ChatGPT for Councillors

A Practical Guide to Working Smarter in Local Government

A practical conference for elected representatives, exploring how ChatGPT can help with correspondence, council work and communication with constituents.

VENUEO’Donovan’s Hotel
Clonakilty, Co. Cork

CONFERENCE FEE€130
Meals are not included

SPEAKERMick Hanly

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WHAT YOU’LL EXPLORE

  • Understand the tool
    ChatGPT’s capabilities and limitations, with accuracy checks and human oversight.
  • Put it to work
    Draft correspondence, prepare speeches and meeting notes, summarise reports and develop questions.
  • Communicate clearly
    Prepare constituent responses, press releases and social media content in your own voice.
  • Get better results
    Use clearer prompts while protecting privacy and confidential information.
View the conference programme +

Friday 11 December

6pm–7pm
Registration followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 12 December

9am–10am · Registration

10.15am
ChatGPT: What Every Councillor Needs to Know

11am · Tea / coffee

11.30am
ChatGPT in the Everyday Work of a Councillor

1pm · Lunch break

2.30pm
Getting Better Results: How to Talk to ChatGPT

Sunday 13 December

Conference overview and discussion of the topics covered, followed by a facilitated learning review and the close of the conference.

About Mick Hanly

Mick uses ChatGPT in business, administration, communications and community activities. His focus is on everyday applications, with demonstrations and examples relevant to elected representatives.

The organisers reserve the right to change programme details to facilitate the safe and efficient running of the event.

THE CONFERENCE ARCHIVE

Past conferences

Explore our conference programmes from 2023 to 2026.

2025 conferences ↓   ·   2024 conferences ↓   ·   2023 conferences ↓

2026

16–18 OCTOBER 2026 PAST EVENT

A Practical Guide to Budget 2027

A conference for councillors examining Budget measures and their implications for local authorities and the communities they represent.

Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 16 October: Registration from 6pm to 7pm, welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 17 October: Registration from 9am to 10am. Budget 2027 Review at 10.15am, The Effects of Budget 2027 at 11.30am and Budget 2027 Costings at 2.30pm. Tea and coffee at 11am; lunch break at 1pm.

Sunday 18 October: Conference overview, discussion and learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Meals were not included. Details taken from the event brochure.

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6–8 MARCH 2026 PAST EVENT

The Evolving Role of AI in Public Relations

A practical introduction to ChatGPT for local public representatives, covering its capabilities, limitations and use in community communication.

Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 6 March: Registration from 6pm to 7pm, welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 7 March: Registration from 9am to 10am. Understanding AI capabilities and limitations at 10.15am, enhancing communication with communities at 11.30am and developing strategies for implementation at 2.30pm. Tea and coffee at 11am; lunch break at 1pm.

Sunday 8 March: Conference overview, discussion and learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Meals were not included. Details taken from the event brochure.

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THE CONFERENCE ARCHIVE

2025 conferences

Six events exploring policy, public services and practical skills.

5–7 DECEMBER 2025 PAST EVENT

Irish Health Services Entitlements

A practical guide for councillors to the Irish health system and the healthcare entitlements available to their constituents.

Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 5 December 2025: Registration from 5pm–6pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 6 December 2025: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Medical & GP Card
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: Public Hospital Services
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Community Care

Sunday 7 December 2025: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Meals were not included. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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7–9 NOVEMBER 2025 PAST EVENT

The Evolving Role of AI in Public Relations

An introduction to ChatGPT for local public representatives, covering AI capabilities and limitations, public service applications and communication with communities.

O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 7 November 2025: Registration from 6pm–7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 8 November 2025: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Understand AI Capabilities and Limitations
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: Enhancing Communication with Communities
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Developing Strategies for Implementation

Sunday 9 November 2025: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Meals were not included. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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10–12 OCTOBER 2025 PAST EVENT

A Practical Guide to Budget 2026

A conference for councillors exploring Budget 2026 and its implications across taxation, social welfare, health, housing, education and employment.

Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 10 October 2025: Registration from 6pm–7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 11 October 2025: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Budget 2026 Review
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: The Effects of Budget 2026
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Budget costings

Sunday 12 October 2025: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Meals were not included. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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7–9 MARCH 2025 PAST EVENT

Health Services Entitlements

A practical guide for councillors to the Irish health system and the healthcare entitlements available to their constituents.

Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 7 March 2025: Registration from 6pm–7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 8 March 2025: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Medical & GP Card
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: Public Hospital Services
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Community Care

Sunday 9 March 2025: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Meals were not included. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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7–9 FEBRUARY 2025 PAST EVENT

Corporate Governance

A conference on governance for councillors serving on boards and committees, including the responsibilities involved in directing and managing organisations.

O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 7 February 2025: Registration from 6pm–7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 8 February 2025: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Corporate Governance in Ireland
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: Company Implementation
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: The Responsibilities of Shareholders and Directors

Sunday 9 February 2025: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Meals were not included. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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10–12 JANUARY 2025 PAST EVENT

The Finance Act 2024

A conference examining the Finance Act 2024, its amendments and the implications of Budget 2025 for public representatives and their communities.

Mc Kevitt’s Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 10 January 2025: Registration from 6pm–7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 11 January 2025: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: The Finance Act
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: The Finance Act continued
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: The Amendments

Sunday 12 January 2025: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Meals were not included. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

Enquire about this event ↗

THE CONFERENCE ARCHIVE

2024 conferences

Explore our 2024 conference programmes.

13–15 DECEMBER 2024 PAST EVENT

Health Services Entitlements

A practical guide for councillors to the Irish health system and healthcare entitlements available to their constituents.

O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 13 December 2024: Registration from 5pm–6pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 14 December 2024: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Medical & GP Card
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: Public Hospital Services
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Community Care

Sunday 15 December 2024: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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22–24 NOVEMBER 2024 PAST EVENT

Corporate Governance

A conference on governance for councillors serving on boards and committees, including organisational policies, good practice and the responsibilities of directors.

O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 22 November 2024: Registration from 6pm–7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 23 November 2024: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Corporate Governance in Ireland
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: Company Implementation
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: The Responsibilities of Shareholders and Directors

Sunday 24 November 2024: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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11–13 OCTOBER 2024 PAST EVENT

A Practical Guide to Budget 2025

An overview of Budget 2025 for councillors, examining proposed changes across taxation, social welfare, health, housing, education and employment.

Mc Kevitt’s Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 11 October 2024: Registration from 6pm–7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 12 October 2024: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Budget 2025 Review
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: The Effects of Budget 2025
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Budget 2025 Costings

Sunday 13 October 2024: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €130. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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23–25 FEBRUARY 2024 PAST EVENT

The First Home Scheme

Helping Homeowners get onto the property ladder

A practical overview of the First Home Scheme, its equity share model and other supports for people purchasing a home.

Mc Kevitt’s Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 23 February 2024: Registration from 6pm–7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 24 February 2024: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: How does the First Home Scheme Work
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: Key Features of the First Home Scheme
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Other Purchasing Supports

Sunday 25 February 2024: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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2–4 FEBRUARY 2024 PAST EVENT

The Irish Housing Crisis: A Sustainable Option

A conference exploring sustainable housing, modern methods of construction and modular housing as approaches to the Irish housing crisis.

O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 2 February 2024: Registration from 6pm–7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 3 February 2024: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: Eco Friendly & Sustainable Housing
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Modular Housing

Sunday 4 February 2024: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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12–14 JANUARY 2024 PAST EVENT

The Finance Act 2023

A conference exploring the Finance Act 2023 and amendments connected with Budget measures taking effect in 2024.

Mc Kevitt’s Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 12 January 2024: Registration from 6pm–7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 13 January 2024: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: The Finance Act
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: The Finance Act continued
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: The Amendments

Sunday 14 January 2024: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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THE CONFERENCE ARCHIVE

2023 conferences

Explore our 2023 conference programmes.

1–3 DECEMBER 2023 PAST EVENT

Irish Social Welfare System

A conference for welfare rights and information workers covering the Irish social welfare system, payments and additional income supports.

O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 1 December 2023: Registration from 6pm to 7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 2 December 2023: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: How the System Works
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: Social Welfare Payments
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Extra Income Supports

Sunday 3 December 2023: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €125. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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24–26 NOVEMBER 2023 PAST EVENT

Modular Housing in Ireland

An exploration of modular construction, its time and cost considerations and examples of modular housing in Europe.

Mc Kevitt’s Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 24 November 2023: Registration from 6pm to 7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 25 November 2023: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Modular Building
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: Time & Cost Benefits of Modular Housing
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Modular Housing in Europe

Sunday 26 November 2023: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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20–22 OCTOBER 2023 PAST EVENT

The First Home Scheme

A practical overview of the First Home Scheme, its equity share model and other supports for people purchasing a home.

O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 20 October 2023: Registration from 6pm to 7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 21 October 2023: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: How does the First Home Scheme Work
  • 11am: Comfort break
  • 11.30am: Key Features of the First Home Scheme
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Other Purchasing Supports

Sunday 22 October 2023: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €125. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

Enquire about this event ↗

13–15 OCTOBER 2023 PAST EVENT

A Practical Guide to Budget 2024

A conference for councillors examining Budget 2024 and changes across taxation, social welfare, health, housing, education and employment.

Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 13 October 2023: Registration from 6pm to 7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 14 October 2023: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Budget 2024 Review
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: The Effects of Budget 2024
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Budget 2024 Costings

Sunday 15 October 2023: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €100. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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20–22 JANUARY 2023 PAST EVENT

Local Authority Procurement Process

A practical overview of local authority procurement, covering principles, procedures, public works contracts and debriefing.

O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 20 January 2023: Registration from 6pm to 7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 21 January 2023: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: Introduction to Procurement
  • 11am: Comfort break
  • 11.30am: Procurement Principles & Procedures
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: Public Works Contracts and Debriefing

Sunday 22 January 2023: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €100. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

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6–8 JANUARY 2023 PAST EVENT

The Finance Act 2022

A conference examining the Finance Act 2022, its amendments and Budget measures taking effect in 2023.

Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford

Conference details +

The programme

Friday 6 January 2023: Registration from 6pm to 7pm, followed by the welcome address and official opening.

Saturday 7 January 2023: Registration from 9am to 10am.

  • 10.15am: The Finance Act
  • 11am: Tea / coffee
  • 11.30am: The Finance Act continued
  • 1pm: Lunch break
  • 2.30pm: The Amendments

Sunday 8 January 2023: Conference overview, discussion and a facilitated learning review, followed by the close.

Advertised conference fee: €100. Programme details are taken from the event brochure.

Enquire about this event ↗

GET IN TOUCH

Let’s talk
conferences.

Questions about an event or attending as a delegate?
Email us and we’ll get back to you.

SPEAK TO THE TEAM

Mick Hanly

086 874 7558

Peter Hayes

087 938 1901