The venue we have chosen for the 2008 ISRCL conference is Dublin Castle. Few conference centres anywhere in the world can claim a location so steeped in history as Dublin Castle Conference Centre. Although the original structure of the Castle was built in the early 13^th century, archaeological investigations have confirmed its significance as a site in Viking and even pre-Viking times. The site has been at the heart of Dublin life for centuries before King John of England demanded the erection of a strong castle with sturdy walls and good ditches, for the defence of the city, administration of justice and safe custody of treasure, in 1204. Many of the Castle's functions adapted and changed over the centuries. It was always the centre of the English colonial administration. It acted as the official residence of successive royal chief representatives, under the interchangeable titles of Justiciar, Chief Lieutenant, Lord Lieutenant or Viceroy and visiting English Kings. The Castle continued in this function right up until the 1916 Rising, which subsequently resulted in the start of Irish Independence.

The latest addition to Dublin Castle is the modern Conference Centre, which was designed and equipped for Ireland’s presidency of the European Community on the site of the evacuated Corke Tower and Castle Moat.