Creating Pathways Through Respite. Respite as a catalyst for independence, education, employment and community life, with a focus on expanding choice, flexibility and person‑centred, family‑led approaches across the life course.
Belonging, Participation & Rights. Exploring inclusive respite for people with complex needs, promoting equality, diversity and cultural inclusion, and strengthening partnerships with people who use respite and their families
Reimagining Respite. Examining new and emerging respite models, technology‑enabled supports and creative, community‑based approaches, informed by learning from international best practice
Stronger Voices, Stronger Systems. Advancing the right to respite through partnership, strengthening collaboration between families, providers and policymakers, and connecting policy, practice and lived experience.
Building Sustainable, High‑Quality Systems. Focusing on governance, accountability and quality standards, workforce development, funding and commissioning, regulation, safeguarding and continuous improvement.
Submissions, registration and accommodation are managed by Abbey Conference on behalf of ISBA
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Accommodation options and delegate rates are managed by Abbey Conference. You will be redirected to their accommodation page.
ISBA 2027 will take place at the University of Galway, a leading Irish university located in the heart of Galway city on Ireland’s west coast.
Founded in 1845, the University of Galway has a long and distinguished academic tradition. Today, it is home to over 19,000 students and 3,000 staff, including a vibrant community of more than 3,000 international students from over 100 countries. The diverse and dynamic environment provides an ideal setting for an international conference.
The campus offers modern conference facilities and excellent accessibility. The main venue, Bailey Allen Hall, is within a 15‑minute walk of Galway city centre and close to on‑campus accommodation.
Sustainability is central to the University of Galway’s mission. As an SDG Ambassador, the university is committed to environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically sustainable events, aligning strongly with ISBA values.
Dunlin Village (Bed & Breakfast)
Ireland is easily accessible with daily direct flights from many cities in the UK, Europe, the United States, and Australia.
Citylink routes 760 or 761
Depart every 30 minutes from 06:15–00:30
Journey time: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes (direct) or approx. 3 hours (via Dublin city)
Irish Rail 9 daily train transfers from Dublin City (Dublin Heuston station).
Journey Time: approx. 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes.
Citylink route 51
Hourly Service from 07:55 – 20:55
Journey time: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes
Galway is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city steeped in culture, rich in folklore and famous for its cobble-stoned streets, quaint shops and charming restaurants.
Home to the world renowned Druid Theatre Company, Macnas Street Theatre Company and An Taibhdhearc and with an array of vibrant festivals, there is much to do in this wonderful city.
In addition, the surrounding landscape leaves one breathless, from the prehistoric fort of Dun Aengus, the most westerly point in Europe, to the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and the Burren.
Electricity supply in Ireland is 220–240 volts.
Ireland uses a three‑pin plug (Type G). Delegates travelling from outside Ireland or the UK should bring a suitable plug adaptor.
Traffic in Ireland drives on the left. Delegates planning to hire a car should familiarise themselves with local driving regulations in advance.
The ISBA 2027 Organising Committee and its agents cannot accept responsibility for medical expenses, loss, damage, or accidents incurred during the conference.
Delegates are strongly advised to arrange comprehensive personal insurance to cover:
Medical expenses
Travel disruption
Accidents
Loss or theft of personal belongings
In the event that a delegate must cancel attendance for medical reasons, the conference cancellation policy will apply.
Delegates from EU countries are advised to bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Ireland has two official languages: English and Irish.
English is spoken throughout the country, and all conference activities will be conducted in English. Road signage is bilingual in many areas.
The currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro (€).
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 & 50 cent; €1 and €2
Notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500
Foreign exchange services are available at airports, banks, post offices, and some hotels and shops. There are no currency exchange controls in Ireland.
Under Irish law, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places and workplaces, including restaurants, pubs, bars, and conference venues.
Smoking may be permitted in designated hotel bedrooms, subject to individual hotel policies. Penalties apply for breaches of smoking regulations.
Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 23% on most goods in Ireland.
Eligible non‑EU visitors may be able to claim a VAT refund on departure. Ask for a VAT refund form at the point of purchase.
From March to October, Ireland operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +1).
Tipping in Ireland is not compulsory.
Restaurants and hotels may add a 10–15% service charge, particularly for large groups
Taxi drivers are typically tipped around 10%
Porters are usually tipped approximately €0.60 per bag
Ireland has a temperate climate, with mild winters and cool summers.
In June, average daytime temperatures are around 18°C (64.4°F)
Galway experiences a mix of sunshine and light rain, and weather can change quickly. Delegates are advised to pack a light rain jacket.