Ireland plays host this May to the Ariane Cross, a major social, technical and sporting event for Europe's space industries. While the several-day event won't attract the hoopla of the Tour de France which also visits Ireland this year it will bring up to 2,000 space scientists and technicians to the ALSAA complex at Dublin Airport.

The Ariane Cross will include a technical conference and a specialist trade show, a must for anyone in the market for rocket engines, satellite components or space station hardware. Up to 50 of Europe's leading aerospace companies will participate.

The space techies, however, may be more interested in the social and sporting side to the event. There are a series of cycling road races planned and the races are for riders at any level from Tour contender to weekend warrior.

The Ariane Cross runs from May 18th-24th at the ALSAA complex opposite the airport.