Industrial Visit to Dublin, November 2011

November 20th, 2011

Ireland was the destination for the Autumn Industrial Visit of GBCM. The group arrived on Wednesday afternoon to a pleasant and sunny day in Dublin. The tour kicked off with a visit to beautiful national treasure, The Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin. That evening saw the group soak up some of the atmosphere of a typical Irish pub on the famous Baggot street mile.

On Thursday morning, the group visited the Irish Life insurance company. Irish Life is a part of the Irish Life and Permanent, Plc, is a provider of personal financial services in Ireland. The group has over one million customers in Ireland and is one of Ireland’s largest and most successful financial organisations, as well as being the market leader in provision of life, pension and investment products. GBCM were given a tour of the building, and got a taste for the work environment in the company and the many amenities employees enjoy. After this, it was to the 9th floor boardroom for a presentation and interactive session with Gerry Loughrey, head of corporate governance at Irish Life. The session was a fascinating insight into how the last 10 years of business led to today’s current economic situation at Irish Life.

After a lovely lunch hosted by Irish Life at their company restaurant, the group went to the Abbey Theatre to soak up some culture. There, they received a thoroughly enjoyable tour of the Abbey, Ireland’s most prestigious theatre, by the Theatre’s production manager, Andy Keogh. The group not only got a tour of the theatre, but also got to visit the set of both the Abbey Theatre and it’s adjoining sister theatre, The Peacock Theatre.

Friday saw the group attend the Griffith College Dublin graduation ceremony, followed by a night on the town and dining at Café en Seine, one of Dublin´s most exclusive restaurants. A fun and educational trip was enjoyed by all.