After the tour we went on an adventure through the streets of Dublin to go for lunch, which again, was an enjoyable experience, I had never been to Wagamama’s before, so it was a day of firsts for me, this had added to the memorability of this trip. After this we went our separate ways, to which I spoke to a friend of mine who is Irish, and she told me about all the different places I should visit, I visited them all and it was a fascinating journey. As many are well aware, I managed to get my wires crossed at the meeting point and was a street away from the original meeting point but as my phone had died and I had no communication or sense of time, I decided to make my way back to the airport on my own, although it was worrying at the time, It was also an adventure. Thankfully I was able to switch my phone back on to message group members to inform them of the situation, which they re-laid to the course leaders. I don’t regret getting lost, as it allowed me to cement my suspicion that I am capable of finding my way back in difficult situations. We got back late in the evening and no real hitches or problems occurred, it was a greatly enjoyable experience, one which I will remember. It was memorable and probably one of the best (apart from the London experience) trips we have had. 

I wouldn’t change anything about the trip, it was enjoyable from start to end, it was not just a great learning experience but a good bonding and character building experience. Me and many others may have felt tired and low throughout the day but that doesn’t take away the memories we have made. I believe that it was undeniably useful for our learning to enable us to look at businesses not only in the UK but in different countries too and how the differences between countries doesn’t affect the business world. From this experience, I shall take with me the memories of the trip and the knowledge I have acquired which I shall use throughout my life, professional and personal.

Guinness originally comes from Arthur’s name “Arthur Guinness” and the company was first introduced back in 1759 in the capital of Ireland Dublin. The Stout is made from water, barely, roast malt extract, hops and brewer’s yeast. A portion of the barley is roasted to give the dark colour and characteristic taste. 

We had the opportunity to witness up close the adverts which included the whistling clam and the cycling fish when we visited the storehouse. While the advert might seem straight forward it was rather interesting how it would shift into a beer related subject. The next part of the trip was the process of pouring the beer in the correct manner which was showcased by hired employees. Afterwards we had our own chance of pouring a pine of beer with the help guide of a professional and tasted in the correct manner which tasted significantly better. The process required breathing through our nose while taking a sip of the beverage and then exhaling.

After the trip my opinion regarding the beer has definitely changed in a positive way, previously I have been tasting the beer wrong and the taste was quite different compared to now. Also, I have learned how similar the Irish culture is to the UK. Even though both speak the same language the Irish people tend to pronounce some of the words slightly different. Rather than that they both enjoy beer as much and have a similar environment.

Dublin is the capital city of the republic of Ireland, founded in1191. It is a lovely city and there are a lot of interesting places to visit such as Dublin castle, phoenix park, Powerscourt Estate, St Stephen’s Green, Kilmainham Gaol and Guinness storehouse. 

Guinness storehouse was our main point to visit and explore more about it. Guinness storehouse embraces 7 floors, each floor determines different designs for instance: ground floor was containing a retail store for the Guinness fans. First floor is the Arthur Guinness story which was like a gallery and included a modern Irish café. Second floor is the tasting corner. 3^rd floor is the world of advertising. 4^th floor is a luxurious privet connoisseur bar for tasting experience and Guinness academy. 5^th, 6^th floor containing brewers’ dining hall, 1837 bar & brasserie, Arthur’s bar. 7^th floor is the highest floor in the building and there is circle bar you can drink and view Dublin in 360 degrees.  

The best and memorable trip I have ever had especially with my wonderful friends and lovely teachers  was a Dublin trip to Guinness storehouse. That day was amazing, but it was a very tired day. The day trip started at 4.00 am and we arrived back home at 11.30 pm. It was more different from other trips we did this year because we entered a different region of the country and our travel was by coach and plain. Due to traveling a lot in far countries and stay in plain for a long hours, airport and trip by plain was not unpleasant for me so I enjoyed my trip a lot. 

First, when I arrived at Guinness storehouse, I had a strange felling because I never went to such a place like that before, which selling and producing beer in there and it was my first experience. At the beginning a lady introduce the place for us and showed the circle top floor building. It was astonishing. At first a beautiful red light attracted me, I represented for a red wine. After we went first floor and saw a beautiful navy-blue light inside the waterfall. After seen a lot of different things the most beautiful thing for me was the big screens like cinema for their instruction videos which each had their own importance. 

I was not able to taste the Guinness beer because I am Muslim, and I am not allowed to drink alcohol.   

After seen all the places I believe that was very good and having very important power for business because I never expected there would be to many people in there and coming only for a taste on the 7^th floor. 

After we finished in Guinness storehouse we went out and  

 we had dinner in a beautiful restaurant Wagamama, I was not able to eat their food because it was not halal. Again, I had problem with me believes and later I found another restaurant which they produce halal food. I believe I wasted my time to look for halal food and I was not able to go around Dublin shopping centre which some of my friends did. 

next time, If I go back there, I will never go for halal food also I can respect my believe by eating vegetarian dish without any alcohol and I will never waste my time to go and find some halal restaurant or halal food instead of that I will enjoy myself with some shopping and keep my time to do some exciting activities. I be certain of that, I missed my opportunity to ask a lot of questions, now, I am so keen to know about them. I did not ask them any thing at all for which I could ask, for their products and what will they going to present for next year and I will ask about their profits in each year and some questions related to my degree.  Also, I interested in the business so for next time, I will ask that; are Guinness storehouse allow people to be a shareholder especially in different region or different country. As well, I could ask how many types of productise they do have or are they only producing beer or how many more different alcohols are they have got, if only producing beer are they thought about producing any other type of alcohol for next generation. Likewise, I did not ask if they have Guinness soft drink with out any alcohol, or even I did not ask that some countries such as Saudi Arabia producing halal beer which does not contain any alcohol. If they do not have will they would like to think about it and it will be another opportunity for them to produces different type of beer also Muslim people allow to drink it. 

The final trip was to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. I was so excited because it was the only trip abroad. We started a day at 4 am and finished at 11 pm. It was a long trip but I wouldn't change anything. We arrived in Dublin at 9 am and I knew it would be an exciting day. When we were going to the Guinness Storehouse by public bus I slept the whole way because I was after work and I slept less than 2 hours. 

First, when I arrived at the Guinness Storehouse I didn’t know what to expected and how it will be looking inside, but when I went, I woke up and I was very excited. It started with a welcome speech from a member of staff and then you have been allowed to walk around the Guinness Store to learn about the history of Arthur Guinness and brewing process. 

Each floor has a different theme from the history of the Guinness and it is a great way to learn about world-famous business. A very modern and very informative tour with audio guides. On the first floor, it showed the history of Arthur Guinness and there was a beautiful fountain with a waterfall and blue backlight which made a great impression on me. On other floors, you can see the ingredients from which beer is made and method of how Guinness is brewed. There are barrels with tv sets and unique displays telling a story about Guinness. I was excited and curious about what will be on the next floor. All this is maintained in a unique character and makes a nice impression. The tour is self-guided, very informative and culminates in a 'free pint' in the Gravity Bar where you can see the panoramic of Dublin. Everything was presented in an extremely interesting way. I enjoyed the Guinness Storehouse. 

In the concept of the business, it was great to saw how they make the world-famous beer for over 250 years which is part of the culture and history of the city. This trip was the valuable experience and let us see global business. The tour was fantastic because you walk, read and listen to different parts of making Guinness. The whole story and process of brewing Guinness beer and Gravity Bar on level 7 where is a 360-degree view of the city made a great impression on me. 

After the tour, we went on lunch and had free time to explore a little bit more of the Dublin. 

The only thing that I would change it will be staying there for the night because a few hours during a whole day is not enough to visit Dublin. Dublin is a beautiful city and Guinness Store is something that you must see, even if you are not a Guinness drinker. This trip was the successful and unique experience for me. 

After the tour guide had done an introduction we started walking around the factory and were shown exactly what it takes to make the famous Guinness. To make the Guinness they use water, barley, roast malt extract, hops, and brewer's yeast.

The next part of my learning was done in the tasting room. We smelt different things in these chambers. After that we then went on to another room which was to replicate Arthur Guinness’s study. In the study we were given clear instructions to trying Guinness. Step 1. breath in through the nose, 2. Drink the Guinness with a big gulp trying not to drink the foam on top, 3. Exhale through the nose. 

The next key part of learning done at the factory was in the Guinness academy. A Guinness serving specialist teaches you exactly how to pour the perfect pint. 

1.       Pick up a pint glass making sure the see-through harp is facing you.

2.       Glass at 45 degrees, start pouring towards you aiming at the gold harp. 

3.       Stop pouring leaving a small gap on top

4.       Leave the Guinness to stand for until it has settled

5.       Pick the pint back up and top it off.

This procedure should take roughly around 119 seconds to do perfectly. 

Lastly, I learned about how fast Dublin is changing. At the observatory at the top of the factory I learned about how Dublin is being vastly developed and how its changing to accommodate more people and to become more of a tourist hub to bring more money into the local economy. 

The trip had an academic impact because it made me think a lot about what went into growing the business and we were shown a lot of history about it. I really was fantastic to learn about the heritage and how the business has come this far. I mostly relate the trip to business management week 2 lesson. I relate it to that because we learnt about the structure of the business and the organisation itself which was what the lessons was about.

The Personal impact was that I didn’t really like Guinness before going to the factory but now I really like it and drink it often. It was nice to get a back ground of the whole operation and learn more about the product because every time I drink it now it reminds me of the amazing experience. 

The museum is structured on 7 floors and introduces visitors from the beginning in a special atmosphere. It impressed me from the beginning how the old elements used to make beer are combined with the modern technology, to create a great adventure over time.

I found out that 100.000 tones of Irish grown barley are used every year in making Guinness. Only the highest quality barley is used as its quality affects the taste of the beer. Guinness is brewed using a combination of malted, unmalted and roasted barley. The water used in brewing Guinness comes from the Wicklow mountains. It is one of the few breweries in the world who roast their own barley on site, working 365 days per year.

On the top floor it was a great city view and I found out interesting information about the city's most important attractions.

 After we finished the tour, we all went to eat and and after that, we enjoyed the beauties of the city.

It was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had this year. I was delighted when I heard my colleagues' proposal and I was looking forward to that day.

I think the organization was a successful one and the team was professional, communicated clearly and on time with colleagues. The fact that it was postponed I do not think it was their fault and I am glad it was finished, even at a different time.

Reflecting on this experience, I think it was a success. Even if it was a very tiring day, it was worth the effort. Rachel asked me twice during the day if I had preferred a trip somewhere closer to home and I said clearly not. All fatigue and effort was worth it, because it was a great day.

It impressed me how big the factory is, the extraordinary success of this business and the fact that it has lasted for so many years and is a successful brand, recognized all over the world.

I liked the city very much, I was surprised to see how clean it was.

What I would do differently, I think I would not change anything, maybe if it was possible, the time of departure. Because of the fatigue, I was not feeling well  half a day and I could not take the maximum of every moment.

I would have liked to be good weather, I would have taken more advantage of that day, but I will definitely come back and spend more time discovering what I have not done now.

It was a very exciting day, I learned a lot of things and enjoyed the presence of my colleagues, Mark and Rachel, I was very happy when I found out that she would go with us.

I think Dublin and London trips  were a success. Both teams showed what it means to be determined, organized and effectively work as a team.

 

 

From my visit to Dublin I learned that the Guinness brand was started up by Arthur Guinness in 1752 with the £100 that he inherited from his godfather. I also got to see the ingredients used to make the ‘rare Irish stuff’ and the processes that go in to it. There were videos showing how the transport of Guinness has changed from a small sail boat carrying only six barrels to enormous container ships. On top of this I learned about the marketing strategies and promotions used and how they have been adapted over time to try and make the Guinness brand global. 

It was interesting to see the impact the industrial revolution had on the business. It meant that the transporting of Guinness, both within Ireland and globally could be advanced through railways and larger boats carrying hundreds of barrels. It also meant that more Guinness could be produced and greater income received, enabling the company to enhance their production even more.   

I feel that without Michael Ash, Guinness would not be the same. He managed to pair nitrogen and carbon dioxide to create the smooth texture and the visual storm surge when pouring. This is what makes Guinness so unique and iconic, quickly making it a top selling beer. 

The trip has made me more aware of other cultures and ways of life, increasing my attributes towards being a global citizen (one of the Staffordshire Graduate Attributes). Because I had to use a different currency, public transport both to get to and from Ireland as well as getting in to Dublin itself.  

It has also given me the practical application of what I have learnt in the classroom, especially in the Beyond the Classroom module, learning about entrepreneurship, getting to see how the brand started. The risks that were taken. As the brewing industry was struggling, Arthur Guinness travelled to Dublin to try and establish his plans. The 9000-year lease signed, meaning they can brew the ale is displayed in the Storehouse, . 

Moving on, I will also follow marketing strategies a lot more and see how they use current affairs to catch the eye of their target audience, this is because when the women's right's movements started coming in to force, Guinness targeted their advertising accordingly, having women drink the beer whilst the man stands behind the bar pouring it for them, challenging the gender stereotypes. 

Moving forward I will make a more conscious effort to understand and experience other cultures, through news articles, documentaries and travelling around the globe. Increasing both my global citizenship, life skills and knowledge. 

Guinness began in 1752 when Arthur Guinness inherited £100 from his godfather and decided to invest the money in a brewery in Leixlip. 7 years later, Arthur Guinness decided to set up his own business in the city of Dublin. Arthur showed great faith in his business from an early stage taking out a 9,000 year lease on a 4-acre piece of land. This faith he had proved valuable as Guinness continued to grow into the powerhouse we know and love today.

Prior to the trip I decided to do my own research on Guinness, this including having a brief look at it’s history along with having a pint of it. Despite this I didn’t get a real understanding for it until we were shown around the factory and told about it’s history in the context of Irish culture. This made the importance of its history much clearer to me as it made more sense as to why Guinness was so big. I also learned how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness as well as how to properly enjoy its taste.

Arthur Guinness endeavours showed me the hard work it takes to be an entrepreneur which is important to me as it is one of the Staffordshire graduate attributes. It showed me the hard work along with the hardships that must be worked through to reach that end goal of success. It also showed me that being an entrepreneur isn’t just working as an individual, without British mathematician Michael Ash, Guinness just wouldn’t be what it is today, with Michaels assistance they were able to come up with a nitrogenated dispense system for Guinness stout which made Guinness what it is today.

In reflection, I believe the team that organised the trip did a great job in doing so. The decision to leave at 4am whilst tiring meant that we were able to spend more time in Dublin and allowed for us to do more. The prior planning of the trip which included gathering numbers, ordering the tickets and planning the day was done successfully and was easy to follow for everyone. The day itself ran mostly smoothly, the only thing I would say is that it would’ve been nice to have a bit longer at the Guinness factory and to possibly better plan for the bits in between such as the transition from the Guinness factory to Wagamama’s as it seemed to not be planned for. Overall, whilst a tiring day the day itself was really enjoyable and a great experience as a whole that gave a great insight into the culture and business within Ireland surrounding Guinness.

On 10^th Tuesday, we went to the last trip of the year which was named trip to Dublin. As I love travelling and explore new cultures, this trip was a valuable opportunity to explore how a global business works. 

The journey was long as all the students were supposed to gather at the Manchester airport at 6 o clock in the morning which means that I had to leave the house at 4 o clock and get a bus from the Oldham station to Piccadilly and then the take bus from Piccadilly to the airport. 

We were all on time and very excited for the trip as no one of us have ever been Dublin before. We were there before time, so we sat together to have breakfast together and we talked about our Easter holidays. The journey on the airplane was just an hour which was good as it gave us some time to rest. 

Around 10 o clock we were all in Dublin at the meeting point. We took the public transport and went to Guinness Storehouse. The journey was pretty long. However, I enjoyed by looking out of the window as the view was attractive and fascinating. 

To be honest I did not know what we were going to visit, as I have not read the details of the trip. When we arrived at the destination I saw a huge building titled Guinness, I still did not know what is Guinness as I do not drink. When we entered inside the factory, they welcome us and there were an initial 5 minutes talk, in which the lady explained what to expect on each floor and gave us a little bit of history. The Guinness Storehouse covers seven floors surrounded by a glass atrium shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. Each floor was beautifully and uniquely designed, I was impressed with the combination of the colours, lightings and decorations. Additionally, the content covered on each floor was different then the others. 

At the end of the tour we learnt how Guinness is made, all the primary ingredients and the cooking process. We also learnt about the history of this global business and how it has become popular around the world. I have given me the opportunity to compare a worldwide business with a local business like Wedgwood. This would help me in the future to identify the factors that can make a business more successful. 

After the tour, we all went to have lunch together at Wagamama but unfortunately, I was not familiar with the food and I was not sure if it was Halal or not. So, I went to find a suitable place to eat with few other students. Which gave me the chance to explore the city centre and do some shopping. I managed to buy some presents for me sisters too. At the end of the day we all managed to get to the airport on time and catch flight. We arrived at the Manchester at 9:30 pm. 

The trip was well organised, it was better than I expected, and I was very satisfied at the end of the day. If the trip happens again, I would try to fit an activity in the afternoon after the lunch as there was a plenty of time for it. I feel that after paying the travel which was expensive the time can be managed more efficiently so that the outcome can be useful and memorable. Surprising, we didn’t face any challenge during the trip as there wasn’t any big issue. The transport system was good, and it has allowed us to avoid any delays. 

One of the best thing of the trip was that the students and the professors were all engaging with each other. This created a friendly environment and made the trip more entertaining.