GEC 25 Year Impact Report 2026 - Flipbook - Page 2
The GEC History
1881
1990
Foundations and Growth
Founding Partners
of the GEC
The Guinness Brewery was established in 1759 when Arthur
Guinness signed an extraordinary 9,000-year lease on a
four-acre disused brewery at St. James’s Gate. Notably, the
lease included a provision for “stabling for 12 horses.”
As the brewery expanded throughout the 18th and 19th
centuries, the growing need to transport wooden casks
required more horses. To support this, additional land was
acquired around the original site, including the area at Taylor’s
Lane. Originally a millrace, the site was developed into a
complex of stables with an in-house forge.
Dublin Business Innovation Centre ( Furthr)
In 1990, Furthr identified a need for dedicated incubation
space for start-ups. Furthr contributed £880,000 in funding
and expertise and assumed responsibility for managing the
Centre.
Guinness Ireland (Diageo)
Guinness Ireland (Diageo) provided a hopstore at Taylor’s
Lane within the St. James’s Gate complex on a long-term
lease now the home of The Guinness Enterprise Center.
Diageo also contributed £1 million towards the
development of the site.
Dublin Corporation (Dublin City Council)
With the introduction of steam wagons in the early 20th
century, horse-drawn transport declined. By 1932, the last of
the brewery-owned horses were sold, leaving the site vacant.
Dublin Corporation provided significant financial support
and professional expertise, including design, architectural,
quantity surveying and tendering services, contributing a
total value of £1,096,000.
Dublin City Enterprise Board
( Local Enterprise Office Dublin City)
The Dublin City Enterprise Board contributed £598,000 to
support the establishment and development of the Centre.
Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland contributed £750,000 as well as key
marketing, technology, enterprise development and
business training advice.
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