In 2002, in spite of “barely knowing one end of a fish from the other”, Pat Ó Súilleabháin became General Manager of SEA LIFE Aquarium in Bray. In those 19 years, he has been passionate about the animals under his care, the environments that they originate from and is committed to sharing that passion with every visitor to SEA LIFE.
Q1- How does your normal day begin? I set out what I need to get done the previous evening. When I get into the Aquarium, I will take a walk around the displays, checking that all the animals are fine (I have been known to talk to them!). I then do a daily briefing with the team ahead of opening to the public
Q 2- What are your biggest daily challenges? The biggest challenges can vary from an animal health issue to a problem with the life support systems. But under Covid lockdown, it is managing the costs involved in caring for over 1000 animals with no revenue!
Q3- What do you love most about your job? I love making a positive difference for our planet, namely gaining and sharing knowledge, passion and insights about the marine world so that we may better protect it
Q 4- What do you do to relax? I really enjoy listening to rock music and reading. But for me, the greatest relaxation is cycling (I cycled 7000km last year!)
Q 5-Favourite staycation destination in Ireland and why? Wherever I’ve last been is always my favourite staycation destination! So at the moment, that’s the Burren
Q 6-Favourite holiday destination worldwide? Given that my mother was French, I have a strong connection with France, and I never tire of the landscapes, the culture and the food
Q 7-Favourite Business motto? Look after your staff and they will look after your customers…not just true of tourism: true of all business
Q 8. Advice for young business entrepreneurs “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: you will learn more from those mistakes than you will learn from any book”
