Overview
Leads to NFQ Level 6 QQI Special Purpose Award in Regional Tour Guiding (6S20233)
The purpose of this award (which was developed in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland) is to enable learners to acquire the relevant knowledge, skills and competencies to work effectively as a Tourist Guide in Dublin, the Ancient East & Hidden Heartlands.
Many past students of this well-established course have set up their own tour guiding businesses or are employed as on site Tour Guides at visitor attractions and heritage sites. There is a strong emphasis on sustainable tour management and the Leave No Trace principles.
On completion of the course students be have the option of a listing on Failte Ireland Directory of Approved Tour Guides & can join relevant industry associations.
Entry Requirements
The course is targeted at students who have a genuine interest in working as a Tour Guide. Prior qualifications or experience in this area would be an advantage, but are not required. Since places are limited, applicants will be interviewed.
Tour guiding is particularly suited to people who are good communicators, are outgoing and who enjoy interacting with others. Planning and organisational skills are important skills and fluency in a second language is an advantage (but not a requirement).
Progression
Graduates from this course have found employment as Tour Guides on either a full-time or part-time basis in both public and private sector organisations and companies.
Course content
To achieve the Special Purpose Award in Regional Tour Guiding you will need to pass:
- Irish Tour Guiding
- Irish Natural Heritage and Culture
On successful completion of this programme learners will be able to:
- Create themed walking tours in the region
- Design day & extended tours
- Understand itinerary planning skills
- Develop coach guiding skills
- Create their own special interest tours & tourism products
- Apply digital marketing & promotional skills
- Pitch tour ideas to Tour Operators
- Know how to use & apply health & safety risk assessment software
Course Cost
All PLC courses have a non-refundable €50 acceptance/registration fee.
In addition to this fee, please note that specialist training costs, material costs, or professional fees may apply to some courses.
There may be additional costs for entrance fees to certain tourist attractions, museums etc. during the course of the year.