Details
The Dublin City and Environs Tour Guide Programme is a QQI Level 6 qualification aimed at those who wish to train as a Tourist Guide. This course combines practical tour guiding skills with the theoretical knowledge to enable learners to provide guiding and tour management services for tourists. Learners will explore the historic, cultural and social aspects of the city and the region. They will learn how to provide a commentary and organise and manage a tour. Practical experience will be gained through a series of simulated guided tours.
This programme is ideally suited to a person seeking flexibility with a career where they can choose the times of the year they wish to work. The main tourist season is from March to October however with rising tourist numbers, tour guides can now avail of employment opportunities all year round. Portobello Institute supports students with their efforts to gain employment as tour guides by introducing them to the major tour operators. Many past graduates have been recruited directly from this programme by the main tour operators in Ireland.
Note: The "badge" formerly issued by Failte Ireland is no longer available. This course is recognised by employers as the standard qualification for tour guides and replaces the former "national" programme.
Qualification: QQI Level 6 Special Purpose Award in Dublin Tourist Guiding
Entry Requirements: Entry to this course is by direct application to the college. There are no previous academic requirements however good communication skills and a genuine interest in people are needed to be a successful tour guide.
Course Structure: This programme will take place two evenings per week, Monday & Thursday from 6.30 - 9.30pm. There are 6 optional Saturdays where students participate in practical tour guiding sessions to gain experience delivering and managing a tour. dates: TBC
Module 1 - Guiding 6N0648 (15 credits) 1. Irish Tourism 2. Roles & Responsibilities of the Tour Guide 3. Professional Guiding Skills Group Management 4. Practical Experience
Module 2 - Dublin Cultural & Natural Heritage 6N0643 (15 credits) 1. Dublin's Cultural Heritage 2. Dublin's Built Heritage 3. Dublin's Natural Heritage 4. Dublin in Contemporary Ireland 5. Principal Tourist Attractions and Activities 6. The role of the Tour Guide in promoting sustainable tourism
Module 3 - Dublin Tour Management - 6N0643 (5 credits) 1. Background knowledge 2. Tour planning and preparation transfers and arrivals 3. On Tour hospitality desk operation 4. The self employed guide-tour manager
Schedules
Portobello Institute was established in 1981 and is built on the shoulders of some very wonderful and inspirational individuals. The Institute was originally set up by Delia Lyons and has been continuously advanced by her daughter Rebekah Lyons, another forward thinking and hard-working woman.
Delia’s legacy, vision and values continue to be part of everyday life at the college and are constant reminder through Rebekah’s want to constantly seek out new opportunity while ensuring that the ethos and quality first developed by her mother are retained.
Since 1993 we have been delivering beauty, make up and fashion courses at Portobello Institute, all fully accredited through awarding bodies ITEC and QQI.
