Course Summary
Course Category: Employment / Lifelong Learning
The QQI level 6 National Tour Guide programme is a Special Purpose Award designed to prepare students for a professional career in tour guiding in Ireland. Delivered through a combination of online evening webinars, in-person weekend workshops, and familiarisation trips, the programme develops the practical knowledge, professional skills, and confidence required to guide both national and international visitors.
Students explore Irish heritage, culture, and national tour management while building professional guiding techniques and communication skills. Practical learning is a key feature of the programme, with experience gained through simulated guided tours, coach tours, walking tours, and museum-based guiding.
Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded the QQI level 6 Special Purpose Award in National Tourist Guiding (6S20232), worth 45 credits. The qualification meets the criteria for inclusion on the Fáilte Ireland Industry Qualified Tour Guide Directory and successful graduates receive the National Tourist Guiding Badge.
- Delivery mode: Blended delivery (online evening webinars, in-person weekend workshops, and familiarisation trips)
- Awarding body: QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland)
- Qualification outcome: QQI level 6 Special Purpose Award in National Tourist Guiding (6S20232) – 45 credits
- Key progression note: Graduates may apply for inclusion on the Fáilte Ireland Industry Qualified Tour Guide Directory and receive the National Tourist Guiding Badge.
Further Information
Book a call with Career Pathway Consultant Jennifer Matteazzi to discuss study options
Fees, payment plan, and funding information is available.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Irish Tour Guiding
National Tour Management
Irish Natural Heritage and Culture
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
Progression to CAO Courses
Who Is This Programme For?
The QQI level 6 National Tour Guide programme suits students who are passionate about Irish culture, heritage, and storytelling and enjoy engaging with people from around the world. It will appeal to individuals who are confident communicators and interested in leading groups, delivering engaging commentary, and sharing Ireland’s history and culture with visitors.
Students who enjoy working with people, travelling, and sharing Ireland's heritage with visitors will benefit from this programme.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
What Career Pathways Are Available?
The qualification prepares graduates for professional roles within Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sector, equipping them with the skills required to guide visitors and manage group tours.
Career opportunities may include:
- National tour guide
- Coach tour guide
- Walking tour guide
- Museum or heritage site guide
- Freelance tour guide
- Tour coordinator or tour management roles
This QQI level 6 qualification provides a recognised pathway into Ireland's tourism industry, supporting career development across tour guiding, heritage, cultural tourism and visitor experience.