Irish Tourism Training
Tour Director and Guide Training Programmes for the Irish Tourism Sector
Tour Guide Refresher Programme
‘Back on the Open Road’
In preparation for the upcoming 2022 tour season, this intense 2-day Refresher Programme will provide an information-rich, multi-layered and wide-angled overview of Ireland’s Natural, Built and Cultural Heritage.
Its landscape, geography, prehistory, traditional folklife, architecture, history and economy will be examined. The individual programme modules are detailed below.
The Lie of the Land – Reading Ireland’s
Landscape
The programme kicks off with an exploration of Ireland’s countryside. The identifying
characteristics of the main geographical features of the Irish landscape will be detailed.
These will include glacial and coastal landforms and peatlands.
The geological origin and structure of our island will be explained in laypersons terms,
as will the local geology of iconic sites and regions, including the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve
League, North Antrim coast, the Dingle, Iveragh and Beara Peninsulas, Hill of Allen,
Rock of Cashel, Ben Bulben, Glendalough, Carrick-a-Rede, Giant’s Causeway, the
Burren, Valentia Island, Howth, Connemara etc. etc. etc.
Setting the Foundations – Ireland’s Prehistory
The fascinating narrative of Ireland’s prehistory will be examined from the earliest
evidence for human presence on this island, ca. 10,500 BC, to the arrival of Christianity
in the 5 th century AD. The origins and developing lifestyles and cultural traits of the
Stone, Bronze and Iron Age peoples who settled here will be overviewed. Succinct
details for a range of iconic prehistoric sites that are included on tour itineraries will be
provided.
‘The Golden Age’
- A cohort of evangelists in the 5 th century initiated the introduction and spread of
Christianity in Ireland. Cross-fertilisation of the indigenous pagan with the newly
arrived Christian belief system led to a flowering of the arts during the period now
known as the ‘Golden Age’. High-status objects including the Derrynaflan and Ardagh
chalices, Cross of Cong, Tara brooch and St. Patrick’s Bell Shrine were fashioned by
consummate artisans, all of which, in addition to many others, will be highlighted. The
layout, buildings and everyday activities of a typical Irish Early Christian Monastic
Community will be examined.
Settlement and Colonisation 795 – 1690
Ireland’s historical timeline from the first incursions of Viking raiders in 795 to the
aftermath of the ‘Battle of the Two Kings’ in 1690 will be revisited. Topics explored will
include the Vikings as raiders, traders and settlers; The Normans - Origins, Invasion,
Colonisation, Fortifications, Castles, Towns and Society; The Black Death, Medieval
Monasteries, Gaelic Resurgence, Plantation – Munster, Ulster, Cromwellian and the
Battle of the Boyne.
The Road to Freedom
Protestant Ascendancy, Georgian Ireland, ‘Up in arms - Rebellion’ – Wolfe Tone and
the United Irishmen, Robert Emmet, the Young Irelanders, the Fenians; Catholic
Emancipation, the Great Hunger 1845-50, the Land Question, the Gaelic and Literary
Revivals, the 1916 Rising and the Civil War will be overviewed.
Ireland’s Economy – An Update
To facilitate informed on-tour commentary, Peter Lydon will present an update on the
current condition of the Irish economy. Topics covered will include the impact of
COVID on the economy, including the Hospitality and Tourism Sectors,
Employment/Unemployment, The Housing Crisis – Government strategies, property
values, Social Housing and Inflation.
Places are limited so booking is essential
Contact Vincent on vincentbutler5@gmail.com
or 087-2330966
Class times: 9.00 am. – 5.30 pm.
Cost per person: €120
Dates and Venues
18 th - 19 th February 2022 – West County Hotel, Dublin
21 st - 22 nd February 2022 – West County Hotel, Dublin
25 th - 26 th February 2022 – Rose Hotel, Tralee
4 th - 5 th March 2022 – Ardilaun Hotel, Galway