The National Tour Guiding Level 6 QQI Special Purpose Award program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for tour guiding and management in Ireland, covering cultural, historical, and environmental topics. The course consists of various components, including practical assessments and written exams, totaling 45 credits, structured around modules in tour guiding, national tour management, and Irish natural heritage. Students will develop interpersonal skills, safety practices, and digital marketing expertise, preparing them for opportunities in higher education or employment within the tourism sector.

1. National Tour Guiding
Level 6 QQI Special Purpose Award in National Tour Guiding
6S2023 Liberties College 2022-2023
Overview:
This national tour guiding programme is a collaboration between Fáilte Ireland and the Education
Training Board (ETB). The aim of the programme is to provide students with the knowledge, skill
and competence to undertake guiding and tour management services for tourists visiting and
traveling in Ireland.
The Programme is designed to:
● Improve knowledge of the historical, natural, cultural and archaeological heritage of
Ireland.
● Help students to provide accurate, information and interesting tour experiences within a
range of different contexts.
● Enable students to manage tours to a professional standard throughout Ireland
implementing best safety and environmental practice.
● Facilitate students to develop their interpersonal, team working and time management
skills in the context of a tour guiding practice and completion of the academic course.
● Provide vocationally specific knowledge, skill and competence at this level, which may
help the student with the opportunities to progress to other courses at level 7 or above.
Teachers:
● Alan Byrne: Irish Natural Heritage & Culture
● Alan Swaine: Irish Tour Guiding / National Tour Management / Heritage & Culture
Course structure:
The total credit value required for this certificate is 45. This will be achieved by completing all
of the following components. Each module involved a combination of written assignments,
examined content and practical skills demonstrations.
Code Title Level Credit Value
6N20229 Irish Tour Guiding 6 15
6N20230 National Tour Management 6 15
6N20231 Irish Natural Heritage & Culture 6 15
Course Delivery:
The Course content is delivered as a mix of formal instruction, group workshops, practical
experiences and role play. With a diverse range of students' backgrounds, we find that students
also learn from their peers and shared experiences. The course provides a framework for that
learning. Active participation and regular attendance is key.

2. The Overall assessment for the national tour management award is based on a series of skill
assessments, final written exams and a national tour (held over a weekend). Each assessment
has defined outcomes that must be tested and demonstrated.
Assessment Criteria ITG IHC ITG IHC NTM
Portfolio / Collections of work (Assignments)
Outcomes: ITG - 1, 2, 3, 9, 14
IHC - 10, 14, 15
30% 20%
Digital Marketing Plan
Outcomes: ITG - 7, 8, 15
10%
Hospitality Operations 1A 5 min enactment
Outcomes NTG - 5, 6 ,11, 12
12%
Simulated ½ day guided tour (Local) 1A Assignment & 5 min
presentation
8%
Simulated ½ day guided tour (National) 1B Assignment & 5
min presentation
12%
Simulated Full Day Tour (National) 1B Assignment & 5 min
presentation
18%
End of Programme Guided Tour 15 min guiding Outcomes:
ITG - 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13,15
IHC - 9, 11, 13
NTM - 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14
40% 20% 40%
Examination in Heritage & Culture (3hrs)
- Paper A (60%) - 15 short questions & 1 long question
- Paper B (40%) - 3 Long Answer Question
Outcomes: IHC - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12
60%
Examination in Tour Management (2hrs total)
- Paper A (40%) - 10 Short Questions
- Paper B (60%) - 2 Long Answer Questions
Outcomes: NTM - 1, 2, 8, 13
30%
100% 100% 100%
Grade Criteria
Distinction: 80 - 100%
Merit: 65 - 79%
Pass: 50 - 64%
Unsuccessful: 0 - 49%
Withdrawn: Did not present for assessment

3. Irish Tour Guiding (ITG) - 6N20229
● Roles and Responsibilities of the Tourist Guide Assignment (3%)
● Irish State Agencies Assignment (3%)
● Economics of Tourism in Ireland Assignment (3%)
● Safety Management & Risk Assessment Assignment (3%) 30%
● Communications Assignment (3%)
● Information Bank Assignment (15%)
● Proposal for a ½ Day Guided Tour 1A
(Local)
Assignment & 5 min Demonstration (8%)
● Proposal for a ½ Day Guided Tour 1B
(Regional)
Assignment & 5 min Demonstration (12%) 20%
● Digital Marketing Assignment (10%) 10%
● End of Programme 15 mins Continuous Guiding Demonstration (40%) 40%
National Tour Management (NTM) - 6N20230
● Hospitality Operations 1A 5 min Demonstration (12%)
● Full Day National Tour 1B Assignment & 5min Demonstration (18%) 30%
● End of Programme 15 mins Continuous Guiding Demonstration (40%) 40%
● Examination Written Exam (30%) 30%
Irish Heritage & Culture (ITC)
● Information Bank Assignment & two 5min Demonstrations
(20%)
20%
● End of Programme 15 mins Continuous Guiding Demonstration (20%) 20%
● Examination Written Exam (60%) 60%

4. Learning Outcomes of Level 6 Irish Tourist Irish Tour Guiding
6N20229
Learners will be able to:
1. Explain the role and responsibilities of the tourist guide in the context of the Irish Tourism
Industry
2. Explain the structures of the tourism industry and the role of tourism in the Irish economy
3. Identify notable features of a range of regions and localities including historical
background, agriculture, modern development, sites, towns, villages, historical architecture,
physical geography, flora, fauna, amenities and derivation of place names
4. Identify key features of accountable and sustainable tourism in terms of limiting the
socio/environmental negative impacts of tourism / tours, leave no trace principles
5. Use weather forecasts to predict weather conditions which are safe and conducive to the
guiding experience
6. Navigate using maps and other navigational tools
7. Research, using the internet and other appropriate sources, current and relevant information
to be used in a clear and concise commentary, to include key aspects of Irish economic,
political, social, cultural and current affairs
8. Evaluate the main markets for Irish tourism and different aspects of Ireland’s appeal for
various markets or categories of visitor
9. Evaluate all health and safety considerations when planning and conducting a guiding
experience which may apply to the specific needs of the individuals being guided, while adhering
to current legislative requirements
10. Demonstrate an ability to participate in leading tours in a variety of different contexts
11. Develop skills for tour management to include, liaising with the tour operators,
implementing appropriate administrative procedures, ensuring a high level of care and
consideration for the welfare of group participants
12. Demonstrate adaptability in the delivery of commentaries which communicate and
contextualise the key features of an area in a logical and engaging fashion to meet the needs
of the group and /or the individuals being guided.
13. Demonstrate effective group management to
include the accommodation of diversity and specific customer needs
14. Demonstrate appropriate communication, social, decision making, problem solving
and conflict resolution skills
15. Develop digital media skills to enhance the tour experience, to promote potential
products and services and exploit employment opportunities.

5. Learning Outcomes of Level 6 National Tour Management
6N20230
Learners will be able to:
1. Describe the location and layout of the island of Ireland’s principal gateways by air, land
and sea
2. Explain the principles of tour management to include the characteristics, qualities and skills
associated with the position of tourist guide
3. Devise commentaries and itineraries for coach and walking tours including a range of different
contexts throughout Ireland to include visits to key sites and inclusion of set pieces
4. Manage tours to a professional standard throughout Ireland implementing appropriate
administration procedures
5. Demonstrate appropriate safety procedures to include planned and unplanned stops,
embarkation and disembarkation, seat allocation and rotation, rendezvous times and locations
6. Demonstrate appropriate procedures for air and sea gateway arrivals, transfers,
accommodation and departures
7. Demonstrate effective group management, to include the accommodation of diversity and
specific customer needs
8. Explain all relevant provisions of legislation and regulations impacting on tour management
9. Apply procedures to check a group itinerary including identifying inconsistencies and clarifying
which services are included in the tour schedule and which are extras
10. Demonstrate effective public speaking skills to include voice projection and the use
of amplification devices
11. Demonstrate effective communication and team working skills with all tour stakeholders
12. Define hospitality desk operations at a variety of venues and types of functions
13. Devise contingency plans and implementation procedures for all potential incidents
and emergencies
14. Reflect on own skills to identify areas of success and opportunities for improvement

6. Learning Outcomes of Level 6 QQI Component Irish
Natural Heritage and Culture
Learners will be able to:
1. Define the role of the cultural heritage product in Ireland and compare it to international
products.
2. Evaluate a range of current issues in relation to sustainable heritage conservation.
3. Discuss the work of the main bodies involved in the support, development, protection and
promotion of Irish culture, heritage and natural resources.
4. Summarise key aspects of the course of Irish history from the earliest times to present day.
5. Explain the origin, antiquity, key literary genres and current status of the Irish language
6. Identify international cultures and traditions which have been influenced by the Irish and link
with visitors origins accordingly
7. Outline Ireland’s archaeological heritage and its UNESCO World Heritage sites.
8. Outline the evolution of Irish cuisine and beverages.
9. Explain the history and status of the current agriculture, forestry and maritime resources in
Ireland
10. Describe significant, natural and physical features of Ireland
11. Examine the development and location of arts and crafts and associated industries in Ireland
12. Summarise the major phases, styles and examples of Ireland’s architectural heritage
13. Analysis Ireland’s cultural heritage across different genres and its perception internationally
14. Create an information bank on likely topics of interests to clients
15. Demonstrate how other nationalities and ethnic groups have influenced the development
of Ireland’s cultural and built heritage.