Module Details

Module Code: TOUR6018
Title: Irish Heritage, Culture & TG
Long Title: Irish Heritage, Culture & Tour Guiding
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8120 - Tourism
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: The aim of this module is to provide learners with a comprehensive knowledge of the significance of heritage and culture to the development of the Irish tourism product and to provide the learner with the basic skills and competence to work effectively as a tourist guide.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Summarise the course of Irish history from the earliest times to the present day, describing key civilisations, influences and events which have shaped Irish history society, tradition, folklore and culture
LO2 Offer a critical assessment of the diverse range of historical, cultural and heritage products which exist in Ireland.
LO3 Assess the contribution of various organisations to the conservation, preservation and management of Irish heritage and culture.
LO4 Identify the role and responsibilities of the tourist guide in the context of the Irish tourism industry.
LO5 Prepare up to date and entertaining commentaries which communicate and contextualise the key features of an area.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Heritage and Culture
Definitions of Heritage, Culture – tangible & Intangible Heritage & Culture and Living Heritage. The value of Heritage and Culture to the Irish Tourism Industry and Society, Commodification of Heritage & Culture
Historical Tourism
Historical and Cultural Periods in Ireland's past - Mesolithic period, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages, early Christian Ireland, the Vikings, the Normans, Tudor and Steward Ireland, Georgian Ireland, 19th and 20th Century Ireland
Ireland's Natural Heritage
Important Natural Landscapes in Ireland, Ireland's UNESCO listed World natural Sites, Ireland's climate and its influence on tourism and the implications of climate change on the natural heritage, Irish Flora and Fauna, Irish National Parks and Gardens.
Cultural Tourism
Ireland's Literature and Tourism, Arts attractions and festivals, Irish Folklore, Irish entertainment - Irish music, dance, sports, song, contemporary music and dance.
Heritage and Cultural Management
Examining the role and responsibilities of various public, private and voluntary organisations that promote, develop and work in the conservation of Ireland heritage and cultural tourism products - opw, heritage council, arts council, sports council, Failte Ireland, An Taisce, heritage Ireland, the Irish walled towns network, the heritage towns initiative etc. This will also include a thorough understanding of Ireland's natural and built heritage.
Tour Guiding
Role and responsibilities of the tourist guide in the context of the Irish Tourism Industry, types of guide, communication of knowledge and information, planning and developing accurate, up to date entertaining tour commentaries and tour itineraries and managing problematic and difficult situations. Leave no trace principles.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
The students will work in groups and prepare a mock guided two day tour of their choice. They will need to prepare entertaining commentaries for the tour and a tour itinerary and present their findings to the class using a variety of media such as power point, video clips etc
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
A group report of approx. 2,000 - 2,500 words outlining the above tour itinerary and commentaries for the group presentation.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact In Class Lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Research Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer Supervised Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact In Class Lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Research Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Nimit Chowdhary and Monika Chowdhary. (2022), Interpretation and Tour Leadership - Principles & Practices for Tour Guiding, Goodfellows Publishers, [ISBN: 978-1911-635-963].
  • Thomas W. O’Brien and Sam H. Ham. (2012), Toward Professionalism in Tour Guiding – A Manual For Trainers, University of Idaho, US.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • F.H.A. Aalen, Kevin Whelan and Matthew Stout. (2011), Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape, Second Edition. Cork University Press, [ISBN: 978185918459].
  • Brendan McGrath. (2013), Landscape and Society in Contemporary Ireland, First Edition. Cork University Press, [ISBN: 978190900571].
  • Neil Buttimer et al. (2000), The heritage of Ireland, The Collins Press, Cork, [ISBN: 97804158333974].
  • Tarquin Blake and Fiona Reilly. (2013), Ancient Ireland - Exploring Irish Historic Monuments, The Collins Press, [ISBN: 9781848891852].
  • Dr Síghle Bhreathnach-lynch. (2015), 50 Works of Irish Art, Gill and Mac Millian, Ireland, [ISBN: 9780717166558].
  • Killeen, Richard. (1994), A Brief History of Ireland., Robinson Publishing, p.288, [ISBN: 9781849014397].
  • David Brett. (1996), The construction of heritage, Cork University Press, Cork, Ireland, [ISBN: 9781859180525].
  • Flanagan, L.. (1992), A Dictionary of Irish Archaeology, Gill and Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 0717119289].
  • Michael Cronin (Editor), Barbara O'Connor (Editor). (2003), Irish Tourism: Image, Culture and Identity, Multilingual Matters Limited, p.290, [ISBN: 9781873150535].
  • Sean Duffy. (2005), The Concise History of Ireland, Gill & Macmillan Ltd., p.256, [ISBN: 9780717138104].
  • Harbison, P.. (1992), A Guide to the National Monuments of Ireland, Gill and Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 071711954].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Heritage Ireland. (2022), Ireland's Premier Attractions and Heritage Towns, Travel Organisers Manual.
  • Heritage Council. (2022), Heritage Ireland, 2015, Heritage Island's 2015 Touring Guide - your essential attractions guide.
  • Heritage Ireland. (2022), Ireland's Premier Attractions and Heritage Towns Group Organisers Manual.
  • ITIC. (2014), Protecting the Irish Environment and Landscape: A Critical Issue for Irish Tourism.
  • Heritage Council and Failte Ireland. (2012), Climate Change, Heritage and Tourism: Implications for Ireland’s Coast and InlandWaterways.
  • Heritage Ireland. Travel Ireland Magazine.
  • Irish Tourism Industry Confederation. ITIC Reports and Publications.
  • Failte Ireland, Tourism Ireland. Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland Limited Publications.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_FTRSM_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Tourism Management 1 Elective
CR_FTOUR_7 Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management 1 Elective
CR_FTOUR_6 Higher Certificate in Business in Tourism Management 1 Elective