ATGI - Approved Tourist Guides Ireland

19/07/2024

🏳️‍🌈 Belfast Pride Festival begins today! 🎉✨ This 10-day festival extravaganza features a packed programme with 150 amazing events across the city! Check out our guide to Belfast Pride here >> vstbelfast.com/belfast-pride

Festival highlights 👇

🌈 Pride Parade - 27 July at 1pm
🌈 Féile an Phobail Rocks Pride at Belfast City Hall - 27 July
🌈 Belfast Pride Week at The Reporter. Bar - 22-29 July
🌈 Nancy Mulligans Bar & Kitchen Pride Party - 27 July

18/07/2024

For anyone in the Gort area on Friday, there's a wonderful Free walking tour, with one of our Guide. What a great opportunity to explore the area!

Starting Friday July 12th

15/07/2024

Discover Ireland Through our Stories!

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Ireland, you know that our ATGI tourist guides are more than just guides—they’re natural-born storytellers! From the bustling streets of Dublin to the serene landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way, every corner of Ireland has a tale to tell, and our professional guides are masters at bringing these stories to life.

Take, for instance, the enchanting legend of Niamh and Oisín in the land of Tír na nÓg. This mythical tale of eternal youth and love transports you to a time when magic and reality intertwine, showing the deep-rooted folklore that makes Ireland so unique.

Hearing these stories from a passionate ATGI Tourist guide, with their knack for drama, will make your experience unforgettable.

So when you visit our beautiful Island, let yourself be captivated by the tales of old. You and your family or group will create memories, and stories, that will stay with you forever.

10/07/2024

Did you know that we offer a FREE Find a Guide service?

Our Find a Guide facility is designed to match users with the most suitable Tourist Guides it's very easy to use. All you need to do is simply upload your requirements; the system will identify suitable guides with the relevant language/badge/interests for you, and notify them of the request. An available guide will then contact you directly to make the relevant arrangements.

Book a qualified guide through our website at: https://www.tourguides.ie/book_a_guide/

09/07/2024

The Importance of Insured Tourist Guides👇

It is the duty of tourist guides to place the client at the centre of the experience and provide them with the best experience suited to their needs. Tourist guides play a vital role in ensuring that clients get the tour they paid for and that everything goes to plan.

However, even with the best leadership and planning, accidents and loss can occur and all ATGI guides have full public liability insurance, for the rare scenario that a client claims for expenses incurred during the tour.

This cover is only available through ATGI to qualified and certified guides.

Why is this important to our clients?
1. Professionalism: Our fully insured tourist guides undergo training and certification processes, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate through the different types of tours on offer around Ireland. Their expertise enhances the overall travel experience for clients coming to Ireland.
2. Safety: Travelling, wherever it may be, involves some level of risk. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar terrain or encountering unexpected challenges, our guides are expected to always prioritise the safety of the clients at every turn.
3. Peace of mind: with fully insured tourist guides, clients can embark on their tours with confidence knowing that they are in capable hands. In the unlikely circumstance that something should go wrong, ATGI insurance coverage offers financial protection.

Every visitor to Ireland should be confident that they are being looked after to the highest standards. Let’s continue to promote qualified and insured guides to ensure a bright future of tourism in Ireland! 🇮🇪

Book a qualified guide through our website at: https://www.tourguides.ie

20/06/2024

Today marks the Summer Solstice. A beautiful quote "There is no greater invitation in the year’s turning than Summer Solstice ‘to shine our own inner light’ like the sun."

The ancient Celtic festival acts as a timely reminder and celebration of who, where and what we really are.

14/06/2024

https://www.ireland.ie/en/bloomsday-2024/

Great link by the DFA highlighting Bloomsday 2024 around the world! How will you celebrate?

Every year on 16 June, we celebrate James Joyce’s epic tale of Ulysses, Leopold Bloom’s day and night of wandering through Dublin.

05/06/2024

Her name was Maureen Flavin Sweeney. A native of Co. Kerry, she turned 21 years old on the 3rd of June 1944. Maureen worked at the Blacksod post office that operated the weather station in Blacksod, Co. Mayo. At 3am that night she submitted her hourly weather observation. It would change the course of history. Maureen’s observation resulted in Operation Overlord being delayed by 24 hours. General Dwight D. Eisenhower directed Allied Forces to land on the beaches of Normandy on the 6th of June instead of the planned 5th of June, based upon Maureen’s weather report.

Maureen passed on the 17th of December 2023 at the age of 100. Maureen’s report changed the course of history 80 years ago. Visitors to Blacksod Lighthouse can learn more about Maureen’s life and legacy.

https://visitblacksodlighthouse.ie/

28/05/2024

It is difficult for one to visit Ireland without taking in the rich history of our writers, poets, playwrights and their impact throughout the world. Did you know Dublin is a designated UNESCO City of Literature? Did you know that the Listowel Writers' Week ,Ireland's oldest Literary and Arts Festival kicks of 29th May - 2nd June?

Do you have a favourite author? We would love for you to share a favourite quote! Do you have a photo of one of the many statues or plaques dedicated to one of Ireland's writers? Feel free to share in the comment section!

Listowel Writers’ Week 29TH MAY UNTIL 2ND JUNE 2024 Read More Who we Are Welcome to Listowel Writers’ Week, Ireland’s oldest Literary and Arts Festival, where writers, artists and poets congregate in the beautiful heritage town of Listowel, in County Kerry.We promote the writing of all genres ...

22/05/2024

A very special thank you to Ilona Madden, a certified Nutritional Therapist and Health & Lifestyle Coach, Tourist Guide and member of ATGI. Ilona shared her in-depth knowledge and insight on staying healthy, reducing stress, and keeping our immune systems strong.

Working as a tourist guide for over 20 years, and as a qualified Health & Nutrition Coach for over 7 years, Ilona shared her knowledge of the importance of balancing work with staying healthy. For more information, please check out Ilona's website https://rightfood4u.ie/

21/05/2024

ATGI would like to thank Ann Marie Duffin for a wonderful presentation recently on Irish Food History.

Ann Marie is an award-winning freelance radio and documentary producer from Co. Wexford. Her work focuses on capturing unique perspectives and stories in culture and history, and preserving stories at risk of being lost.

She produces and presents documentaries, series, reports and short features for Irish broadcasters, including RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2FM, Newstalk 106, RTÉ Lyric FM, South East Radio and has made content for international broadcasters including BBC World Service, BBC Scotland, BBC 6 Music and ABC RN (Radiotonic). She is currently completing a documentary series on Irish Food History, supported by Coimisiún na Meán.

At ATGI we focus on providing all our members with continuous professional development to make sure that we are up-to-date on all aspects of Ireland and it's culture. This enhances our knowledge so we can ensure our clients gets an in-depth tour of our cities and counties. Be sure to check out Ann Marie's work!

08/05/2024

The newest portal connecting cities across the globe launches today! The Dublin Portal connects to New York City. Located at O'Connell Street featuring the GPO and the Spire, the art sculpture features a 24/7 video livestream connecting visitors to the Flatiron District of Manhattan. The sculpture is part of Dublin's designation as European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024.

www.portals.org/portal/dublin

01/05/2024

Bealtaine!🇮🇪

May 1st is known as ‘Bealtaine’ in Ireland, comprising of two Irish words, ‘Beal’ meaning ‘mouth’, and ‘Tine’ meaning ‘fire’. It is an ancient Irish festival marking the start of summer.

It was traditionally celebrated by lighting a bonfire, collecting flowers and herbs to decorate a hawthorn bush, and feasting and celebrating around the fire.

There are events all over the country to celebrate this ancient festival. The biggest bonfire is at the Hill of Uisneach in County Westmeath which is traditionally considered the exact centre of Ireland! It was once the site of the coronation of the High Kings of Ireland, a great assembly would gather around the hill to witness the fire being lit by the High King of Ireland at the time.

Ask your qualified ATGI guide about this fascinating tradition!

19/04/2024

ATGI would like to thank Daire Dempsey, the Policy Officer of TENI - Transgender Equality Network Ireland for giving our guides a very informative presentation on Ireland’s LGBTQ+ history.

This presentation explored how LGBTQ+ rights were conceptualised in the new Irish state and the progress toward liberalisation and equality over previous decades that led us to where we stand today.

Our qualified guides are playing their part in making Ireland a safe and welcoming place for clients of different backgrounds from all around the world.

For more information on TENI’s recent news, visit https://teni.ie

12/04/2024

ATGI would like to thank Dara McElligott of the National Gallery of Ireland for giving our guides a very insightful presentation on the life and work of the famous Irish artist Harry Clarke.

This presentation focused on Harry’s exquisite attention to detail in his stained glass art pieces as well as his passion for Irish literature and book illustrations.

The National Gallery recently acquired a famous stained glass piece by Harry titled “The enchantment of Bottom by Titania”, a shakespearien inspired piece from the play “a Midsummer Night’s Dream”. This is a brilliant piece of work that we recommend you see for yourself at the National Gallery of Ireland.

The image of the glass piece shown is a detailed piece by Harry Clarke titled “The Mother of Sorrows” made in 1926!

Our qualified guides are kept up to date with knowledge of Irish heritage to give their clients the best experience.

Make sure you book your guides with us through our website at:
https://www.tourguides.ie

05/04/2024

What a start to the new season!☀️

As the days start to get longer, and visitors from around the world continue to take in the beautiful sights of our green country, our qualified guides are working hard to give visitors the best possible experience of Ireland.

Make sure to keep an eye out for our new ATGI badges. These are only given to guides who are fully insured, and fully trained, and certified by the QQI Training Authority.

To book one of our qualified guides, visit the “book a guide” page on our website at: https://www.tourguides.ie Here you can fill out your tour requirements and book a guide best suited to your needs.

Here are just some of the activities our guides have been up to over the past week throughout the Easter bank holiday weekend🐣

29/03/2024

ATGI wishes you all a happy Easter weekend! Especially from our qualified guides, many of whom are working over the Easter weekend. From Dublin 1916 rising related tours such as Kilmainham Gaol and Pearse museum, to hiking and pilgrim walks…ATGI guides will be informing and entertaining both visitors and locals over the bank holiday weekend.

On Easter Sunday, join one of our qualified and experienced ATGI member’s Dairine Nuttall on a flat walk from Killoughter Co.Wicklow to the Black Castle and back! Just one of the tours on offer from our guides.
You can book your tour with her at: https://www.meetup.com/wicklow-nordic-walking/events/299936281/?_xtd=gqFyqDQ4MjM4MjEyoXCjYXBp&from=ref

Whatever language, wants or needs you may have, there will be a qualified ATGI guide to give you the best Irish experience!

I might be done for 'false advertising' as Killoughter Lane does'nt look like this most of the time! This is an untarred lane leading down to the beach with some pretty imp

26/03/2024

ATGI was happy to welcome Northern Irish colleagues Nitga Ireland on March 23rd for training in Dublin. We were happy to share our knowledge of Dublin as a busy tourist guiding season starts for us all around the island.

Keep an eye out for more great work from our qualified guides across our social media over the busy season ahead!

25/03/2024

New World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations. (WFTGA) Member Monday's post for ATGI! 👇

22/03/2024

A successful St.Patrick’s weekend! 🇮🇪

With Easter coming up and the lovely Spring weather kicking in ☀️ (hopefully here to stay!), Irish Tourism will be flourishing all around the country with a wide range of different cultural events and experiences.

Whether you’re into hiking across Irelands beautiful trails, contemporary Irish music, learning about Irish history, our guides are trained and specialise in a range of different expertise suited to your needs.

Here are some highlights of our qualified guides front and centre in the busy parade’s around Ireland, giving visitors an exciting Irish experience.

17/03/2024

☘️Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit!☘️

From all the team at ATGI, we want to wish you all a happy St. Patrick's day, filled with joy and laughter throughout the day. With St. Patrick's day showcasing Ireland as a fantastic tourist destination, we look forward to a busy yet exciting season ahead of tour guiding all around the country.

Keep and eye out for our qualified guides on our social media and the amazing work they will be doing on tours across the country to make sure visitors get an unforgettable experience of Ireland.

Sláinte!🥂to a weekend filled with Irish spirit🇮🇪

17/03/2024

☘️Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit!☘️

From all the team at ATGI, we want to wish you all a happy St.Patricks day, filled with joy and laughter throughout the day. With St.Patricks day showcasing Ireland as a fantastic tourist destination, we look forward to a busy yet exciting season ahead of tour guiding all around the country.

Keep and eye out for our qualified guides on our social media and the amazing work they will be doing on tours across the country to make sure visitors get an unforgettable experience of Ireland.

Sláinte!🥂to a weekend filled with Irish spirit🇮🇪

13/03/2024

It was a very insightful day for our guides who visited the new Trinity Book of Kells experience as part of a familiarisation trip. We want to congratulate Trinity College Dublin 👏 on this incredible experience which is vital to educating visitors on our past.

Our tour guides are trained and are kept up-to-date with information on various tourist attractions like the new Book of Kells experience to ensure all our visitors have the best experience!

We highly recommend a visit to Trinity College to witness this experience for yourself.
With the lead up to ☘️St. Patrick’s Day☘️ this Sunday, March 17th, and to experience an authentic Irish experience like this, make sure you book your tour with an ATGI guide as all our guides are fully insured, trained, and qualified under the QQI training authority.

11/03/2024

A very successful night for Irish film🇮🇪

A huge congratulations to Cillian Murphy last night as the first Irish born star to win the Oscar for best actor at the academy awards!🏆🎥

And a very successful night for the Irish film studio Element Pictures, with ‘Poor Things’ winning four awards!

Sláinte 🥂 to the Irish film industry on all the hard work with successful years to come!

Oppenheimer's Cillian Murphy has become the first Irish-born star to win the Oscar for Best Actor at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, with Poor Things, produced by the Dublin-based Element Pictures, winning in four categories.

08/03/2024

Today we celebrate the women in Ireland who helped shape our country into the beautiful place it is today.

From inspiring Irish women such as Agnes Clerke, a famous astronomer who has a crater in the moon named after her, the fierce pirate queen and leader Gráinne O’Malley and remarkable writers such as Maria Edgeworth, Irish history is full of excellent artists, activists, leaders, pioneers, medieval queens and overall, very impactful women.

ATGI proudly honours the spirited women of Ireland and our women in tour guiding who help bring this rich history of Ireland to life for travelers around the world and inspire us all on International Women’s Day 2024.

07/03/2024

This Friday on International women's day at 2pm, tune into the National Library of Ireland online talks to witness an amazing collection of images of the women of Ireland since the 1840's! Along with a range of online and in person talks and tours relating to International Women's Day and Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Inspire inclusion: women in the photographic collection of the NLI | An online talk for International Women's Day 2024

The photographic collection of the National Library of Ireland is a treasure trove of images of women in Ireland and of Irish women overseas. Elizabeth Kirwan, of the NLI will highlight photographic favourites of the women of Ireland since the 1840s.

📆 Friday, 8th March at 2pm:
https://www.nli.ie/exhibitions-events/talk-inspire-inclusion-women-photographic-collection-nli

04/05/2023

How true.. Tourists guides can enrich your experience.

As tourist guides, we don't just show people around - we create unforgettable experiences...🌍

03/05/2023

***DID YOU KNOW***: By choosing an ATGI - Approved Tour Guide You get complete and accurate information. All our licensed guides have been through official training for guides and are qualified to the national standard. This means that an official guide has been learning about various topics covering every aspect of local culture and life in Ireland. You can always be assured of the quality and accuracy of the information being passed on.

02/05/2022

Thanks to FEG for the mention!

ATGI was initially known as FIGI, Federation of Irish Guides Interest when it was founded in 1977. It later became AATGI and is now known and recognized as ATGI, Approved Tourist Guides Ireland. We are a nationwide Organisation and do not hold a headquarter or offices.