Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I recognise an ATGI Guide?
  
  All our members have received a ID card with a picture, name, year and logo. We have a comprehensive page giving you a full explanation of our badges click here to read more. In addition, our Guide Directory indicates the type of badge held by each guide.
   
• What is the meaning of the White, Blue and Yellow badge?
  
  Each ATGI Guide is qualified for a specific geographic area click here to read more.
   
• How can I book an ATGI Guide?
  
  If you have exact plans, such as dates and a set itinerary, simply use our "Book a Guide" service. The "Book a Guide" service will send out your tour requirements to all our suitable guides. An ATGI  Guide will contact you directly as soon as your requirements are matched. On average this takes between 1 hour to 2 days. 
  
  If you don't have any set plans you can visit our  Guide Directory to find a suitable Approved Tourist Guide based on your interests.
   
• Can I find a ATGI Guide that speaks my language?
  
  All of ATGI Guides and their languages are listed in our Guide Directory. We currently have Guides who speak: Arabic, Cantonese, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Japanes, Lithuanian, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish and Swiss German.
  
  From our Guide Directory, you may search for specific interests. Interests are maintained by our guides themselves. Once you have found an ATGI Guide with your specific requirements, you can book them directly.
   
• How much does it cost to hire an ATGI Guide?
  Under the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ("the Commission") has directed the Association that we ensure that recommended minimum rates are not disseminated to members of the ATGI in any form either written or verbal. All our Guides set their own rates.

• How do I become a qualifed and approved Tourist Guide?
  
  There are a number of education establishments holding training courses for Regional and National Tour Guides. Most of these courses take place from late autumn until spring. It is very important that you check accreditation before you enroll. You need to ensure the chosen course is awarded with a QQI level 6 Special Purpose award. 

 Below is a list of institutions who run the tour guide training course, however this list may not be complete and is subject to change. 

• Dublinia National Tourist Guide Training course ( next course starts in October 2019 and runs for 3 months, check their website for updates)
• GRTB - Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board Local Guiding courses in Galway City, Rossmuck and Gort, National Guiding in Galway city.
• Kerry Educational Training Centre ETB Natonal Guiding course in Tralee, Local Guiding in Killarney
• Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education (CDCFE) National Guiding Course
• Kildare and Wicklow Educational and Training Board National Guding in Nass., Wicklow tbc
• Limerick Clare ETB Training Centre  Currently two ourses are delivered by VTOS and LIT. 
• Donegal ETB Local Tourist Guide Course in Killybegs
• Stillorgan College Local Guiding course
• Liberties College National Guiding course
• Cork ETB National Guiding course
• Thurles ETB National Tour Guiding Traineeship

• How can I join ATGI?
  
  All information related to ATGI membership can be found by clicking here.