Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I recognise an ATGI Guide?
  
  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. If a language is not listed in our Guide Directory then we are sorry, we do not have any guide that can speak that language. Your options in this case are either to switch to an English speaking guide or to hire an interpreter.
   
• Can I choose an ATGI Guide based on specific interests?
  
  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?
  Please view the latest fees here.

• 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. There are a number of providers that hold Tour Guide training courses that are not approved and we do not reccommend them as they do not give an official and recognized qualification. 

We only accept fully trained tourist guides who hold an offical QQI level 6 Special Purpose Award or a QQI level 5. Those are awarded to either National or Local Tourist Guides.  Please check with the membership secretary if you are eligible to become a member of ATGI. 

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 2018, closing date for applications on the 7th of September 2018)
• GRTB - Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board check for availability for 2018
• Kerry Educational Training Centre ETB apply now for 2018 course
• Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education (CDCFE) 
• Louth and Meath Education and Training Board ( Course is subject to demand, please contact them directly to register your interest)
• Kildare and Wicklow Educational and Training Board ( course starting in Wicklow in spring 2018, contact now for Details, Kildare based course is subject to demand, contact to register your interest.
• Limerick Clare ETB Training Centre starting in Autumn 2018, please contact directly for details
• Donegal ETB Local Tourist Guide Course, contact for details, next course starting soon and will be delivered in Killybegs

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