Ireland is internationally lauded as the Emerald Isle, full of welcoming smiles and helpful souls. The truth, in its grey glory, is that Ireland has cleverly used this reputation to create a very lucrative industry, and there’s more to it than harping on about the ‘craic’ and leprechauns…

Leisure, travel and hospitality includes careers more extensive than the average imagination; it can provide employment in anything from flying an airline jet to organising a science fiction convention in Kerry to giving Mrs Fitzgerald from next door the haircut she’s always wanted; the possibilities boggle the mind. 

It’s an industry with excellent career opportunities and great scope for promotion and development. With regard to Leaving Cert points most courses in leisure, travel and hospitality have relatively low requirements. Careers in this area tend to require capability, character and innovation rather than depending solely upon academic achievement; so have a browse through our featured professions and see if any appeal…