Tourism, European Studies and Advanced Administration students from Templemore College of Further Education recently visited Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.  They were met by Linda from Shannon Heritage who gave an informative presentation on how such an organisation promotes and develops their products and services.  It may surprise people in the Mid-West region that Shannon Heritage developed and run the GPO Witness History.

The students on these programmes are investigating how a tourism product or service can be made to appeal to both local, national and foreign visitors.  They are also interested in learning how heritage sites such as Bunratty can be an attraction all year round. Linda explained that not only do they have the core product of the castle and folk park but recently a fairy trail and playground were developed. There are festivals for Halloween and Christmas and at other times of the year. There has also been a major investment in a new Food and Retail Emporium during the last year.  This provides a very attractive entry and departure point to and from the Castle and Folk Park.  The Medieval Banquet is an intrinsic part of what Bunratty offers but we had to leave that for another visit. Bunratty is a major employer in the region particularly during high season.

When the students had completed their tour of the Castle and Park and been fed and watered at some of the food outlets they took the scenic route back to Templemore.  There was glorious autumnal sunshine and Lough Derg, Killaloe, Ballina and the countryside along the lake was looking its best.

Such trips are an integral part of these courses and provide raw material for assignments and bring theory to life.  Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses are not just about acquiring academic knowledge.  They give students an opportunity to get work experience in their chosen vocational area and meet with experts either by visiting a business or by inviting speakers into the College.  Students often gain employment as a result of these contacts or it may encourage them to further their studies through higher education. If you would like to learn more about this course or other courses on offer at Templemore College log onto www.tcfe.ie.