About Jessie
A native of Cork City, where she studied French and Archaeology, Jessie had an initial career in education, tutoring at Nice University, France, and schools in Italy. On her return to Ireland, she settled in West Cork, an area renowned for nature and culture, and worked in Adult Education.
Turning to Tour Guiding, Jessie obtained “Distinction” on her Failte Ireland run course, (The Irish Tourism Board) and soon carved a name for herself both as a tourist guide and also as a tutor on government approved Tour guiding Courses.
Jessie’s Journey
The Covid-19 pandemic allowed Jessie to pursue getting the requisite licence for driver-guiding and to research touring in Scotland. In fact, she has both guided and worked as driver-guide, in Scotland, since 2022.
In 2024 she founded Jessie’s Tours of Ireland, creating tours and offering bespoke itineraries, all delivered with passion, professionalism and in-depth knowledge. With family living in the Irish (Gaelic) speaking area of the Dingle Peninsula, she delights in doing tours of the South-West, revelling in the stunning landscape, ubiquitous archaeology and the musicality of the Irish language.
Jessie now lives in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Global Connections and Personal Passions
In the off-season, Jessie travels to Tourist Guide meetings and conferences both in Europe and further afield, networking with other, professional Tourist Guides and giving and receiving professional training.
A Director on the Board of ATGI (The Approved Tourist guides of Ireland) for 3 years , she liaised with European and World Tourist Guide Associations. Jessie speaks fluent English, French and Italian
Winters are spent attending lectures and workshops related to heritage, and providing training for Tourist Guides while researching new tours , and, of course, catching up with family and friends.
Qualifications
Here are some of the professional qualifications that demonstrate Jessie’s expertise and commitment to continuous learning.
- An Honours Degree in Archaeology & French
- A Postgraduate Diploma in Library & Information studies
- Distinction on National Tour guiding Course
- Regional Tour Guide , West Cork
- FEG accredited Trainer (European Federation of Tourist guide Associations)
- T-Guide ENAT accredited (guiding people with learning difficulties)
- S.P.S.V. Licence holder
- Garda (Police) vetted
- Member of the TCG (Training Consultative Group) of FEG, 2025-2026
