A career in reservations is perfect for those who enjoy planning, problem-solving, and creating unforgettable guest experiences before they even arrive. It’s a role that combines communication, technology, and customer service, offering a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and a passion for people truly shine. For students looking to build a rewarding career in hospitality, reservations is a dynamic starting point with endless opportunities to grow.
We talk to two professionals about their career and advice they might have for others looking to progress in the Tourism & Hospitality industry.
Hear from professionals on their path and what they love about their job:
Meet Liam Ryan
Liam Ryan is a Rooms Division Manager in Mount Juliet Estate - a stunning 5* hotel in Kilkenny. Liam studied International Hospitality Management at TU Dublin. About his continued studies since completing his degree, Liam says:
Since entering the industry, I’ve continued to grow professionally through a number of additional courses, including Training Delivery & Evaluation, Management & Leadership Development, Performance Management, First Aid Responder, and Fire & Safety Training. More recently, through Marriott, I completed a Loyalty Management course, which aligned closely with our work at Mount Juliet Estate. That work was recognised when the property was awarded a Marriott Worldwide Shining Star award for Loyalty
One of my favourite parts of the job is meeting guests as they arrive, sharing the unique experiences Mount Juliet Estate has to offer.
Liam’s experience has brought him through many prestigious workplaces, like Adare Manor and Powerscourt Hotel, but when he decided it was time to move closer to home, he couldn’t resist the pull of a role at Mount Juliet Estate.
I immediately felt drawn to it — the reputation, the location, and the opportunity to take the next step in my career all aligned perfectly.
I applied online and went through three rounds of interviews, including a meeting with the General Manager. As part of the process, I also completed an overnight stay on the estate to experience the guest journey firsthand, which really reinforced my interest in the role. Just under four weeks after applying, I was offered the position — and I started at Mount Juliet Estate in early January 2023.
Liam’s three top tips to anyone starting in tourism or hospitality:
- Adaptability – No two days are ever the same in a hotel. You need to be able to adjust quickly to unexpected situations and remain calm under pressure.
- Empathy – Whether dealing with a guest or a colleague, being able to listen, understand, and respond with genuine care is essential in hospitality.
- Resilience – It's a fast-moving industry with high expectations. Having the stamina and mindset to face challenges head-on is key to thriving and growing in this environment
Read more about Liam and his experience with our Career Chats.
Meet Donna-Marie Cooney
Donna-Marie Cooney is Reservations Manager at The Heritage Hotel in Laois. Donna-Marie studied in TUS Athlone and has a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Leisure Management. Donna-Marie said the following about her experience in TUS:
The course was a 3-year course and gave me the skills I needed to fulfil my career path. I did love that the course is specific to Hotel Management, most of our lecturers had worked in the hospitality industry which really helped me to understand Tourism and Hotels. We did a couple of months work experience as part of our course at the time, just before we entered our final year which really helps.
All the subjects I would have studied in college I would use daily now, there wouldn’t be one subject in particular which is most beneficial, but I would have to say completing work experience was the most important aspect of my education. That gave me an insight into hotels that I really needed. To learn in a classroom is one thing but to be able to apply them in the industry, that’s what makes it worthwhile for me.
When Donna-Marie was asked what the most rewarding event in her career has been to date, she said:
I received an award recently as the Manager of the Year here at the Heritage, definitely a very proud moment for me. To be recognised by our Senior Management Team, it made my year
Read more about Donna-Marie and her experience with our Career Chats.
There are many courses available on the CAO or FET in Tourism & Hospitality. To find one that suits you, use the filters here. Alternatively, you can gain Work Experience to find your feet in the industry like this year’s winner of the Tourism category in the National Career Skills Competition. You can read Avamay’s 5* experience here.