Ireland’s tourism sector is thriving, offering diverse career opportunities that blend customer service, cultural engagement, and active lifestyles. For students passionate about sports, wellness, and recreation, pursuing a course in this field can be a dynamic entry point into the tourism industry. Whether you're interested in managing leisure centres, coordinating wellness retreats, or leading adventure tourism experiences, there are several educational pathways to consider.
Top Courses and Where to Study
Here are some standout programmes in Ireland that blend sports, recreation, and hospitality:
1. TU955 BSc in Sports & Leisure Management – TU Dublin
Offered at the Grangegorman campus, this four-year honours degree combines business, leisure theory, and applied modules. Students can tailor their studies around themes such as tourism, wellness, and community engagement. The course includes a six-month professional placement and opportunities to study abroad through Erasmus.
Learn more at TU Dublin
2. MT912 Health and Exercise Sciences with Massage Therapy - MTU Kerry Campus
This honours degree provides you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and professional skills in preparation for an exciting career in the health, exercise and sports sector – and as a massage therapist.
The programmes consist of applied, active training programmes (massage casework, aquatic therapy, aquatic rehabilitation, applied anatomy and posture, functional assessment, fitness testing) and the theoretical foundations underpinning the promotion of wellness (wellbeing science, behaviour change, exercise referral) and optimal body function through massage/ body work.
Learn more at MTU
3. MT510 Recreation and Leisure Management - MTU Cork Campus
This programme combines health, fitness, sports and exercise related modules with core Business modules. The programme prepares students to work in the business, sports and leisure sector of the economy like gyms and hotels and provides them with the specialist skills and competencies needed in these industries.
Learn more at MTU
4. DK867 Sports, Exercise with Business - Dundalk Institute of Technology
This course develops analytical leaders with the problem-solving skills to drive innovation within the community and commercial sport sectors. The sports and exercise elements of the course develop professional and leadership skills in activities enjoyed by the general population throughout their lifespan.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of these programmes can pursue roles such as:
- Leisure Centre Manager
- Adventure Tourism Guide
- Event Coordinator
- Wellness Retreat Facilitator
- Sports Development Officer
- Resort Activities Manager
These roles often involve working in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, or with local authorities and tourism boards, both in Ireland and internationally. To find great courses in Tourism go to TourismCareeers.ie.