The Work

An activity instructor relate to demonstrating, teaching, leading and supervising activities to individuals and groups.

An Activity instructor can have a range of duties, depending on the activity itself and the place of work. You could work at adventure or outdoor recreation centres, or in smaller specialised activity centres or ‘schools’. Popular activities in Ireland include, Surfing, Horse riding, Hill-walking and Golfing. But it can be anything where individuals or groups require help and instruction.

You may work with novices or with experienced individuals. You may work with one person or group for just a short session, or you may work with them over a period of time.

You need to be able to tailor your instructions and activities accordingly to make sure that the customers enjoy their experience.

Regardless of the activity, you are responsible for other people so health and safety is a huge part of your job, particularly if the participants are children.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

People can develop towards a career as an Activity Instructor from many routes. 

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship Equestrian, Sports & Recreation, Surfing & LifeGuard, and Outdoor Activity , Training & Development courses at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Traineeship 

FET Centre PLC Course: Coaching, Training & Development, Activity Insructor courses at NFQ levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC coursefinder

Higher Education CAO Entry: Outdoor Education & Activity Instructor at NFQ Levels 7-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

It is likely that you will be required to undergo Garda Vetting. Garda Vetting forms are submitted through the employer and cannot be completed by the applicant prior to employment. You can read more about Garda Vetting here.

Professional Development 

You can develop your career as an activity instructor by building up experience and by undertaking additional qualifications and training. The type of courses you do will be decided by the type of activity or establishment you are interested in furthering your career in. There are a range of courses in both further and higher education related to recreation and exercise, and coaching. You can also check out support and resources from Sport Ireland.

If you want to progress further to positions with more responsibilities, you may aspire to have supervisor or manager role. Or you may even consider starting your own business.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €42k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, shift pattern, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
Glassdoor/ Excel / Indeed

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels fell in this occupation between 2021 and 2022, with 6,000 fewer people employed compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. The CSO Census data shows that employment numbers were small across the individual roles included in this occupation; although the Census shows that there was some growth over the period 2016 to 2022, this was primarily related to fitness instructors.

A half of all persons employed in this occupation worked part-time, far exceeding the national average of 22%. Employment permits issued for this group related to professional sports players sports coaches/instructors. The rising cost of living is likely to have an impact on the demand for the services provided by many people working in these occupations.

An increased use of digital fitness, particularly during COVID-19, may also have an impact on future demand for these roles, along with a shift in the skills profile required (e.g. digital skills). As such, the outlook for this occupation is uncertain, with any potential employment growth dependent on the levels of consumer discretionary spending.

• Fáilte Ireland

  • Amiens Street, Dublin 1
  • (01) 884 7700
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Sport Ireland

  • Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
  • 353 (0)1 8608800
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here