Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Working Life

Hotel Porters assist hotel guests with their luggage, and advise them of the facilities available within the hotel. Porters deal with messages and enquiries, deliver post, newspapers and snacks to guests, operate lifts, act as door attendants and call taxis.

Hotel Porters may perform a number of housekeeping duties such as moving furniture or equipment and keeping public areas tidy. They may also be involved in setting up the restaurant or conference rooms for banquets and meetings.

There is some variations of the duties of a porter depending on the hotel and the shifts they work. In some hotels, the porter may also help guests book theatre tickets or coach tours. Those who are on duty overnight may have responsibility for security in the hotel and may check in and out guests arriving or leaving during the night.

In larger hotels, there are likely to be several Porters and jobs may be specialised i.e. Luggage Porter, and Hall Porter, whereas in smaller hotels one Porter may have to deal with a number of these duties.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Receive and mark baggage by completing and attaching claim checks.
• Greet incoming guests and escort them to their rooms.
• Transport guests about premises and local areas, or arrange for transportation.
• Maintain clean lobbies or entrance areas for travelers or guests.
• Transfer luggage, trunks, and packages to and from rooms, loading areas, vehicles, or transportation terminals, by hand or using baggage carts.
• Supply guests or travelers with directions, travel information, and other information, such as available services and points of interest.
• Explain the operation of room features, such as locks, ventilation systems, and televisions.
• Assist physically challenged travelers and other guests with special needs.
• Deliver messages and room service orders, and run errands for guests.
• Pick up and return items for laundry and valet service.

Further Information

• Hotel Porter- from: N.C.S. [UK]

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

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

This is an entry level job, specific training or experience varies. Knowledge or training needed may be provided on-the-job, by working alongside an experienced staff member for a period of time. Employers may organise an Induction Programme for new employees, outlining the hotel's safety and evacuation procedures and any specific company policies they have.

Key Skill Certs:

A Full Driving Licence is useful. Some hotels have a valet service, or a courtesy minibus that porters may be asked to drive from time to time.

Manual Handling and Health & Safety Awareness: First Aid / Fire Safety 

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder.

Training & Development

If you want to progress in the hospitality sector, hotels and other establishments often provide opportunities:

Reception/ Reservations desk

Bar or restaurant

Hospitality Management 

Accounts & marketing event promotions  

FET Centre Traineeships

FET Centre PLC Courses

Apprenticeship 

Higher Education CAO Entry 

You can apply for Courses in Tourism and Hospitality, Reception & Customer Service, Accounts, Digital Marketing, at further and higher education levels. You can explore a full range of Tourism Careers in our Tourism & Hospitality Sector Guide.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €31k

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

Data Source(s):
Excel/ Indeed/ Payscale/ Talent

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Shelf fillers; Elementary sales occupations n.e.c.; Elementary storage occupations; Hospital porters; Other elementary services occupations n.e.c.

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

There was a large fall in employment levels between 2021 and 2022, declining by over 9.000 persons. Employment for this occupation is across a number of roles (e.g. sales supervisors, window dressers, street traders and debt collectors).

A shift in business models, particularly to online selling, may reduce the demand for in-person sales related activities (e.g. van sales persons or window dressers) in the coming years.

• Fáilte Ireland

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

• Irish Hospitality Institute

  • 12 Priory Office Park, Stillorgan Rd, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 662 4790
  • Click Here

• Irish Hotels Federation

  • 13 Northbrook Road, Dublin 6
  • 01 497 6459
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here