IT Sligo - Wild Atlantic Way Careers in Tourism

At IT Sligo we value the jobs and revenue created by tourism and events along the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW). We have a dedicated tourism research centre (Mobilities Research Group) working with industry on sustainable events and tourism destination management.

Here we work with our IT Sligo Tourism and Events PhD research students on the cutting edge of sustainable monitoring of tourism and events along the WAW - and also on international research projects with our European partners.


IT Sligo Tourism Alumni - Dr Kelly Maguire, Senior Lecturer, Liverpool John Moore’s University

At IT Sligo we recognise that tourism is one of the world’s largest worldwide industries and is promoted as one of the fastest-growing sectors. In Ireland, tourism is seen as one of the most important economic sectors, with significant potential to contribute to Ireland’s continued growth with forecasted growth in employment of 250,000 by 2025 (Irish Tourism Industry Confederation).

Currently, 1 in 10 jobs in Ireland is in the tourism industry. Demand for workers in the tourism industry in the Republic has increased by 7 percent in the past four years, according to data analysis by recruitment Indeed (2019). The demand for workers in the tourism industry in the Republic has increased by 7 percent in the past four years, accounting for 8,056 job postings per million in 2019, up from 6,547 job postings per million in 2016.

Students complete a work placement which is a core component of the degree and generally paid working in a vast array of tourism and events business in Ireland and also internationally in destinations such as France, America, Canada, Hong Kong, Alaska, Greece, Denmark etc.

IT Sligo is currently developing a new 3-year L8 degree in Tourism and Event Management for Sept 2021 to offer students a fast track into a spectrum of pathways in the expanding tourism sector. Tourism is one of Ireland’s largest indigenous industries, and with a focus on diversification and new market openings in the coming months and years, it’s likely to continue to be a substantial employer. Our new degrees seek to optimize the provision of a quality education linked to the sector to provide students with career paths into the vibrant global tourism and events industry.

SG148 Tourism with Event Management

SG135 Business in Tourism with Event Management

IT Sligo Virtual Open Day: Wednesday 24 June, 12 – 2pm.

Join IT Sligo Staff and Students for a virtual tour, talks with lecturers and live Q&A which is guaranteed to help your decision making before the CAO Change of Mind Deadline. Did you know that IT Sligo spends more money per student on teaching facilities and services compared to any other University or Institute of Technology in Ireland.  With 96% graduate employment rate and a great academic and student experience on campus, thousands of students every year make it their Number One choice.