From brewery tours to hotel management: Three tourism careers shaped by growth and opportunity
Tourism careers can begin in unexpected places. Simon Walsh started by collecting glasses at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny at 15. Mark Glennon joined Sheraton Athlone Hotel before it opened its doors. Deirdre O’Sullivan Darcy began on reception before progressing to office manager at O’Callaghan Coaches in Killarney. Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, Sheraton Athlone Hotel, and O’Callaghan Coaches each took part in Fáilte Ireland’s Employer Excellence Programme. Each story shows how tourism employers can support people to grow skills, build confidence, and progress their careers.
Three careers in tourism
Simon Walsh, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny
Simon Walsh started work at Smithwick’s brewery in Kilkenny at 15, collecting glasses in the cellar bar. By making himself indispensable, he progressed through the business and now works as Operations Supervisor and Beer Specialist at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny.
Simon studied film at St John’s College, part of Cork College of Further Education and Training. There, he developed the storytelling skills that later helped him script and frame the Masters of Ale guided tour launched at the experience in 2024.
As a result of bringing this tour to life, his employer supported him to become an accredited beer sommelier with The Beer Academy. He is also currently completing further sommelier training through the Cicerone certification programme.
Simon believes recognising people’s strengths early can help careers progress quickly. He describes the support and development he received from his employer as central to his career journey.
I found my strengths quickly, something that the company fostered and developed.
Simon Walsh, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny
Mark Glennon, Sheraton Athlone Hotel
Mark Glennon is Operations Manager at Sheraton Athlone Hotel. He joined the hotel in 2008 before it officially opened, after completing a two-year chef course.
Mark started as a supervisor in the hotel’s main restaurant and progressed to Operations Manager. He believes tourism offers people opportunities to advance quickly through practical experience, responsibility, and teamwork.
He describes career progression as one of the sector’s strongest opportunities for people starting out. He also sees hospitality as an environment where experience and attitude can quickly open new opportunities.
Within six to eight months, you can be a team leader. Within another six months you could be a supervisor.
Mark Glennon, Sheraton Athlone Hotel
Deirdre O’Sullivan Darcy, O’Callaghan Coaches
Deirdre O’Sullivan Darcy is Office Manager at O’Callaghan Coaches in Killarney, Co Kerry. She started on the front desk before moving into coach holiday operations across Ireland, the United Kingdom, and mainland Europe for several years. She was then promoted to Office Manager.
Through her role, Deirdre developed project management and logistics skills while working across different areas of the business.
She values the problem-solving mindset the role encourages. Her experience reflects how tourism careers can evolve through practical learning and progression across multiple responsibilities.
There are no problems, only solutions.
Deirdre O’Sullivan Darcy, O’Callaghan Coaches
Tourism careers reward growth and initiative
Across attractions, hotels and transport, these careers show what’s possible when people take opportunities.These stories show how tourism employers support people to build skills, grow confidence and progress.See how tourism employers support people to build skills, grow confidence and progress.
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