Tour guide training at Camden Fort Meagher – instilling confidence & enthusiasm

Logos Camden Fort Meagher & Ireland's Ancient East

Internationally recognised as one of the finest classical coastal artillery forts in the world, Abarta Heritage was privileged to assist the volunteers of Camden Fort Meagher tell the remarkable stories associated with this special site.

Internationally recognised as one of the finest classical coastal artillery forts in the world, Abarta Heritage was privileged to assist the volunteers of Camden Fort Meagher tell the remarkable stories associated with this special site.

For almost 400 years Camden Fort Meagher located in Crosshaven, Co. Cork, held a key strategic position in the defence of Ireland, the west coast of England and Wales. 65 per cent of the fort is located underground in a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers. The fort is a prime location to watch ships passing through Cork Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world. 

Abarta worked with Camden Fort Meagher volunteers to devise a bespoke tour guide training course that best suited their needs. During the six week training programme, we worked with over twenty volunteers on modules such as: Tour Guiding Standards, Customer Service, Tour Script Development, Tour Management and Health & Safety.


The History of Camden Fort Meagher

Never attacked during it’s 500 year history, the fort was occupied by the British Army until 1938 when it was handed over to the Irish Free State. The Taoiseach of the time, Eamon de Valera came to the fort for the handover and had breakfast in the Officers’ Mess. The Irish Army were then based at the fort until the 1940s. It was subsequently used as a training ground for the Reserve Defence Forces and the Naval Reserve Defence Forces.

Following a review in 1989, the fort was officially handed over to Cork County Council. Unfortunately the fort was vandalised and many original features were stolen over the next 20 years, but in 2010, Cork County Council worked with the local community to establish ‘Rescue Camden’ and the site was then opened to the public.

With the aid of the County Council, the Camden Fort Meagher Volunteers have worked to conserve the site and now run popular guided tours throughout the summer months.

For almost 400 years Camden Fort Meagher located in Crosshaven, Co. Cork, held a key strategic position in the defence of Ireland, the west coast of England and Wales. 65 per cent of the fort is located underground in a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers. The fort is a prime location to watch ships passing through Cork Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world. 

Abarta worked with Camden Fort Meagher volunteers to devise a bespoke tour guide training course that best suited their needs. During the six week training programme, we worked with over twenty volunteers on modules such as: Tour Guiding Standards, Customer Service, Tour Script Development, Tour Management and Health & Safety.


SOME HISTORY OF THE FORT

Never attacked during it’s 500 year history, the fort was occupied by the British Army until 1938 when it was handed over to the Irish Free State. The Taoiseach of the time, Eamon de Valera came to the fort for the handover and had breakfast in the Officers’ Mess. The Irish Army were then based at the fort until the 1940s. It was subsequently used as a training ground for the Reserve Defence Forces and the Naval Reserve Defence Forces.

Following a review in 1989, the fort was officially handed over to Cork County Council. Unfortunately the fort was vandalised and many original features were stolen over the next 20 years, but in 2010, Cork County Council worked with the local community to establish ‘Rescue Camden’ and the site was then opened to the public.

With the aid of the County Council, the Camden Fort Meagher Volunteers have worked to conserve the site and now run popular guided tours throughout the summer months.

THE TRAINING PROCESS

Our tour guide training covers all areas of the tour guiding experience, from storytelling to local history to health & safety. 

THE TRAINING PROCESS

Our tour guide training covers all areas of the tour guiding experience, from storytelling to local history to health & safety. 

Roisin Burke at her computer

Prior to the training course taking place, Róisín travelled to Camden Fort Meagher to meet some volunteers and walk through the site. She then developed modules that focused on how best to communicate the story of the site and how to link with other sites in the area. These modules were then delivered over a six week period.

Roisin Burke at her computer

Prior to the training course taking place, Róisín travelled to Camden Fort Meagher to meet some volunteers and walk through the site. She then developed modules that focused on how best to communicate the story of the site and how to link with other sites in the area. These modules were then delivered over a six week period.

Róisín delivering tour guide training to staff at Athlone Castle

The modules were delivered in an engaging and interactive way and participation was encouraged throughout the course. Opportunities were offered throughout the course for participants to share stories and experiences, increasing their confidence and developing a shared understanding of the site and the unique challenges it poses.While discussing challenges and sharing experiences, Róisín recognised the opportunity to create a standard for volunteers at Camden Fort Meagher  and working with all the volunteers a Volunteer Charter was created which outlined standards for volunteer tour guides at the Fort.

Róisín delivering tour guide training to staff at Athlone Castle

The modules were delivered in an engaging and interactive way and participation was encouraged throughout the course. Opportunities were offered throughout the course for participants to share stories and experiences, increasing their confidence and developing a shared understanding of the site and the unique challenges it poses.While discussing challenges and sharing experiences, Róisín recognised the opportunity to create a standard for volunteers at Camden Fort Meagher  and working with all the volunteers a Volunteer Charter was created which outlined standards for volunteer tour guides at the Fort.

Participants from Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Society after graduating with certificates at the end of the tour guide training course

Róisín carried out an assessment of all the volunteers that had taken part in the tour guide training. Each volunteer was asked to deliver a 10 minute tour of a particular part of the site. Following the tour, each participant was given one to one feedback to ensure a positive and inclusive learning experience.

Participants from Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Society after graduating with certificates at the end of the tour guide training course

Róisín carried out an assessment of all the volunteers that had taken part in the tour guide training. Each volunteer was asked to deliver a 10 minute tour of a particular part of the site. Following the tour, each participant was given one to one feedback to ensure a positive and inclusive learning experience.

Put your visitors at the centre of your site's story with Abarta Heritage