Welcome to iglis!

 

IGLIS is a non-profit organisation promoting Europe's Celtic Heritage and, in particular, Ireland's wealth of related sites and outstanding natural beauty. This page is intended to all professionals within the tourism trade in Ireland or other countries, where you can find information about our services.

 

“iglis” stands for Independent Guides & Lecturers of Ireland Services.

 

The name reflects from where the organisation started: a group of like minded tour guides and lecturers, all experienced professionals, working in Ireland or promoting Ireland abroad. Originally our objectives were to highlight the broad experience of tourism professionals working on the ground with the visitors, or potential visitors, mainly tour guides and lecturers.

 

Starting off as a communication platform where they could advertise their skills and knowledge about touring Ireland, its island Heritage, and broader Celtic Heritage. They wanted to get involved in generating interest from the general public, the clubs, associations, and travel committees within large companies.

 

To remind travel agencies and tour operators of their efficient assistance and advice when creating an itinerary, finding new ideas or looking for the right supplier. As they are constantly on the ground and with the visitors, the tour guides have first hand knowledge of visitor's expectations and wishes, road's network, distances and driving times, supplier's range and quality of services, invaluable experience of the logistics of a tour and timings.

 

This structure was originally created by David Gourdant in 2009, who is Irish despite his surname. He is a well established tourism professional, who has cumulated a large spectrum of experiences within the trade: as a tour guide (since 1989), for various operators including West Cork Travel, Irish Welcome Tours, Abbey Tours, etc. As an incoming operator, when he opened and managed his own company (Land & Heritage of Ireland), between 1999 and 2006. As a groups operator (for Alainn Tours 2007-2009). As an independant tour consultant (since 2009), and a lecturer on Celtic Heritage (since 2006). His extended experiences also include hotel management, working as a travel agent, and stage performance as a storyteller.

 

Passionate about Ireland's Heritage, and Europe's Celtic Heritage, David's lectures and storytelling shows in France became increasingly popular with the public. The storytelling in particular, directed towards adult audiences mostly, all to do with the Celtic World, based on very historical events, told with much drama and humour. This came naturally, as David's guiding skills always meant that sites he visited on tour, would become stages, where he would bring History to life for his group's delight!

 

IGLIS continues to promote the knowledge and skills of experienced guides and lecturers from Ireland, but has moved on to promote our common Celtic Roots and Heritage which belongs to most of Europe. Keeping alive and passing on its History, its traditions and its folklore, including its music, myths and artwork. Encouraging also people from across Europe and the world to visit regions and sites with a strong Celtic identity, past and present.

 

Thus, IGLIS has grown into a larger organisation, registered in France as a non-profit Association, ran by volunteers, and open to all sympathisers, members of the public or professional structures. Although David had to leave the running of the operation, he is our artistic director, professional adviser, and most valued honorary member.

 

Conference introducing Ireland to a French cultural association

 

Our main activities include:

• Celtic and Irish road shows, or in regular venues, promoting traditional music, singing, dancing and storytelling.

• Lectures, conferences, or informal meetings on Celtic History, Folklore, Traditions, and countries, regions or sites with a strong Celtic connection.

• Workshops and events promoting our European Celtic Heritage, and Ireland's strong heritage, to do with anything from music to food, or travel fairs.

• Consultancy and assistance for organising visits and tours of Celtic sites and countries, for members and non-members, tourism professionals and large structures.

• Outdoor markets and online sales of Celtic crafts and products, such as foods, music disks, musical instruments, books, clothes, etc.

• Organising tailor-made Celtic and Irish shows, for private parties to large corporate events.

• Working with cultural and visitor centres, or tourism bodies, in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe, to help them promote their sites, activities and services.

• Outings and friendly meetings to share our love and passion of everything deeply or remotely Celtic.

 

Daithi (Dahy) leading a corporate group from a French firm through Dublin streets