Jack Burtchaell, a man who lets his feet do the talking in Waterford!

He is a regular sight on Waterford’s streets leading tour groups around the city.  A proud ambassador for Waterford, Jack recently completed his 10,000th walking tour for guests of CIÉ Tours.

They marked the remarkable achievement by hosting a special dinner in honour of Jack and his wife Carmel in the Granville Hotel.

Also in attendance at the dinner were two of Jack and Carmel’s three children, Seamus and Clare.

Following in his father’s footsteps, their eldest child, Tom is also a tour guide and was away working in Galway on the night.

Jack Burtchaell’s First Steps

In 1990, CIÉ Tours appointed Jack Burtchaell to host walking tours of the city for their guests.

Waterford was the first city in Ireland where CIÉ Tours introduced the concept and, such was its success in Waterford that they quickly added walking tours in other cities in Ireland.

“Described variously as a seanchaí, an actor, a historian and a comedian, Jack’s deep love of Waterford shines through on his tours. His immense historical knowledge, his sense of humour and his ability to tell a good story have made his tour an unforgettable part of their Waterford experience for our guests over the past 35 years”, said Stephen Cotter, managing director, CIÉ Tours.

Jack said he’s “worn out a lot of shoe leather over the years”, but it gives him great satisfaction to share the story of Waterford with people from all around the world.

He added: “I set out my mission statement in 1990, to make Waterford and its history the highlight of every coach group I meet.  Waterford people have made an immense contribution on the world stage. ”

Early Days of Jack

The popularity of Waterford Walking Tours with CIÉ Tours guests saw Jack awarded ‘Best Tour Feature’ by CIE International Awards of Excellence on six occasions as well as a Special Merit Award 2007.

A native of Ferrybank, Jack studied Archaeology, History and Geography at University College Dublin and went on to win a post graduate scholarship, specialising in the field of Historical Geography.  He has undertaken research on the historical links of Waterford and South-East with Newfoundland, Canada. He was part-time lecturer for Maynooth University in the Outreach campus at St Kieran’s College Kilkenny city and has trained guides for CERT the tourism training Authority.

Jack also did field work research on the Architectural Heritage Inventory for the OPW and he has written numerous articles in newspapers, magazines and ‘Decies’ the journal of the Waterford Historical & Archaeological Society. He is a regular contributor to local radio, and a committee member of Eigse Sliabh Rua, and last but not least a hurling fan.

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