George McGrand

Meet George McGrand – From Wildlife Warden to World-Class Guide

Situated in the heart of Carrickfergus, where history whispers through the walls of the Andrew Jackson Cottage and U.S. Rangers Museum, you’ll find George McGrand - a man whose journey through life and landscapes has shaped him into one of Mid and East Antrim’s most engaging storytellers.

A Journey Rooted in Nature, Knowledge, and Lifelong Learning

George’s journey into tourism began in 1983, not in a visitor centre, but in the wilds of Northern Ireland, working as a wildlife warden for the Department of Agriculture. His role naturally evolved to include educational tours, sparking a love for sharing knowledge and connecting with people. After spending nearly 20 years working abroad, George returned home with a clear goal: to become a tour guide.

That dream took shape in 2015 when he joined the guiding team at The Gobbins, one of the region’s most dramatic coastal experiences. It was here that George undertook his initial tour guide training and earned his OCN Level 2 in Tour Guiding - a milestone that marked the beginning of his formal journey into heritage interpretation. Driven by a desire to deepen his expertise, he later independently completed the Level 3 qualification and became a member of Tour Guides NI, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning, networking and delivering the highest quality visitor experiences.

Bringing History to Life at the Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Museum

Since then, George has become a full-time tour guide, and for the past three years, he’s brought history to life at the Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Museum. His role is dynamic and ever-changing. In a typical week, George might be setting up for events, leading immersive tours, meeting with visiting groups, assisting with promotional filming, conducting historical research, and managing the day-to-day operations of the site.

To further enhance his skills and support the growing demands of his role, George recently completed the OCN NI Level 2 Award in Event Management, which includes the mandatory unit “Managing a Small Event.” This qualification reflects his proactive approach to professional development and his eagerness to create memorable, well-organised experiences for visitors.

“No two days are quite the same,” he says, and that’s exactly what keeps him inspired.

Creating Memorable Visitor Experiences

What truly drives George is the face-to-face interaction with visitors. “They make it all worthwhile,” he shares. “Imagine meeting people from all across the world and giving them an experience they’ll remember for years.” He’s deeply aware of the significance of each visit, especially for international guests who may have saved for years to make the journey. “It’s our responsibility to ensure we give them the most memorable experience possible.”

Sharing Stories Across Continents

George’s storytelling is not just informative - it’s interactive and heartfelt. One memorable moment involved a large family group from Texas, where George invited the children to act out the story of Sam Houston, a descendant of Mid and East Antrim. The performance delighted the group, especially the grandfather, who later sent George a rare biography of Houston from the U.S. - a gesture that speaks volumes about the connections George fosters through his work.

Another highlight was being invited by Millie Coleman and Caroline Sherman to travel to South Carolina, where George gave a series of presentations to the Scotch-Irish community. “It was an experience I’ll never forget,” he says, reflecting on the power of shared heritage and storytelling across continents.

Out and About in Carrickfergus

George’s passion for tour guiding extends far beyond the walls of any single site. As a professional and independent guide, he is a key member of the newly formed Carrickfergus Tours and Tales collective, where he delivers informative presentations and guided walking tours of Carrickfergus Town Centre. He’s also involved in the Dobbins Inn Dander and Dine experience, blending local cuisine with storytelling and heritage interpretation. These roles allow George to share his love of history and place in diverse and engaging ways, proving that his talents go far beyond traditional visitor centre work.

“I love being out and about, meeting people where they are - whether it’s in the town centre, at Dobbins Inn hotel, Carrickfergus Castle or along the coast. Tour guiding gives me the chance to connect stories to places in a way that really resonates with people,” George says. His enthusiasm for guiding and learning ensures that every experience he offers is rich, authentic, and unforgettable.

Championing the Spirit of Mid and East Antrim

George’s role also allows him to showcase the real Mid and East Antrim - its landscapes, legends, and local gems. Through his tours, visitors learn about the region’s influence on global history, from humble beginnings to far-reaching impacts. He’s also a trusted source of local recommendations, pointing guests toward lesser-known spots that capture the spirit of the area.

What makes Mid and East Antrim so special to George? “We’ve got colourful history, castles, beautiful scenery, good food, clean air, outstanding beaches, relatively cheap housing, good public transport, almost endless green spaces - and people who know how to have craic.” It’s this blend of natural beauty and community spirit that makes the region a joy to live in and share with others.

As someone who proudly represents the “Shaped by Sea and Stone” brand, George sees the local landscape not just as scenery, but as a force that shapes character and culture. “Few places have the diversity of landscapes as MEA,” he says. “From hill farmers to fisherfolk to urban centres, we are shaped by our environment. It gives us a great array of culture and character - an exciting place to be in the modern world.”

Living the Passion: A Guide with Heart

To those considering a career in tourism or hospitality, George offers honest encouragement: “The industry is growing rapidly. The hours can be long and often not sociable, but if you have the passion to work with people, it’s really worth considering.”

George’s philosophy is simple: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” It’s this passion - combined with his eagerness to learn, upskill, and connect - that keeps him going, driven by a love for culture, heritage, and the people he meets every day.

George McGrand is more than a guide - he’s a storyteller, a connector, and a proud ambassador of Mid and East Antrim. Through his work, visitors don’t just learn about the region - they feel its heartbeat.