Work and Travel in Ireland

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN IRELAND FOR TRAVELLERS

Many people formulate a vision of the Republic of Ireland in their minds - green rolling hills, perhaps, and farmers with paddy caps leading sheep into pasture. Alternatively, they picture the moments of persecution and violence that has sprung up from time to time over throughout. There is indeed some reality to both of these impressions, but there’s so much more to Ireland these days.

Because modern-day Ireland also excels in foreign business. With one of the lowest rates of corporate tax in the EU, major companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple have established a major presence there. And cities such as Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, enriching the economy.

There’s likely some opportunity for you as a working traveller in the Republic of Ireland. Read through our travel guide below to learn how to make it work for you.

1. Join in with genealogy tours 

The Irish have emigrated to other countries for generations, and a major industry that has resulted from this diaspora are heritage tours back to the island for people to get back to their roots. This is a great foot in the door for working travellers that want to build up skills in with tour organisation.

2. Renovating stone cottages

Traditional building methods and materials are still in use in much of the country. If you have masonry skills or want to learn more about mud brick or stone renovation, then you’ll find plenty of opportunities for this type of work throughout the Republic. The need is so common that you can likely string together placement after placement with hosts as you work and travel your way from renovation project to renovation project.

3. Live with a family in Dublin

Families can get quite busy with day to day life in the capital of Dublin, so there are plenty of host requests for childminding. These often aren’t paid but are live-in and light on hours, allowing the working traveller the chance to explore the city freely. 

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR IRELAND

If you're a European Economic Area (EEA) national, you don't need a visa to visit (or work in) either the Republic or Northern Ireland. Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the US can visit the Republic for up to three months, and Northern Ireland for up to six months. They are not allowed to work unless sponsored by an employer.

For full visa requirements for visiting the Republic see HERE.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN IRELAND

SPRING WORK

If digging holes, making up a new flowerbed, and other heavy gardening speaks to your skillset as a working traveller, now is a great time to book up opportunities with hosts looking to repair their gardens all across the island.

Volunteers in Ireland are also needed in national parks especially in spring to manage new plant growth and many of the repairs that result from harsh winters.

SUMMER JOBS

Work at festivals, summer camps, and at accommodations in tourist hot spots along lakes and rivers.

If you have retail experience, working at a gift or souvenir shop near the Cliffs of Moher or the Giant’s Causeway would be an interesting seasonal opportunity in summer.

AUTUMN

Head to major university cities in autumn such as Dublin or Limerick to book up work in pubs and restaurants as students head back to school.

If you’re a musician, you might find some opportunity to work and travel in autumn, by booking gigs in these venues or even busking on the street.

WINTER

Winter in Ireland never gets too cold, but it’s certainly not a high time for working and travelling in the tourism industry. Now may be a good time to live and work for a time with a family, or attempt to find an opening with a major company or manufacturer in the city.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN IRELAND

Like in the UK, the Republic of Ireland is one of the safest places you can work and travel in. Ireland is an extremely diverse country with high levels of immigration. Don’t allow the media fear-mongering to deter you. The vast majority of people in this country regularly work with foreigners and someone from abroad volunteering is seen as nothing out of the ordinary.

This is the same regardless of whether you decide to work in a rural area or an urban area. You’re sure to be welcomed with open arms when you enter Ireland.

Now that you’ve read all about it, are you ready to start planning your work and travel adventure to Ireland?