4 Essential Things to Know Before You Work in Ireland
Get all the advice—and inspiration—you need to book your own work in Ireland program STAT! ☆ With craggy coastlines that give way to verdant hills and a mosaic of villages as well as cities, the plucky little island nation of Ireland is a place where everyday life melds with music and lore. In many ways, Ireland is still captured by the stories familiar around the world, even as its cosmopolitan cities have burst onto the global stage.
Commuting to work in Ireland isn’t so bad—there’s something beautiful around every corner.
Having drawn the attention of companies from across the world, Ireland has transformed into a hub for international business and technology making it a strategic location to start on a professional path or even advance a career. But Ireland isn’t all business; it retains its warm hospitality and melodic culture, all the while boasting a central location, meaning it’s ripe for discovery as well as a jumping-off point to explore Europe!
From considering costs and how to get to Ireland to deciding where to settle once you get there (really, you can’t go wrong anywhere)—not to mention what to do for work—there’s a veritable mountain of considerations before jetting off to work and travel in Ireland. With the right planning, working abroad in Ireland can be a life-changing experience, both personally and professionally. Start your journey by focusing on what you want from life in Ireland, be it professional experience in a bustling city to build you résumé or a chance to live like a local in a pastoral town. Ireland is certain to have opportunities to entice—read on to find out what you need to know about working abroad in Ireland!
What you need to know about working abroad in Ireland
1. Ireland is accessible.
The mere idea of crossing a body of water can make it seem like getting to the Emerald Island would be an undertaking. However, Ireland is not as far as you think! To put it in perspective, for those coming from North America, it takes just over six hours to fly to Dublin from New—about the same as it takes flying from New York to Los Angeles. However, once you’re there, the whole island opens up! As part of European Union, it’s easy for Europeans to move within and work while. For the rest of the world, working in Ireland can be a gateway for travel to the rest of Europe!
But Ireland isn’t close just in terms of distance. Historically, the Irish have migrated all around the world, bringing their customs with them and building strong international bonds. On account of this, aspects of life in Ireland will be welcomely familiar while serving as a jumping off point to discover more. While Irish Gaelic is the first official language of Ireland, English is the most widely-spoken language. If English is your first or a second language, you’ll be able to navigate work and travel in Ireland with no problem!
Freshly pulled pints of Guinness are just one of the ways your life in Ireland will be great!
2. Ireland is open.
Whether you’re looking for casual employment to facilitate travel in Ireland or Europe, or looking for career-building opportunities, finding jobs in Ireland is easier than you probably thought. North American corporations have discovered that Ireland is ideal for setting up European operations. On top of that, Ireland is actively looking for professionals in areas of need, such as business, IT, engineering, and hospitality. There really isn’t a better time to find jobs in Ireland!
The fact Ireland is looking for workers means that there are programs that make it easy to work in Ireland. Visa requirements vary based on nationality but the working holiday visa program makes it easy to live temporarily and work abroad in Ireland. The country has agreements with ten countries to grant working holiday visas, which allow travelers to move to Ireland temporarily and to find employment after arrival.
3. The requirements vary based on nationality, the kind of job, and how long you want to work in Ireland.
Ireland has working holiday visa agreements with ten countries but eligibility requirements, such as age and education, vary by country. Similarly, your nationality determines how long the visas are valid. Even short-term stints, such as finding work in Ireland for the summer, can open up opportunities to stay longer, such as company sponsorship or education, down the line.
There are a number of factors to take into account when it comes to costs. Ireland ranks in the top ten most expensive countries. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it that, with the price of food and housing, life in Ireland can cost a pretty penny. That being said, the cost of living in Irish cities is on par with/cheaper than other world cities. Other factors that can make or break a budget. Airfare from North America is often very affordable, budget housing options can be arranged, and many of GoAbroad’s partner programs provide other value-added services for those who want to work in Ireland. Program offerings vary but often include perks such as include job search assistance, health insurance, and housing.
4. There are tons of programs that can help you secure work abroad in Ireland.
With the country’s openness and the number of opportunities, the question isn’t how to work in Ireland, but how to pick the right program for you. The best programs, in addition to helping with visas, provide in-country support and various services like assistance for your job and accommodations search.
Make time for adventures between your jobs in Ireland
Here are some of the best programs for working abroad in Ireland according to reviews and travelers on GoAbroad:
- For those wanting a longer stay on the Emerald Island, BUNAC offers four- and 12-month programs for US citizens. BUNAC is a Go Abroad all-start and offers programs in Ireland that include visas, accommodations, and job placement.
- The best way to get to know a country is to live life like a local; working as an au pair with GeoVisions Foundation means you won’t just be working in Ireland but will be part of a family! Au pairing is a great way to connect on a deeper level with a local family while employing your skills to assist with childhood development.
- If teaching is your passion and you want to use your time in Ireland as a springboard, consider getting TEFL with International TEFL Academy certified while living abroad in Ireland. Participants spend their time in teacher training and, from Ireland, can find jobs all over the world with International TEFL Academy’s resources and job-search support.
You can make pretty good money too—just check out our article on the highest paying jobs abroad in Ireland.
Next steps to work abroad in Ireland
Try working abroad in Ireland for a tech company—there are dozens here!
Now that you have the inside scoop and know where many would-be expats fail in their job hunt, it's time to choose who you want to work abroad through! Choosing a work abroad program in Ireland isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you follow these steps:
- Decide where to go. Figuring out where YOU should work abroad in Ireland is paramount. Have a short list of locations that sound ideal for your goals. Dublin? Cork? Both?! Don't let your experience (or lack thereof!) hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
- Pick your job. Do some reflection on what skills and knowledge you bring to the table, and which type of company or organization—and role within—would best benefit from your time and energy.
- Choose from the best work abroad programs in the world. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and how the project's needs match your skills. Some programs may even share contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt. Here are more considerations to make as you figure out how to choose the right job program for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
- Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Learning how to save for jobs abroad is essential prior to your travels!
- Get prepared! Preparing to work and move abroad is as fun as it sounds. With the days til departure number dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for.
You’re ready to work abroad in Ireland!
It’s time to make waves. Find yourself in Ireland!
The Emerald Isle has got something for everyone. If you are into the outdoors, Ireland’s breathtaking countryside, ancient castles, and national parks are accessible by an excellent network of roads. For the history buff, it’s just as easy to explore the sometimes fraught history in museums and libraries as it is to visit historical sites. If jet setting is your thing, all of Europe is accessible without a visa by short—and usually inexpensive—plane rides. While, for the urbanite, Ireland’s cities are centers for the arts, contemporary culture, and, most importantly, pubs. Above all, the Irish have struck an amazing work-life balance which means that, even while working abroad in Ireland, you have time to pursue your passions!
Everyone’s experience living and working abroad is unique but a common thread is that navigating a new culture deepens personal understanding while expanding horizons. As enticing an idea it may be to up and travel across a sea to a new country, a bit of foresight will go a long way in making the transition to life in Ireland smooth, productive, and, most of all, fun!
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