How to Work in Ireland

Our website features information for international staff, search recommend employers and get the low down on popular places to work like Dublin. There are summer jobs and year round positions available where you can integrate into the country and experience life in the emerald isle.

Some companies offer 4 and 12 month work packages international students - these are very popular. We also have information for Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians and US citizens about the application process and how to apply.

 

Popular Industires to Work in Ireland

Some of the most popular areas to work in Ireland include:

  • Au Pairing & Nanny
  • Customer Service
  • Education
  • Gaming
  • Healthcare
  • IT
  • Language/Multilingual
  • Marketing/PR
  • Nursing
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Sales
  • Software Development
  • Support/Help Desk
  • Teaching
  • Tourism

 

Where to Seek Employment

You can find employment anywhere in the country, these are some hotspots:

Dublin
Dublin is most peoples first choice destination for working in Ireland, there are more people living here, more places to seek work but also living costs can be higher. This is the largest city in Ireland and where most jobs are found.

Cork
Cork is a very relax city to work on the Coast. You might want to watch a live Munster rugby game.

Galway
Galway is located in the West of Ireland and with the ocean nearby and many people choose this city for a more off the beaten track destination.

Rural Areas
If you are looking for a peaceful way of life then there are lots of agriculture and farm work in the countryside.

Other

  • Dún Laoghaire
  • Limerick
  • Tallaght
  • Waterford
  • Swords
  • Drogheda
  • Dundalk

 

Professional Jobs in Ireland

Ireland is a fantastic country to start or continue a career. More and more international companies are opening offices in places like Dublin and this creatives a vast range of jobs for foreign workers. Well knowing multinational companies who recruit staff in Ireland include: Microsoft, Google, IBM, Intel, Twitter, Apple, Facebook, GSK and Genzyme. There are lots of areas you could apply to work including IT, accounting, business and finance, healthcare and engineering. If you have experience and qualifications you stand a good chance of gaining employment.

 

Hotel & Resort Jobs in Ireland

Most jobs are recruited at beginning the middle / end of April until the end of the summer season. You will both provide high levels of customer service to meet company standards and ensure guests have the best holiday ever from the moment they arrive.

You will be responsible for guest welfare and comfort and for the upkeep of the lodge. High standards of general housekeeping must be met at all times as well as fantastic customer service standards. This is a rewarding and fun role with a variety of duties and a competitive package with plenty of time to enjoy the west of Ireland. 

 

Work Holidays in Ireland

If you are looking to take a working holiday there are several industries you can work which provide flexible and part time positions for foreign staff. You might want to consider office temping, cafes, bars, hotels, hostels, waiting, kitchen staff, hospitality, marketing, sales and shops. If you are lacking experience you might like to intern in Ireland.

 

Jobs in Ireland for Non-EU Citizens

If you live outside of Ireland and the EU, the easiest way to apply is through an agency. They will help arrange your visa, placement, paperwork and also provide job hunting assistance and help when in country. These companies cannot guarantee you a job but they make the whole process easier. They offer a package with includes:

  • Help with the application
  • Visa assistance
  • Arrival orientation
  • Information about recruitment agencies and places to work
  • Advice about your resume/CV and interviews
  • Access to online job boards
  • Support staff in country

 

Jobs in Ireland for Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders & South Africans

Some companies offer 4 and 12 month work abroad programs to students and graduates from countries like Canada, the USA, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. You will need to pay a joining fee and this will include placements, support packages including help securing work authorization, pre departure information and in-country assistance.

To be eligible sometimes you will need to be aged between 18 and 30 (some destinations don't have restrictions), have a valid passport and either be a full-time student on a Bachelor's degree or have graduated within the last 6 months. These working holidays allow you to take a semester, summer or longer period off gaining international work experience and also enjoying the lifestyle of living in a new country.

On the work visa you will also be able to travel around Ireland and Europe, there are multiple entry/departures allowed. You can also leave before the 4 or 12 month period is up.

 

Jobs in Ireland for Americans

If you are applying from the USA you will need to apply in-person or by post at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington or the Consulates General of Ireland in Boston, Chicago, New York or San Francisco. You will need to show proof of your academic status as well as sufficient funds. The visa costs around $330 and a postage fee might also apply.

 

Visa & Work Permit 

If you are from a country in the European Union (EU) you have the right to:

  • move to Ireland to work without a work permit
  • enjoy equal treatment with nationals in access to employment, working conditions and all other social and tax advantages
  • stay in the country even after employment has finished

If you are applying from outside of the EU you will need to check eligibility.

 

FAQ

Salaries
The minimum wage in Ireland is 8.65 euros per hour. How much you get paid really depends on what job you are doing. Companies usually pay you in Euros direct to your bank account unless you are working a flexible position with cash payment pre arranged.

Cost of Living
The cost of living in Ireland is cheaper than working in the UK, but still quite high especially compared to some worldwide locations. Dinner out can cost around 5-10 euros whilst a pint of beer is around 4-6 euros. Finding somewhere to live can be your biggest task and cost, we recommended finding a flat/house share with other international workers, this will help to keep costs down. You might want to stay in a hostel on arrival and then search message boards, forums and make contacts with people when in Ireland.

How Easy is it to Get a Job in Ireland
We recommend researching options for where you want to work before departing, you could apply in advance online for jobs or draw up a short list. Most people on working holidays look for employment after arriving as this makes visiting places, meeting people, attending interviews and contacting employers easier. You will also have all your visa and paperwork sorted completed. You might also like to view our internships in Ireland if you would like to build your skills and knowledge. Also finding volunteer opportunities in Ireland is a really rewarding way to meet new people and add depth to your CV.