Volunteer in Ireland

Volunteer Projects and Internships in Ireland

Volunteer in Ireland and witness the lush green and dramatic landscapes of the Emerald Isle. Admire the Cliffs of Moher, remnants of the stone age along with the endless other natural gems this island has to offer. Nature lovers who aren’t turned off by a little rain will be rewarded with breathtaking views and a beer in the infamous Irish pubs. It’s no surprise that Ireland’s backdrop is featured in movies and series - go see for yourself! Volunteer in Ireland and support community work or if you have a green thumb, roll up your sleeves and help a sustainable agricultural project.

Before we tell you all about the volunteer opportunities in Ireland, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about this emerald in the North Atlantic:

• The Irish consume an average of 130L of beer a year! Only the Czech Republic beats them.
• Almost 90% of Irish citizens are Roman Catholic and they still attend church frequently.
• The ancestral language of Irish people is Irish Gaelic which is still taught in school.
• Ireland is a good example of gender equality - it has 2 female presidents to show for it.
• Ireland has had a high birth rate the past 50 years which makes it one of the youngest populations in the world.

Although Ireland is located in Western Europe and considered a developed country, your volunteer work is just as valuable as anywhere else. There are always less fortunate communities that struggle and need your support.

🇮🇪 Why Volunteer in Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland is a growing economy that is at the top of the list of EU countries when it comes to GDP growth. Nevertheless, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute to and make a meaningful difference socially and environmentally.

Social volunteers can support the local community and work with:

• Children
• Teenagers
• Elderly
• People with special needs

There a variety of initiatives that need your help:

• Assisting in charity shops
• Help with community clean up
• Renovation projects

Volunteers who want to get involved in environmental volunteering in Ireland and want to learn more about farming and sustainable agriculture can lend a hand in one of the eco-farming projects.

🙋‍♀️ How to Volunteer for Community Service in Ireland

Volunteers with a background in social work or education can apply their skills to working with disadvantaged members of the community. Volunteer abroad in Ireland and gain international work experience that will boost future career opportunities.

Work with children, teenagers, people with special needs, or the elderly. Make a difference in these people’s lives and you’ll soon notice the difference in yours!

💪🏼 How to Volunteer for Women Empowerment in Ireland

If you’re passionate about women’s rights, why not join a women empowerment project? This is your chance to boost women’s confidence and set them up for a better future. If you’re also a bit of a fashionista, you’re the perfect fit! Suit disadvantaged women up with the clothes and styling advice that will not only boost their self worth but set them up for a brighter future.

🌾 How to Volunteer for Sustainable Agriculture in Ireland

Volunteers who love the environment and are keen to learn more about sustainable farming can join an eco-farming project in Ireland.

Help maintain Irish heritage while using farming and gardening methods that sustain the natural environment. Farm vegetables in the summer or meat in the winter. This is a unique opportunity to experience Ireland’s exquisite nature.

🌏 Best Places to Volunteer in Ireland

Volunteer organizations in Ireland are spread across the country depending on the type of project. The community service projects are located in cities like Clonmel, Cork, or Newbridge. Wherever you choose to volunteer, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning environment and quaint historic town centers.

🤑 How Much Does it Cost to Volunteer in Ireland?

The suggested daily budget for living as an international volunteer in Ireland is between US$ 49 and US$ 122. This is an estimate made considering some of the goods and services you may want to buy. It gives you a general overview of how much things cost when you’re abroad, so you can be prepared and save the money you will need.

Additional costs you should consider will be:

• program fees
• flight tickets (find cheap flights to Ireland)
• travel insurance (find your travel insurance)
• fees for your visa
• personal expenses

An overview of living costs for Ireland (in US $, for one person):

Hotel

$n.a.

Big Mac

$n.a.

Coca-Cola

$1.41

Eating out

$8.58

Rental Car

$n.a.

Hostel

$n.a.

Marlboro

$5.72

Beer

$1.78

Fuel

$1.75

Public Transport

$1.77

💰 Can I Volunteer in Ireland for Free?

Most volunteer programs require a fee to be paid by the volunteer to cover accommodation or in some cases, support the volunteer organization in Ireland. You can use the budget filter while searching for volunteer opportunities to find volunteer programs in Ireland within your budget. Don’t hesitate to ask the live chat team for support.

💡 Good to Know Before Volunteering in Ireland

Going abroad and traveling to a foreign country always involves taking some precautions. Some of the following tips might be new to you and help you when traveling as an international volunteer in Ireland.

Culture and Religion

80% of Ireland is Roman Catholic but Ireland is a multi-cultural environment that respects all beliefs. Here are a few tips that you should take into account when traveling and volunteering in Ireland:

• The Irish have a relaxed sense of time which is why they may be a little late for an appointment,
• When you’re in a pub, buying rounds is custom. Everyone is expected to buy a round of drinks and it can be seen as rude if you refuse ‘a round’ or don’t offer one in return.
• Polite and reserved behavior is appreciated in Ireland. Public displays of affections aren’t well tolerated.
• When invited to someone’s home for dinner, it’s custom to bring a small gift to show your appreciation.
• Business meetings can often take place in restaurants or pubs. Although Irish people are very friendly, when it comes to business, they are very direct.

🦺 Is it Safe to Volunteer in Ireland?

Ireland is a very safe country to visit. Compared to other European countries, crime is relatively low and the crime that does happen is mostly fueled by alcohol. It’s a good idea to avoid pubs and walking on the streets very late at night. When you travel it’s a good idea to follow the following protocol:

• keep a low profile, don’t show off expensive things
• bring along the money you need and leave remaining cash in a safe
• be sure to have extra copies of important documents like your passport etc.

Medical Advice

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

For some volunteers, it may be required to get a vaccine for hepatitis A, B or a rabies shot but this will depend on what type of volunteer work you’ll be doing in Ireland.

Packing Essentials

Ireland has a moderate and humid climate. It rains often, however. These are some absolute essentials you should not forget to pack:

• Bring photocopies of important travel documents like passport, travel medical insurance information and visa, and keep them safe at your accommodation.
• Wear long sleeves to protect you from the sun and insects.
• Be sure to bring sunscreen to protect you from the sun during summer but also bring your rain gear. It rains a lot.
• Keep enough cash with you.
• Carry a money belt to keep your money secure.
• Be sure to bring along any prescription

🧐 Who Can Volunteer in Ireland?

Each volunteer program in Ireland will expect different skills and abilities from their international volunteers. While you can find the specific requirements for each Irish volunteer organization on their program page, here are some general requirements that apply to most volunteer programs in Ireland:

• You need to be at least 18 years old for most volunteer projects. When in doubt, we advise you to get in contact with the local project coordinator. Some projects will allow you to volunteer from the age of 16.
• You need to have basic English skills to join a volunteer project in Ireland.
• Depending on the project you're interested in, you may need to provide a criminal background check and a health declaration.

☝🏼 How to Volunteer Abroad in Ireland

So you’re ready to volunteer in Ireland but you’re not quite sure how to get started? Take a look at the following 3 steps that will prepare you for your volunteer work in Ireland and an unforgettable adventure abroad:

• Check whether there’s a match between you and the project by looking at their requirements.
• Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it’s a place you want to travel to.
• Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and schedules match up.

Once this is sorted. Let’s take a look at the practical steps:

Insurance (Health & Travel)

We recommend getting both health and travel insurance. This is a requirement for most programs abroad. Get in touch with your program contact person to find out if an insurance plan is already in place for volunteers.

🛂 Do I Need a Visa to Volunteer in Ireland?

Please take into account that the following information is based on a best practice approach, which has been made according to the best of our knowledge and in cooperation with volunteer organizations in Ireland. Be sure to discuss your visa requirements with your project coordinator on Volunteer World. If in doubt, we also recommend getting in touch with the Irish embassy or consulate in your country.

General Immigration Information

You can find detailed information on the visa requirements for your nationality traveling to Ireland, here.

EU citizens don’t require a visa to enter Ireland and US citizens can travel to Ireland with their US passport without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

• Please check the current validity of your passport. The passport should be valid at least 3 months after your expected return home date.
• Make sure your passport has at least two blank Visa pages.
• Make sure to be in possession of a valid return ticket for your travel home.

Volunteer in Ireland and explore the emerald isle as you make a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate or contribute to the environment. Get in touch with our live chat team to find your perfect volunteer opportunity in Ireland!