10 Best Gap Year Programs in Ireland

Need help choosing between all of the gap year programs in Ireland? You’ve come to the right place! Taking a gap year in between school and college, between college and full-time work, or even just to try out something different for a year is an option becoming more readily available, and ever more popular.

With gap year programs centering around working abroad, volunteering, interning or traveling, there are options to suit an enormous range of destinations, career paths, time-frames and budgets.

Taking a gap year abroad to pursue any one of these interests can be a life-changing move—it’s a great way to experiment, experience life in a different country, and test the waters of a certain career. Thus, there is a good chance the experience will help you to make some important life decisions as it teaches you incredible life skills.

If you dream of a gap year full of stunning scenery, amazing hikes, and castles, these gap year programs in Ireland won’t disappoint!

Whilst Ireland may not be the most obvious choice for a gap year destination, what this little country lacks in size, it makes up for in charm.

Rich in culture, architecture, natural beauty and renowned for its fun, lively character, Ireland is the perfect destination for adventure-seekers and peaceful souls alike. Packed with outdoor activities, from exploring the wild coastal scenery of Connemara to climbing the 618 steps of Skellig Michael, and indoor pursuits alike, Ireland has a scene for everyone. On a rainy day, explore the Old Library and Book of Kells or one of the many museums of Irish heritage. 

Ready to dive into gap year programs in Ireland? Check out the top Ireland gap years providers.

• USIT Work and Travel Ireland
• Geovisions Foundation
• BUNAC
• Connect 123 Internship and Volunteer Programs
• Global Experiences
• CISabroad

The best gap year programs in Ireland this year

Editor’s note: This information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. USIT Work and Travel Ireland—8.63

“I'm doing great here in Ireland! Finding a place to live was a bit rocky at the start but I've found a wonderful place with 3 Irish housemates so I feel I'm getting the complete Irish living experience! I currently work as a direct dialogue fundraiser an Irish based charity and my office is basically all of Ireland. With Ireland being so small it is easy to travel around and a truly great way to experience all aspects of the country. I get to see the country and travel around to different places around the area, meeting new people and doing a job I am truly passionate about. Aka, Living the dream! I absolutely love living in Dublin and would more than recommend anyone with a passion for travel and adventure to take the plunge and start your Work in Ireland adventure!” Read more reviews of this USIT program here.

• Where? Cork, Dublin, Galway
• When? Year round
• Why? With a working holiday visa, USIT Work and Travel Ireland makes it possible for expats to live and work in Ireland for between 4 and 12 months. Get all the advice you need before you travel, and take advantage of the support on offer on arrival and throughout your stay in Ireland, including accommodation, arrival orientation and social events. Taking a gap year with USIT gives you the freedom to work in any industry you choose, and to earn a salary whilst living in amongst the stunning natural beauty of Ireland. Working abroad is a great way to gain valuable experience, both in your chosen career and in international travel.
• Read more USIT Work and Travel Ireland reviews

2. Geovisions Foundation—9.25

“After researching all the agencies and options available to me, I am very grateful that I decided to go with Geovisions. Rebecca LeGrant has been so helpful and knowledgeable the entire 2 years I've been working on this adventure. The family I am with is wonderful, they have taken me in as part of their family and I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity!” Read more reviews of this Geovisions program here.

• Where? Dublin
• When? Year round
• Why? Experience life in Ireland in the most authentic way possible - stay with a host family, be immersed in the traditional Irish lifestyle, and get to know Dublin’s off-the-beaten-path spots, from cozy pubs to medieval castles. Working as an Au Pair is a popular option for working travelers, a great way to earn money and build a bond with a local family, who are there to support you both physically and emotionally. All your meals are provided, along with your own private bedroom. To make the most of the position and of your time in Ireland, you will need to be responsible, empathetic and have a strong desire to work with children, so the Geovisions Foundation program is ideal for students or graduates who want to begin their careers in childcare.
• Read more Geovisions Foundation reviews

3. BUNAC—10

“I had such a great time living and working in Galway, Ireland. I decided to go to Galway to live in a smaller town than Dublin, and I got exactly what I was looking for. BUNAC was helpful in getting me started at orientation, then away I went! I met a lot of great people and had an amazing time exploring the many cities/towns/areas in Ireland. I used a lot of my weekends to explore different places and get a real feel for Ireland. I worked at a cafe, which allowed me to have flexibility that way.” Read more reviews of this BUNAC program here.

• Where? Dublin, Derry, Galway, Cork and other cities across Ireland
• When? Year round
• Why? Make moving abroad to Ireland simple with a gap year program from BUNAC. They will help you take care of everything, from finding a job and accommodation to applying for your visa, so you can travel with confidence! Choose from a selection of beautiful locations, from the lively, colorful city of Dublin to the artistic hub of Derry, and dive into Irish culture surrounded by famously friendly local people. Kick start your career by scoring a job in your chosen industry, whilst developing the skills required to live abroad, from independence to organization.
• Read more BUNAC reviews

4. Connect 123 Internship and Volunteer Programs—9.7

“An internship at a children's hospital is a fairly difficult opportunity to secure in the US. Thanks to my healthcare internship in Dublin with Connect-123, I got the opportunity to observe what it is really like in a children’s hospital and how things operate. I spent my days shadowing doctors and nurses at two different children’s hospitals, which was an incredible learning experience. Every healthcare professional I met, as well as those I shadowed and observed, was more than willing to answer my questions and explain any type of medication, diagnosis or procedure. It really was the perfect internship for me and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to advance in my healthcare career, meet some of the most amazing people, and grow into a more independent and confident person. Throughout my time in Dublin, I can honestly say that not only were the people in the hospitals kind, but everyone was! I felt so comfortable living in Dublin and it quickly became my favorite place in the world.” Read more reviews of this Connect 123 program here.

• Where? Dublin
• When? Year round
• Why? Spend your gap year, or part of it, completing an internship in Dublin in your choice of exciting industries. Internships abroad are an incredible way to get a taste of a particular job, learn the ropes in a supportive environment, and develop a series of skills to add to your resume - not to mention all the fun that traveling entails! Connect 123 Internship and Volunteer Programs will guide you through the application process and be there every step of the way, from answering your initial questions to providing airport pickup and accommodation support on your arrival in Ireland. You will also have access to orientation and regular social events to make sure you settle into life in Dublin and are supported throughout your internship.
• Read more Connect 123 Internship and Volunteer Programs reviews

5. Global Experiences—9.3

“Everything was wonderful, from the first contact to the last week in Dublin. I wish I could do it all over again, overall amazing internship experience, the placement was right on spot, GE staff are always very nice and helpful, would recommend it to anybody.” Read more reviews of this Global Experiences program.

• Where? Dublin
• When? Year round
• Why? Take advantage of a tailor-made internship for your gap year in Ireland. Global Experiences get to know you and your goals before placing you in an internship that will suit you, with a selection of industries to consider. Whether you are looking to gain some experience in marketing or are working towards a career in healthcare, Global Experiences can help you gain the skills you need through an internship in the vibrant city of Dublin. You will also receive extraordinary pre-departure support, including one-on-one coaching, an award-winning career readiness program, and advice on your professional documents. Upon arrival in Dublin, you can also take advantage of accommodation shared with other interns and cultural excursions, so you can see all that Ireland has to offer as you intern abroad.
• Read more Global Experiences reviews

6. CISabroad—8.1

“Doing my internship in Dublin Ireland was the best decision I could have made. I am an interior design major and was placed at an architecture firm in Dublin. At first i didn't think the placement was right for me but after awhile I began to realize it was perfect for me. I cannot wait till I get another opportunity to go back! It was a perfect experience. I would recommend this program to everyone!” Read more reviews of this CISabroad program here.

• Where? Dublin
• When? Year round
• Why? Gain practical career experience through one of CIS’s Ireland gap years, in which you can take up a position in your chosen industry. Choose to intern over the summer to get your gap year off to a flying start, or take advantage of the year-round internship options if you want to spend longer in your position. Make contacts in your industry, as well as developing relevant skills to add to your resume - both from your internship and from your international travel experience! Explore Dublin and more of Ireland with CIS Abroad’s cultural excursions, which are also sure to introduce you to loads of new friends, both local and international. 
• Read more CIS Abroad reviews

[Browse ALL Gap Year Providers in Ireland]

You’re ready for your gap year in Ireland!

The luck of the Irish will be on your side <3

With so many reasons to take a gap year, and so many more reasons to visit Ireland, combining your trip with a gap year experience is an opportunity not to be missed. Any kind of travel experience is sure to be enlightening, and with Ireland’s warm and welcoming nature, you can’t go wrong. The friendliness of the local people will go a long way towards overcoming the challenges of living abroad, as you will never be short of people to help you out - not to mention the continuous support of your gap year in Ireland provider.

Be sure not to miss out on Ireland’s spectacular scenery, which the locals are sure to be keen to show you! Take advantage as well of the energy of cities like Dublin and Derry - up and coming locations which are hotspots for art, music and culture. What’s not to love?