Tips for working in Ireland you need
Picture this. You’re thinking of packing up and flying off to a new country looking for adventure and a change of scenery. Perhaps you’re thinking of moving to a new place to call home. A place equally familiar, yet full of exciting opportunities to explore a different culture, meet new people, and do anything outside your comfort zone. Picture living and working in Ireland!
It’s time you try your luck and try working in Ireland!
Once you figure out how to move to Ireland and get a job, you’ll realize this gorgeous country is more than just the place that celebrates St. Patrick’s Day! It’s a country chock full of history, cities with their own unique personalities, among other Irish traditions that make the Emerald Isle hard to resist. Even if you’re not completely convinced about moving to Ireland full-time (yet), a working holiday in Ireland is a great way to find out if living in the country is a match for you.
So, let's dive into visas, Ireland work abroad programs, and everything you have to know before you you can work in Ireland. We're even giving you the details on two of Ireland’s most famous cities Dublin and Cork because let’s face it, choosing a place to live in a country full of awesome places can be hard to do too.
What you need to know before working in Ireland
The visa process
Before you start packing your bags, you should know that living and working in Ireland isn’t as simple as booking your flight and leaving. There are a couple of things you gotta do first, starting off with getting your visa. Your visa is the most important item on your pre-departure checklist. No matter where you go obtaining a visa takes a while, so make sure to plan ahead and leave a considerable amount of time to have your application processed and approved.
The best visa to apply for is the working holiday visa, which caters to travelers between the ages of 18-30. For travelers over 30, you’ll need to apply for a work visa. To get started, go online and visit the website of the Irish embassy closest to your home state. In addition, make sure to start saving money as visas can get costly. The application alone will cost you up $360 but Ireland requires you to have up to $4,000 in personal savings when you apply. But don’t sweat it, you can always hustle and grind to earn this money, and more, fast. If the idea of doing this along freaks you out, there are many Ireland work abroad programs that will happily guide you throughout the process. Applying for a visa might be the most intense part of your journey to living and working in Ireland once you’re over the hurdle its smooth sailing!
No matter where you decide to work, you’re still working in Ireland (so cool!!).
The competition
Now that you’ve handled your visa, it’s time to find a job. According to a Reuters report, unemployment in Ireland is at a decade low. However, the job market still has a tendency to be competitive, so make sure to bring you’re A+ game! Whether you’re looking at jobs in Cork, Ireland or looking forward to working in Dublin, both cities are have plenty of opportunities for you to explore across various industries.
The costs
As you’re on the hunt for a position for your working holiday in Ireland, you might be wondering, how much money do I need to move to ireland? Unfortunately not a lot. The dollar is slightly weaker than the Euro, so before you land, it’s essential to save beyond the $4,000 amount to make sure you have enough to live on during your job search and not feel too hurt by the conversion difference. Ka-peesh? Ka-peesh!
[Check Out Our Ultimate Work Abroad Guide Here]
Where to work in Ireland: Dublin vs. Cork
Now that we’ve got your pre-departure to-do list covered, it’s time to get the details on two of Ireland’s most popular cities Dublin and Cork. At first glance the two cities can look identical, however, each city is unique. Boasting its own culture, traditions, and communities, the cities of Dublin and Cork has something for everyone. Which makes the decision of where you settle that much harder but per usual we got you with the Cliff Notes!
Culture and climate
When it comes to culture Ireland is rich with it. Leaving you with plenty to discover and learn. Whether you want to check out the museums, read classic literature, or watch a good game of Gaelic football; culture is everywhere and it’s thriving. As for weather, Ireland itself is pretty mild all year round. Sure it can get a little rainy from time to time, but having a spot off the Atlantic keeps the Emerald Isle weather friendly for any visitor.
- Dublin: Dublin is the most international city in Ireland featuring not only Irish culture but the culture of its cosmopolitan residents. A city for over a millennium, Dublin is a city filled with history and traditions that go way back. As for weather, Dublin spot close to the coast allows for mild weather all year round.
- Cork: This “rebel city” is all about the arts. Home to several music festivals, theaters, and art galleries, Cork has a thriving artistic scene that will leave you inspired. Art is practically embedded in the city and is almost as important as the city’s documentation and celebration of its Gaelic heritage.
Dublin offers a cool mix a city life and country charm for your working holiday in Ireland
Ease of travel within Ireland and internationally
Sure, you can choose to stay in Ireland for your entire work abroad Ireland experience, or you can make the best out of your working holiday in Ireland by visiting other countries on your weekends off. If you’re the adventurous type, the possibility of being restricted because of your working holiday status can be a letdown. Even if you’re not planning to travel outside of Ireland itself you might be curious about the availability and reliability of Cork and Dublin’s public transportation systems, especially when it comes to commuting for work or exploring more of Ireland solo.
- Dublin: As far as traveling globally is concerned as long as you register with the Garda Naturalization and Immigration Bureau you can travel as freely inside and outside of Ireland as you please. And with the airport located less than six miles from the city center that should be a breeze. As for public transportation, there are tons of options available. From the Dublin Bus, the DART, and the Luas, you can rely on your commute being reliable and accessible.
- Cork: Same goes for Cork. For any international or national travel you must register with the Garda in order to travel freely and legally. The Cork airport is also five miles away from the city center, making weekend getaways easy. Cork also hosts public transportation that operates for short distances in the city to long distance buses that travel around Ireland.
Job opportunities for foreigners in Ireland
While looking for a job abroad has some added pressures, it is not that different from a search back home. It requires a lot of patience, putting yourself out there and networking. When you are looking for jobs in Cork, Ireland or considering working in Dublin it’s a process that can take a while especially in two popular cities. So while a search in each city may test your patience at some point the unique and varied job opportunities are definitely worth it. While there are a few Ireland work abroad programs that can help you in this area, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve that will have you navigating international job markets like a pro.
- Dublin: Home to many multinational companies, you might see a few familiar companies throughout your job search. Tech jobs are the most popular in Dublin as many tech giants like Facebook, Google, AirBnB, and Yelp have moved their European headquarters to the city. While you salary can range based on your position the average salary in Dublin comes to $43,583.65 per year according to expat.com.
- Cork: Like Dublin, Cork has also attracted its fair share of tech companies like Apple and Amazon. However, Cork has plenty of opportunities in the pharmaceutical, tourism and industrial industries. Jobs in cork Ireland have an average salary of $40,758.17.
[Browse ALL Jobs for Foreigners in Ireland Hiring Now]
Next steps to moving to Ireland
Cork is an artistic city with dozens of secret spots just waiting for you to explore
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. Don't let your experience (or lack thereof!) hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
- Pick your job in Ireland. 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 job opportunities in Ireland may even share contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt.
- Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Be sure to raise a little extra money to donate to the organization that you'll be working with. 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 until 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 one step closer to working in Ireland!
Ireland work abroad programs are within reach!
Whether you choose to live the rebel way of life in Cork or spending your time working in multinational Dublin each will give you an amazing and memorable work abroad experience. Don’t be overwhelmed by the paperwork or the long list of requirements to obtain a visa. When it comes to living out your dreams of working in Ireland you should go for it. Don’t just daydream about the cool pubs, castles, and music festivals you can see living in Ireland, make it a reality. While the decision is ultimately up to you, we hope you take off in pursuit of living the dream as an expat in Ireland.
