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  • International volunteering since 2010
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Ireland

Volunteer opportunities in Ireland

Volunteer in Ireland on eco-volunteering and climate action projects around Cork, and immerse yourself in rural life on the Emerald Isle.

4 programmes in this country

See the programmes

Volunteer Opportunities in Ireland

Ireland is a country in Western Europe with a rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. It has breathtaking scenery, friendly people and beautiful peninsulas. It is known for its Atlantic coastline, rain, grasslands and cities: Dublin, the capital, and Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city.

Ireland earned the name “Emerald Isle” due to its lush, green countryside. Despite its small size, Ireland has very rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems ranging from woodlands and wetlands to heathlands and coastal ecosystems. Bogs are another distinctive habitat, covering nearly 17% of the island. Forests, mainly broadleaf and coniferous, cover about 11% of the land area. Ireland also hosts diverse marine ecosystems such as kelp forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.

Ireland has a very rich history as well, having gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1922. It later became a republic in 1949. Throughout history, there have been many acclaimed Irish writers, including James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett.

Good to know before you go

Visa
If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a visa.
Health
Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic which vaccinations you need for your destination. You can also find up-to-date health advice for each destination on the Institut Pasteur website.

Our programmes in Ireland

TeachingYouth Leader in Ireland, photo 4

Ireland, Cork

Youth leader in Ireland

Duration
4 to 12 weeks
Age
From 18 years old

from €2,230 for 4 weeks

About the destination

About Ireland

Irish culture is known for its sense of community, warmth and hospitality. Heavy emphasis is also placed on sports in Ireland. Traditional Gaelic sports, such as Gaelic football, hurling and camogie, are particularly significant. Ireland is home to many professional athletes as well, especially in rugby and football, two other popular sports in Ireland.

What is the most common form of volunteering in Ireland?

Despite being a very developed country, Ireland still has a need for volunteers. Some of the main areas in which volunteers are most appreciated are social services, community development, education, environmental conservation and wildlife protection. There is a wide range of opportunities and plenty to help with, so as a volunteer you are very likely to find an area you are passionate about.

Advice before volunteering in Ireland

English is widely spoken throughout Ireland, although the first official language is Irish (Gaeilge). Few outside of rural areas speak Irish as their first language.

Just as with any volunteer trip, you should be prepared to step outside your comfort zone. Make sure to stay open-minded and adaptable throughout the experience.

Depending on the time of year as well as the area itself, the weather can differ. However, in general Ireland has a temperate oceanic climate. Check the weather in the area where you will be volunteering and pack accordingly.

Check with your doctor and the Pasteur Institute about any medications or vaccines you may need.

How to get a visa to volunteer in Ireland

Most European nationals can stay in Ireland for up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays, you will need to obtain a visa and those from outside the EU/EEA will need a visa as well. For more information, check the official website: https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/visas-for-ireland/

Volunteer opportunities in Ireland

Volunteering programmes in Ireland are mostly environmental and climate action programmes. Take part in an eco-volunteering project in Ireland or on a volunteer mission around Cork where you can immerse yourself in rural life. You can discover its museums, heritage, concerts, fine dining and sightseeing.

So, why not you?Travel to be useful, on ground we know.Find my programme

Line drawing: a beach and its turtle, a mangrove, two backpackers, a school on a hillside, a giraffe and an elephant under an acacia