Workaway Ireland? Most Important Tips You Need To Know

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Workaway Ireland could prove to not only save you money since Ireland is expensive, but help you to understand local, Irish life.

The relatively small island of Ireland is packed full of deep history, wonderful scenery, epic views, and an endless supply of good ‘craic’ (fun/enjoyment).

After seeing stunning photos online of famous Irish landmarks, It is no wonder that you want to do a working holiday to explore the ‘Emerald Isle’.

Workaway in Ireland will help you to understand the true essence of Irish daily life, rather than the perfect postcard expectation that Instagram can set for potential visitors.

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What To Expect For Culturally

Ireland has proved to be a remarkably resilient nation.

They have undergone centuries of tragedies and torment, yet they have survived amidst all of the calamity.

They have a unique culture that should not be confused with their close neighboring countries.

Due to the immense Irish immigration, Ireland’s culture has spread far and wide.

This explosion of Irish culture has produced global stereotypes that are very much alive and thriving.

Because of these prevalent misconceptions, I wrote the ‘Added Tips’ section with these in mind so check it out to get a few suggestions for your Irish Workaway.

Ireland’s Diversity

One of the most amazing things about this small, North Atlantic island, is diversity!

Because of Hollywood movies, you might have a particular accent in your mind that you think sounds ‘Irish’.

Just forget those because many actors playing Irish characters are not even Irish!

If they are, many times they will be made to sound more stereotypical for the audience rather than their true accent.

The diversity of Irish accents is absolutely incredible.

It is possible to sound different based on what county you are from.

It is possible to sound different depending on the city you are from.

It is possible to sound different depending on where you live in the city even! (Example: North Dublin & South Dublin or North Cork & South Cork)

Diversity is also about a wide range of rural, traditional life to a modern, fast-paced lifestyle.

You will find a completely different way of life if you explore Donegal, the northernmost county, compared with the capital of Dublin.

Going from one to the other feels dramatic like you are transporting worlds, not counties.

Both quaint, slow living in a seaside town, and large, vibrant city life is the Irish way.

Ireland is not all thatched cottages and butter churning like some might think.

Although the butter is to die for so do yourself a favor and definitely try some Kerrygold butter.

Ireland’s Food Scene

In recent years, Ireland has started to drastically level up their food.

Discover how you can connect with locals by visiting local markets together, attend a local taught cooking class, or share a meal in a local home.

If you are interested in finding the most authentic food experiences, read my guide here.

What To Pack For Workaway Ireland

Waterproof gloves (these are super important but usually forgotten about, definitely get them if you aren’t coming in the summer)

Waterproof rain jacket (this brand is really good, better than all the other ‘waterproof’ jackets I’ve tried before. This is something you will use almost every day, I never leave the house without it)

Polarized sunglasses(when the sun does come out, it can be very strong so I suggest these because they help me and I have sensitive eyes)

Indestructible water bottle (a great purchase for saving money and cutting back on single use plastic. These ones are basically indestructible and perfect for hiking adventures)

Hiking pack (this brand has amazing quality and can be used for more than hiking. Mine is often my travel bag or everyday bag since it has a laptop sleeve)

Thick, warm socks (just get them without asking, you will thank me later! Don’t underestimate how cold and damp it can get)

Waterproof hiking boots (An essential if you are planning to go into the countryside/hiking. Rain can come out of now where and the ground is often mushy)

More stylish waterproof boots (these are great if you plan on staying in the city and not much of a hiking person, I have both hiking and city ones and use both)

International travel adapter (I bought one of these 3.5 years ago and have used it everyday overseas and it still works great)

Common Types of Workaways In Ireland

Gardening
Renovating
Homestay
Farm work / farm stay
Pet care
Helping around the house
Working with horses
Yoga Retreat

Check out these 99 amazing and diverse Workaway projects to fuel your passion for travel.

Where To Stay In Between Workways

Chances are, if you are traveling by public transport, you will be transiting through cities or having to stopover in a city.

For city stays, book cheap hostels on HostelWorld.

For both cities and countryside, Booking.com is an excellent option since they have such a wide range of rooms, apartments, and even whole houses for both affordable and moderate prices.

Homestay is great for finding local families to stay with at an affordable price.

You get to feel right at home when you arrive and it’s perfect for long term stays.

If you need accommodation but have not had the chance to arrange a Workaway, it’s good alternative to hostels and hotels.

Get €20/$25 off your first Homestay trip!

If you can’t find a suitable Workaway, make sure to check out TrustedHousesitters to find house and pet sitting opportunities in Ireland.

Recommended Places In Ireland To Try Workaway

Though you can go to most places in Ireland and find beauty, these are some of my top picks for both history and nature.

County Wicklow
County Cork
County Kerry
County Galway
County Sligo
County Donegal

Best Time To Do Workaway Ireland

The best time to volunteer in Ireland would be in the summer during the warmer weather and when there is more daylight!

This is the high season for Ireland so it will be packed with tourists in some places.

There are still rural places that would not be as crowded though.

The ‘shoulder’ season of April, May, September, and October still could be warm but potentially not as busy.

No matter what month of the year, it can be just as cold and wet as the winter so it is really all up to chance.

Always prepare for it to be cold and wet so that if it is sunny it feels like a blessing.

I can not stress enough to buy proper rain gear (see packing lists), even if you are coming in the summer.

Books To Read Before Visiting Ireland

The Good People by Hannah Kent
The Princes of Ireland: The Dublin Saga by Edward Rutherford

Irish Authors

The Country Girls by Edna O’Brien
The Silent People by Walter Macken
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan

Travel Insurance For Workaway Ireland

Ireland’s healthcare system has both public and private components.

Irish residents are entitled to receive health care through the public health care system from the HSE (Health Service Executive).

Visitors to Ireland who hold a European Health Insurance Card are entitled to free care at the public hospital.

If that’s not you, then it would be best to take out insurance. Cover yourself in case something goes wrong.

Travel medical insurance is great for things like unexpected hospital visits, ambulance fees, co-pay fees, emergency dental, travel delay, lost checked luggage, natural disasters, personal liability, etc.

Now, if you are one of the people that claim it is not a necessity, think again! It is by far one of the most important purchases for your trip.

If it is a matter of cost, well… if you can not afford it, you probably should not be traveling. I always use SafetyWing because they have wide coverage and are the most affordable.

Visas While Doing Workaway Ireland

For EU citizens & EEA nationals

Entering Ireland will be fine as you are a citizen of the European Union or an EEA national.

For Non-EU or EEA nationals

Check the official Irish website to see if you need a visa to enter Ireland.

If you are already in the Schengen area, you will still go through immigration as you enter Ireland since Ireland is not part of Schengen.

If you are a citizen of one of these countries, there is a visa required to enter Ireland as a tourist.

The requirements to obtain a tourist visa will vary depending on which country you are a citizen of.

If you have an eligible UK (short stay) visitor visa and you are a citizen of an approved country, you may be able to visit Ireland without applying for an Irish visa.

Read more about the visa waiver program.

Generally, Workawayers do not apply for a work permit or work visa because Workaway is classed as ‘volunteering’ and Workawayers as ‘volunteers’.

This is very much a gray area that Workaway.info does not really talk about.

A lot of countries see it as volunteering because the Workawayer is not paid a wage but some do.

They could view the act of receiving food and accommodation as a form of payment for which you would need a permit.

“Permission to be a volunteer allows you to work in Ireland in a volunteering role with an eligible organization for up to 2 years (with an option to extend for a third year), subject to the conditions below. Do not apply for this permission if you will stay in Ireland for less than 3 months.”

It is important to say that there is no specific Workaway Ireland visa.

When you specifically read about the tourist visa, it states that working is prohibited whether it is paid or unpaid of any kind.

You can read more about volunteering in Ireland here on the official website so you can decide for yourself.

Please note that this blog post is only for information purposes and should not be regarded as a substitute for immigration or legal advice.

Added Tips For Workaway Ireland

#1 Stereotypes

There are many negative stereotypes about Ireland and the Irish.

While you are there, keep an open mind and make sure to not assume things, especially if you are living with locals through Workaway.

#2 Ireland’s history

Do not call Irish people British or English or anything besides Irish.

This has to do with Ireland’s turbulent history. If you are wanting to learn more about this and especially ‘The Troubles’, be cautious about how you approach this topic.

I would suggest only inquiring about it with someone you know well.

It is still painful for many, so just make sure the situation is appropriate.

As an example, I would only discuss these topics with my close Irish friends and not acquaintances or strangers.

If you are in Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom), some people might prefer to be called Irish or British.

This is also a sensitive area so to be safe say ‘Northern Irish’ and if they prefer something else they will let you know.

#3 Specific advice to Americans

The Irish people know a lot about America, probably a lot more than you would expect.

I think this is true in many countries besides Ireland because of how dominant American media is.

Anyways, what I am trying to say is this. They will know more about you than you will know about them.

All we know about Ireland is exaggerated stereotypes so please just think about what you are going to say before you say it!

Even if you were to read about the culture and history before you arrive, it will still be different when you are actually here.

#4 Don’t call yourself Irish

It is offensive, just don’t do it.

This is probably the biggest pet peeve that I have heard from the Irish.

To them, it does not matter that you are genetically from Irish descendants.

To many people, being ‘Irish’ means you grew up in Ireland and you have an Irish accent.

So when people (usually Americans) come to Ireland and say they are coming back to their ‘homeland’ and that they are Irish from a DNA standpoint, it really annoys them.

Especially when the people claiming to be Irish have no idea about the centuries of struggles that the Irish have endured.

#5 Pronouncing Ireland

The way that Irish people pronounce Ireland is different from most others.

How you pronounce is not necessarily something to change (even if you could), but I thought it would be worth mentioning.

When others (including me as an American) say it, the word is drawn out to have three sounds.

Even with knowing this, it is still difficult for me to say it the Irish way!

Irish people pronounce it like ‘are – land’ or ‘r – land’.

Others will say ‘eye – er – land’

Has this guide helped you prepare for Workaway Ireland? Check out these complete Workaway guides for New Zealand, France, Italy and the United Kingdom.