What type of visa do I need for a gap year in Ireland?

You can take a gap year in Ireland with a working holiday visa. In order to be eligible for one, you need to meet certain nationality and education requirements. How to Live Abroad in Ireland (for a Year or Longer) 4 Essential Things to Know Before You Work in Ireland International Visas: What You Need to Know

Gap Year Programs in Ireland

***read in a Irish accent*** Top o’ the mornin’ ta ya lads. Ever been ta the vast green fields of Athenry or have ya been itchin’ for a journey along the rocky road ta Dublin town? Ya lookin’ like you need ta practice singin’ your Irish folk songs in one of Kilarney’s finest pubs with all our local mates. You’d be madder than a box of frogs if you don’t hop on the next flight ta the proud, cratic land of Guinness and corned beef. Crack on lads—gap year programs in Ireland are callin’ for ya!

Combine a Gap Year and Internship with the trip of a lifetime.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Ireland is a very popular destination for gap years. That's because Ireland offers a working holiday visa, which allows visa holders to find jobs and earn money locally in order to fund their travels.

11 Must-Do’s During Your Gap Year in Ireland

A gap year in Ireland can work however you want, as long as you have the proper visa (typically a working holiday visa). You can work in local pubs, explore historical sites, take university courses, and much more.

What to Know Before Your Gap Year in Ireland

There are gap year opportunities all over Ireland, but Dublin is a great place to start, due to its size and international recognition. Look for programs with providers like The Intern Group, Institute for Global Studies, EF Gap Year, and more.

10 Best Gap Year Programs in Ireland

A gap year in Ireland can be pricey due to airfare and cost of living. However, since most gap year students will be eligible for the working holiday visa, it will be easier to offset gap year costs with part time backpacker jobs.

You can take a gap year in Ireland with a working holiday visa. In order to be eligible for one, you need to meet certain nationality and education requirements.

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The best 10 weeks of my life!!

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A Guide to Gap Year in Ireland

Best Cities

Alright ya Gaelic lovers, I hear ya need some help findin’ a place ta rest your bones for a while on your gap year in Ireland.

Galway. History lies within the walls of this very city, so why don’t you dig up some ancient tales on some gap year programs in Ireland? Ahhh Galway, the city by the bay. It’s the smallest town in the world with the most pubs—177 pubs to be exact. With its old cobblestone sidewalks and roads, friendly locals, and endless amount of Guinness and Irish boxty, Galway will be your home away from during a gap year in Ireland.

Dublin. Learn how to craft your own brew… the dark way. Or study the Catholic religion amongst the churches in this holy town. The pride of Ireland rests within the city lines of Dublin. As the nation’s capital, tourists swamp the small city, especially during St. Patrick’s Day. Did ya know that green is actual an unlucky color in Dublin? Also, we can’t forget about the Guinness Storehouse where the special black stuff is made. Walk through the famous dark gates and have a pint at the very top of the building, which offers the best view of the entire city.

Popular Activities

No one wants ta be actin’ like a maggot about how they spend their gap year programs Ireland, right? Ya got ta be productive, lassies.

Jobs. What’s an au pair? Oh that’s just when you sign up to be a nanny overseas. You get a free place to stay and a bit of a paycheck as well. You can stay for however long you like; plus, kids will always keep you busy and on your toes. Au pair in Ireland, why don’t ya?

Internships. What a time to be alive! Get experience in your field of study during your gap year in Ireland. How great is that? Even though Ireland offers a small town feel, there’s plenty of opportunities to work with some of the best companies and gain hands-on knowledge.

Work exchanges. Ever thought about becoming a teacher on your gap year in Ireland? One nice thing about teaching in Ireland is that everyone speaks English. Work will be a breeze since you already know that you can communicate with the youngsters. Teaching not your thing? Then belly up to the bar and work in a homey Irish Pub.

What Else You Need to Know

Costs. It’s best to work at home a bit before you become the wild rover of Ireland. Talk to your gap year Ireland advisor to figure out how much you need to save. Trust us, it’s fun to put a little extra towards weekend trips to the Cliffs of Moher or the Giant’s Causeway. Start collecting your cash with FundMyTravel!

Accommodations. You have heaps of options during a gap year in Ireland: dorms, homestays, hostels, apartments, etc. We highly recommend staying with a host family. Did we mention they COOK traditional Irish meals for you?! Can you imagine all the fish and chips, shepards pies, and Irish beef stew? YUM.

Visas. Your program provider will tell you which visa is right for you. You’ll need to apply either online or in person at an embassy. Check out GoAbroad Travel Resources for more information.

Safety. Ireland is a very safe country, with lots of locals who will make you feel right at home, but still practice common sense. Don’t travel alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings during tours.

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Did you know that Ireland is a bit split? As in, government and board wise? Ya see here lassies, the north end of Ireland is controlled by the British Rule. The south end is completely independent and has been since 1917. With that, there’s a bit of a conflict between the two regions. This can be an extremely controversial and emotional topic, so be careful of engaging in arguments (especially as a foreigner) and, for your own safety, don’t get involved in any kind of protesting.

Along with the conflict comes different rules from each side. Make sure before packing your bags (or upon arrival) that you exchange money for both British pound and euros for currency. Some shops only accept one or the other depending on where you are.

Got all the info that you need? I can hear the bodhrans and fiddles playing in the distance, ready for you to bust out in an Irish reel. Do you have the steps that can be noticed from counties far and near? Get out and find good craic, lads and lassies. It’s time to sign up for gap year programs in Ireland!