Ireland, often referred to as the Emerald Isle, is not only renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also for its growing job market and welcoming attitude towards foreigners. Whether you’re seeking to teach English, enter the booming tech sector, or take on seasonal or hospitality roles, Ireland offers a variety of opportunities for job seekers from abroad.
In this article , we’ll look into the different types of jobs available to foreigners, including TEFL positions, explain various teaching programmes in Ireland, and highlight reliable job-seeking platforms to help you get started.
1. Understanding the Irish Job Market
Ireland has a strong, diversified economy driven by technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and tourism. As a member of the European Union, the country offers seamless access for EU/EEA citizens. However, non-EU citizens can still find employment with the right qualifications, work permits, or through sponsored programmes.
Some of the key sectors hiring foreigners include:
- Information Technology (IT) and Tech
- Healthcare
- Education (particularly English language teaching)
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Agriculture and Farm Work
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Finance and Accounting
- Customer Service and Call Centres
2. TEFL and Teaching Jobs in Ireland
Ireland is primarily an English-speaking country, which means native speakers will not find a high demand for English instruction in public schools. However, there is still a healthy market for TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) professionals, especially in private language schools, summer camps, universities, and adult education centres.
Requirements for TEFL Jobs in Ireland
To qualify for TEFL jobs, you’ll usually need:
- A TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate (minimum 120 hours)
- A bachelor’s degree (preferred but not always essential)
- EU citizenship or the right to work in Ireland, though some employers may sponsor visas for highly qualified candidates
- Teaching experience (preferred by most schools)
Types of TEFL Teaching Opportunities
- Private Language Schools: These institutions often hire teachers for year-round instruction to adult learners, immigrants, or international students.
- Summer Language Camps: Popular during June–August, these short-term contracts involve teaching English and organising recreational activities for children and teenagers.
- University English Language Centres: These offer academic English to international students preparing to enter higher education.
- Corporate Training: Multinational companies often hire English trainers to work with their non-native employees.
Salary Expectations
TEFL salaries in Ireland vary based on experience, qualifications, and the type of institution. On average, you can expect to earn:
- Private Language Schools: $1,800–$2,500 per month
- Summer Camps: $500–$700 per week (with accommodation and meals provided)
- University Language Centres: $2,200–$3,000 per month
3. Programmes Hiring Foreign Teachers in Ireland
While Ireland doesn’t offer as many government-run programmes for foreign teachers as some other European countries, there are still a few notable schemes and pathways for those interested in working in Irish education.
a. EFL Summer Camp Programmes
Every summer, several companies run EFL camps for young learners across the country. These programmes, such as Apollo Language Centre and Centre of English Studies (CES), recruit foreign EFL teachers and activity leaders. Contracts are usually for 4–8 weeks, with training, accommodation, and meals often included.
b. Erasmus+ and EU Mobility Projects
For EU citizens, Erasmus+ teaching placements offer opportunities to teach in Ireland on short-term exchanges. These are arranged through partnerships between sending and host institutions. Some private TEFL providers also run projects funded under Erasmus+.
c. Private Recruitment Agencies
Some agencies based outside of Ireland, especially in the UK and mainland Europe, recruit English teachers for Irish schools, particularly for short-term contracts. Recruitment agencies like EFL Ireland and TeachAnywhereoccasionally post Ireland-based positions.
4. Other Types of Jobs Available to Foreigners
a. Information Technology and Tech Sector
Ireland is known as the “Silicon Valley of Europe”, housing European headquarters for tech giants like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple. Foreigners with experience in software development, data science, cybersecurity, and digital marketing are in high demand.
Average salaries:
- Software Developer: $55,000–$75,000 per year
- Data Analyst: $50,000–$70,000 per year
- IT Support Specialist: $40,000–$60,000 per year
b. Healthcare Sector
Due to ongoing staff shortages, Ireland actively recruits nurses, doctors, and healthcare assistants from abroad. Non-EU applicants must meet strict licensing requirements and often undergo registration with bodies like the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
Average salaries:
- Registered Nurse: $45,000–$60,000 per year
- Healthcare Assistant: $28,000–$36,000 per year
- General Practitioner: $100,000–$150,000 per year
c. Hospitality and Tourism
This sector is ideal for those seeking short-term or entry-level roles. Pubs, hotels, restaurants, and tour companies often hire foreigners, especially during the high season from April to September.
Common jobs:
- Waitstaff
- Bartenders
- Hotel receptionists
- Tour guides
Average salaries:
- Entry-level: $25,000–$30,000 per year
- Experienced managers: $40,000–$55,000 per year
d. Agriculture and Farm Work
Seasonal jobs such as fruit picking, livestock care, or dairy farm work are available in rural areas. These roles generally offer minimum wage but often include accommodation.
Wages: Approximately $12–$15 per hour (before tax)
5. Visa and Work Permit Requirements
For EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, no visa or permit is required to live and work in Ireland.
For non-EU citizens, you’ll likely need an Employment Permit. The main types include:
- General Employment Permit: For jobs with a salary threshold of $34,000+ per year
- Critical Skills Employment Permit: For high-demand sectors (e.g., ICT, engineering, healthcare) with a salary threshold of $44,000+ per year
- Working Holiday Visa: Available for young people (usually aged 18–30 or 35) from countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea
6. Best Job-Seeking Platforms for Ireland
Finding work abroad starts with knowing where to look. Here are some of the most effective platforms for finding jobs in Ireland:
General Job Portals
- Jobs.ie – Widely used for hospitality, retail, and entry-level roles
- IrishJobs.ie – Professional and mid-level jobs across sectors
- Indeed.ie – Internationally recognised job board with extensive listings
- LinkedIn – Great for networking and job listings, especially in tech and education
TEFL-Specific Platforms
- TEFL.com – Global listings, including Irish language schools and camps
- EFL.ie – Focused on English teaching jobs across Ireland
- The TEFL Org – Occasionally lists short-term and summer positions in Ireland
Recruitment Agencies
- Morgan McKinley – Specialises in finance, IT, and office support
- CPL Recruitment – Ireland-based recruiter with offices across the country
- Grafton Recruitment – Known for customer service, healthcare, and admin jobs
7. Tips for Landing a Job in Ireland
- Tailor Your CV to Irish standards – use clear formatting, avoid photos, and focus on achievements.
- Apply Early for Summer TEFL Jobs – most camps recruit between January and April.
- Check for Sponsorship Eligibility – particularly if you’re a non-EU citizen.
- Join Facebook Groups and Expats Forums – groups like “Expats in Dublin” or “English Teachers in Ireland” can offer leads and advice.
- Be Open to Temporary Work – short contracts can lead to longer-term opportunities.
Ireland offers a rich blend of professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and welcoming communities for job seekers from abroad. Whether you’re a qualified teacher looking for TEFL work, a recent graduate hoping to join a summer programme, or an experienced professional targeting the tech or healthcare sectors, the Irish job market is open to international talent.
With the right qualifications, strategic use of job platforms, and an understanding of work permits, finding a job in Ireland is a realistic and rewarding goal.
