Have you rocked a claddagh ring since you were a little girl? Have you contemplated a Celtic knot tattoo for years? Then maybe a hospitality internship in Ireland is for you!
As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, it’s no surprise that the tourism board aims to welcome 7.74 million visitors in the next year. Whether stalking Bono, combing fields for a four leaf clover, or hunting for the perfect whiskey, travelers come to Ireland for a variety of reasons.
Did we mention that over 80 million Irishmen and women live outside of our borders? Irish is the second largest ethnic group in the United States, and it’s estimated nearly half of Australia’s population are of Irish descent. Irish pride runs strong through their veins, making heritage travel a natural win for the tourism industry of Éire.
Not all tourism internships in Europe are served up quite the same, and the summer season is the perfect time to work in Ireland’s burgeoning tourism industry. Hospitality management internships abroad can vary from working at multinational hotels, as a tour guide, in hostels, or for tourism boards. You might find yourself interning in establishments built by world-renowned chefs, learning the inner-workings of a boutique B&B, or taking notes from the greats while interning in a classic Irish pub.
The typical working week throughout your internship will consist of 35 to 40 hours. Depending on the needs of the organization they may vary. You will likely be working outside of the typical 9-5 schedule, including evening events or weekend activities.
Potential daily tasks might include checking guests in and out, hosting and organizing events, putting the “breakfast” in “bed and breakfast,” or coordinating other daily operational tasks or admin work.
You’re currently enrolled in as a student, have graduated or have equivalent experience.
There are limited paid positions available for this program, the sooner you apply the more likely you are to secure one of these paid positions.
US citizens can apply for the Working Holiday Visa. Eligibility for other nationalities varies depending on visa restrictions.
Personable
Social
Communicative
Energetic
Patient
Organized
Previous experience or courses in the hospitality field are a plus but generally not a requirement for tourism internships abroad. You should have an interest in customer service and a desire to learn about local cultural activities, events, and festivals. Be ready for a fast-paced work environment! From interacting with foreign guests to mastering the pronunciation of Céad Mile Fáilte (“A Hundred Thousand Welcomes”), this summer is bound to be your best yet.
Tailored internships
One person = one internship. We won’t force you into a work experience that’s not a great fit.
Cork, baby!
Our awesome internships are located outside of Dublin in smaller, more intimate cities and towns.
Duration
Internships can last 3, 6, 9 or 12 months depending on your availability & potato-eating-threshold.
Housing
Many of our hospitality internships include accommodation either on the grounds of the hotel or a short walk away, giving you a comfy place to live without the worry of organizing it yourself.
Application fee
All applications require a $75 refundable* fee that is remitted online via Paypal.
Total cost – $2499
Programmes cost a flat-rate of $2499, including the $75 application fee, as well as a variety of services. Read about them here.
Tourism in the Republic of Ireland is one of the biggest contributors to the economy, in 2018 we saw a record-breaking number of 11.2 million visitors in 2018. Tourism revenue from internsational visitors alone was at 6.1 billion in 2018 and is forecasted to grow further in 2019. Now is the time to get in on the international action.
Don your fave tie or power skirt, embrace the startup mentality, and do more than the coffee-run thing while interning in Ireland.
Strengthen your portfolio AND have your best summer yet – jackpot! Don’t worry, you won’t have to put shamrocks on everything.
Use your precious summer months to intern in an NGO, where you can give back while gaining incredible professional skills.
You don’t have to have the rules of Gaelic football memorized to qualify for (or succeed in) one of these internships.