Ireland Volunteering

Why Pay Money To Volunteer? Many volunteers are surprised to learn that some organizations require large fees or “donations.” While this may seem ridiculous at first glance, such fees often keep the organization afloat, in addition to covering airfare, room, board, and administrative expenses for the volunteers. (Other organizations rely on private donations and government subsidies.) If you’re concerned about how a program spends its fees, request an annual report or finance account. A reputable organization won’t refuse to inform you of how volunteer money is spent.
Pay-to-volunteer programs might be a good idea for young travelers who are looking for more support and structure (such as pre-arranged transportation and housing), or anyone who would rather not deal with the uncertainty implicit in designing a volunteer experience from scratch.

Volunteering can be a powerful and fulfilling experience, especially when combined with the thrill of traveling in a new place. In Ireland, opportunities abound for community development, peace efforts, and ecological preservation.

One great way to find opportunities that match up with your interests and schedule is to check with national volunteer agencies, such as Volunteering Ireland (www.volunteeringireland.com) or the Northern Ireland Volunteer Development Agency (www.volunteering-ni.org). Sometimes, contacting individual sites and workcamps directly helps to avoid high application fees. Northern Ireland’s FREE PHONE (☎0800 052 2212) connects callers to local volunteer bureaus. Worldwide service databases Idealist (www.idealist.org) and ServeNet (www.servenet.org) have plenty of listings in the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Those looking for longer, more intensive volunteer opportunities usually choose to go through a parent organization that takes care of logistical details and often provides a group environment and support system—for a fee. There are two main types of organizations (religious and non-sectarian), although there are rarely restrictions on participating for either.

Urban Issues

Though Ireland is a fully modernized nation, community and urban development will always be needed. With over 10,000 homeless people living in Ireland, those who volunteer to do anything from building ...more

Community Issues

Ireland offers opportunities to work with communities troubled by issues such as poverty, substance abuse, and mental health problems. Many programs demand a long-term commitment, and some involve volunteers ...more

Peace Process

The deep-rooted conflict in Northern Ireland has plagued Britain and Ireland for centuries, resulting in uprisings of violence from both sides. Over the past 30 years, the peace process has grown international ...more

Farming And Conservation

Volunteers who choose to work for a conservation project or an environmentally conscious farm can forge new connections with the countryside of the Emerald Isle. For those enthralled by Ireland’s rich ...more