ABOUT IRELAND
Ireland is a country in Western Europe with a rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. It has breathtaking scenery, friendly people and beautiful peninsulas. It is popular for its Atlantic coastline, rain, grasslands and its cities – the capital, Dublin, and Ireland’s second largest city, Cork.
Ireland earned the name “Emerald Isle” due to its lush, green countryside. Despite its small size, Ireland has very rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems ranging from woodlands and wetlands to heathlands and coastal ecosystems. Bogs are another distinctive habitat, covering nearly 17% of the island. Forests, mainly broadleaf and coniferous, cover about 11% of the land area. Ireland also hosts diverse marine ecosystems such as kelp forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.
Ireland has a very rich history as well, having gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1922. It later became a republic in 1949. Throughout history, there have been many acclaimed Irish writers, including James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett.
Irish culture is known for its sense of community, warmth and hospitality. Heavy emphasis is also placed on sports in Ireland. Traditional Gaelic sports, such as Gaelic football, hurling and camogie, are particularly significant. Ireland is home to many professional athletes as well, especially in rugby and football, two other popular sports in Ireland.
What is the most common form of volunteering in Ireland?
Despite being a very developed country, Ireland still has a need for volunteers. Some of the main areas in which volunteers are most appreciated are in social services, community development, education, environment conservation and wildlife protection. There is a wide range of opportunities and plenty to help out with so as a volunteer, there is a high probability that you will be able to work in an area you are passionate about.
Advice before volunteering in Ireland?
English is widely spoken throughout Ireland, despite the first official language actually being Irish (Gaeilge). Few outside of rural areas speak Irish as their first language.
Just as with any volunteer trip, you should prepare to be put outside your comfort area. Make sure to stay open minded and adaptable throughout the experience.
Depending on the time of year as well as the area itself, the weather can differ. However, in general Ireland has a temperate oceanic climate. Check the weather in the area where you will be volunteering and pack accordingly.
Check with your doctor and the Pasteur Institute about any medications or vaccines you may need.
How to get a visa to volunteer in Ireland
Most European nationals can stay in Ireland for up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays, you will need to obtain a visa and those outside of the EU/EEA wil need a visa as well. For more information, check the official website: https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/visas-for-ireland/
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN IRELAND
Volunteering programs in Ireland are mostly environmental and climate action programs. Take part in an eco volunteering project in Ireland or on a volunteer mission around Cork where you can immerse yourself in rural life. You can discover its museums, heritage, concerts, fine dining and sightseeing.
Go on a humanitarian trip to Ireland!
If you are part of the EU, you do not require a visa. If you are outside of the EU, you are able to stay without a visa for up to 90 days.
For any international project, Freepackers Care requires the subscription of a travel insurance including the coverage of accidents, diseases, repatriation and includes civil liability in case of damage to third parties.
You can subscribe online with our partner CHAPKA, which offers 5% discount with this link. If you subscribe to another insurance, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.
For complete protection during studies or an internship abroad, you can subscribe to Cap Student insurance online by following this link. This insurance also includes civil liability in the context of an activity abroad.
