Ireland conjures images of emerald green fields as far as the eye can see, dotted with castles and ancient stone walls, and leprechauns counting their pots of gold at the end of rainbows. Ireland is the land of Guinness, the Giant’s Causeway, river dance, and so many of our ancestors. It is also a country of tradition and pride in its Gaelic heritage. All of this makes Ireland a popular and exciting destination and as an English speaking country, it’s a relatively easy place to travel (even if they do drive on the other side of the road). Many rate Ireland as a great first solo travel destination, especially for first time female solo travelers.
To us, a gap year in Ireland sounds pretty darn great. Gap year programs in Ireland could mean time in a small village, or a big city like Dublin or Galway. Work on a farm, herd sheep, get an internship in town, work as an au pair, the options are nearly endless. Before you start packing for your gap year abroad, consider your finances—just because you’re putting off school or your next career move doesn’t mean you can also put off thinking about money!
Whether you piece together a gap year itinerary of your own, or choose a structured program, you’ll need to find a way to fund your epic adventure. Read on to learn everything you need to know to find affordable gap year programs in Ireland.
How much does it typically cost to do a gap year in Ireland?
Ireland is a member of the EU and uses the Euro. While the exchange rate isn’t too terrible these days, Ireland is not quite as budget-friendly as destinations in Southeast Asia or South America. But if you plan and prepare properly (and start saving as soon as you finish reading this article), a gap year program in Ireland is definitely doable. The cost of a gap year in Ireland isn’t free—it will depend on the type of program you choose. If you spend your time traveling, exploring, sightseeing, etc, you will be focused on accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. An academic-focused program might be similar to university tuition. A program that places you in a job abroad may have a program fee, but you’ll be able to pay it off and probably cover expenses once you start working.
Rough outline of expenses
Whether you’ve traveled abroad extensively or not, there are going to be costs and things to consider that you hadn’t thought of. Airfare will vary depending on time of year and programs carry a fee. When you’re planning your budget, keep in mind what your specific program covers. Some program fees will cover room and board, some cover supplies. You’ll probably want to see other parts of Ireland too, so keep those travel costs in mind as well.
Typical Ireland gap year program costs
You can find programs with fees as little as ~$100 weekly, but the average budget Ireland gap year program cost falls closer to ~$500+ weekly. According to our research, InterExchange runs the least expensive work abroad/gap year program in Ireland.
Ideas to cover your costs
Don’t panic though! There’s plenty of information out there to help you figure out how to cover the cost of a gap year abroad. You’ve already decided on Ireland, so that’s covered. Now it’s time to think about what you want to do and get out of your experience. How long will you be in Ireland? Are there grants and scholarships you can apply for? Answering some of these questions will help you find a gap year program in Ireland, and help you figure out how much money you will need to support yourself during your gap year.
Cheap gap year programs in Ireland that won’t deplete your treasure chest
1. InterExchange: Work & Travel Ireland
With InterExchange’s gap year programs in Ireland, you can work and travel your way across Ireland for up to a year. The program will help you with all of the logistics and planning involved in setting up seasonal jobs for the duration of your stay. Seasonal jobs can have a variety of meanings. You could help with the harvest, become a sheep herder, work in a summer camp, wait tables, assist a chef, work at a hotel, and work with parks and forest rangers.
- Estimated program cost: ~$100 weekly
- More program info
2. API Gap Year - Programs in Ireland
Head to Cork or Dublin to study a wide variety of subjects and get college credit while you’re at it. The API gap year program gives you an opportunity to study while immersing yourself in a new and beautiful culture, and take some time to explore the rest of the Emerald Isle. If that isn’t enough, while in Ireland with API you’ll also have a chance to participate in an internship in the field of your choosing. Education, adventure, beautiful scenery, and real-world experience; come to Ireland and experience it all.
- Estimated program cost: Summer program is ~$4,000.
- More info: Read API Gap Year reviews
3. IPSL Ireland: Art, Design, and Technology
With IPSL, you can explore the connection between art and society during your gap year in Ireland. While living in Dublin you’ll study at the Institute of Art, Design, and Technology and work for a community-based organization. You’ll learn about community organizing and social action, while dealing with pressing issues in Irish society. To get a true picture of life in Dublin that most tourists never get to see, you’ll live with a host family. Living with a local family gives you a unique perspective of “average” daily life in your new home—not to mention delicious corned beef hash and cambric on the reg!
- Estimated program cost: Summer program is ~$7,000.
- More program info
4. Premier Internships Ireland
How does multiple weeks of professional growth and resume building on the Emerald Isle sound? We agree it sounds amazing! Leadership skills born of entry-level working positions are important and guaranteed to help you wherever you go in life. Gaining those skills while immersing yourself in Gaelic culture and exploring the country during your gap year in Ireland in a variety of professional fields—Business, Marketing, Tourism, Graphic Design, Sports and Recreation, Culinary to name a few—sounds like the best possible way to go about it. Make your gap year the best "year on" possible!
- Estimated program cost: $2,400 program fee for two to six months
- More program info
5. Intern Abroad HQ
You’ll notice that there are quite a few programs out there offering similar services for your gap year programs in Ireland. This means there is that much more information out there to help you plan your gap year, and plenty of opportunities to find the perfect program for you. With internship placements in the city center, Intern Abroad sets you up to get the best out of your time in Dublin. A homestay placement with a local family helps you keep your costs down and gives you the chance to experience “authentic” life in Dublin. Living with a local family gives you unique insight into everyday life in your new home. Host families are always eager to share the best of their home and culture with you. With support from your new family, you’ll be ready to take on your internship, and the world.
- Estimated program cost: Two weeks: ~$1,300. Five weeks: ~$2,000. Twelve weeks: ~$3,700.
- More info: Read reviews from previous Intern Abroad HQ participants
6. The Intern Group
Finding an internship can be difficult and stressful; finding an internship abroad can be downright discouraging. But, it’s so worth it! An internship gives you the chance to gain real-world experience to add to your academic career. With an internship abroad, you’ll gain real-world experience while also learning to adapt to a new culture. Luckily there are programs like the Intern Group that can help you get everything sorted. Your program fee ensures you get the support you need while you're in Ireland to ensure your internship experience is successful. For a small country, there are plenty of varied opportunities in Ireland.
- Estimated program cost: ~$2,000+ per week
- More info: Read reviews of the Intern Group
7. USIT Work & Travel Ireland
Why settle for a gap "year" when you could take gap "YEARS!" Get up to a two year working holiday visa for Ireland with the help of USIT Work & Travel Ireland. This special visas opens you to a variety of work opportunities in every county across Ireland—not to mention gives you free range to travel around the EU. Take the sting out of the gap year cost by earning Euros along the way!
- Estimated program cost: Undisclosed
- More program info
8. Connect 123 Internship and Volunteer Programs
In case you haven’t noticed, there is no one way to do a gap year. You can work, travel, study, and volunteer. There’s no one right answer. If your gap year is mean to be a break from studying and working, then maybe consider a volunteer program. Volunteering gives travelers the opportunity to learn about their destination from another angle. Like internships, volunteer programs provide participants with real-world experiences to go with their academic careers.
- Estimated program cost: ~$3000 flat fee for any length program
- More info: Read reviews from previous volunteers
[Browse ALL Ireland Gap Year Programs]
Luck is on your side for a cheap gap year in Ireland!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with using a gap year as an opportunity to explore the world. If you’re looking to do something a bit more productive with your gap year, finding a job or an internship or a volunteer opportunity can be difficult. For a gap year in Ireland, there are a wealth of programs ready to help you plan and support you during your gap year experience.
Head abroad to participate in gap year programs in Ireland and find out why it’s known as the Emerald Isle. Walk in the footsteps of giants on the Giant’s Causeway. Challenge your fear of heights on the Cliffs of Moher. Find the gift of the gab at Blarney Castle. Drink Guinness, search for pots of gold (maybe you’ll find some at the Leprechaun museum), learn some Gaelic, fill up on Irish stew, learn about local art. A gap year is your chance to discover an Ireland few tourists will experience. A gap year program in Ireland allows you to dig deeper into the rich culture, traditions, and history of this fascinating country.