Working holiday in Ireland: finding your first room
Coming to Ireland on a Working Holiday Authorisation? Short-term first, then a long-term room: where to look, what to bring to a viewing, and how to register once you arrive.
- Short-term rooms
- Proof of address when you rent a room
- Getting a PPS number
- Irish Immigration – working holidays in Ireland
- Ireland.ie – Working Holiday Authorisations (Australia)
Who comes on a working holiday
Ireland has working holiday agreements with Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the USA (Taiwan has a separate scheme). Most allow up to a year; Canadians can stay up to two. Age limits and conditions differ by country, so check the Irish embassy page for yours.
You must register with immigration after you arrive, and officials may ask at the border for proof that you have enough money. You also need private medical insurance.
Short-term first
Book a hostel or a short-term room for your first one to three weeks. It gives you time to find work, learn the area and view long-term rooms in person.
Then look for a room in a house share or digs near where you work. Rooms near a Luas, DART or frequent bus route make a new job much easier.
What to bring to a viewing
Your passport (show it, don't hand over a copy before you've agreed anything), a letter from your employer if you have one, a reference from a previous landlord, and proof you can pay.
Ask for a letter confirming your address once you move in: you'll need proof of address to register with immigration, get a PPS number and open a bank account.
Common questions
Where should I stay when I first arrive on a working holiday?
A hostel or short-term room for the first weeks, then a long-term room once you can view in person.
Do I need proof of address on a working holiday?
Yes, to register with immigration, get a PPS number and open a bank account. Ask your landlord or host for a letter.