Much in demand since the Brexit, the Emerald Isle is nonetheless an incredible destination for an au pair stay. The scenery is incredibly beautiful, thanks to its impressive greenery.
Find out more about au pairing in Ireland and the role of the au pair in an Irish host family.
Conditions for becoming an au pair
The first thing to check is whether you meet the various criteria for becoming an au pair.
It will tell you the requirements for becoming an au pair, as well as advising you on how to create a good profile.
Going to Ireland
As a French citizen or a young person of European nationality, you don’t need a visa to become an au pair in Ireland, no matter how long your stay.
As you can see, it’s easy to get there and back, and it’s close to France, so if you have any worries, you can return at any time… in short, it’s the ideal destination, isn’t it?
Since the Brexit, the au pair program is no longer available in the UK. Demand for au pairs has exploded for Ireland. There are far more applicants to become an au pair there than there are host families. This is why being an au pair in Ireland has become very selective.
How can I become an au pair in Ireland?
To maximize your chances of being an au pair on the Green Isle, don’t focus on any one city in particular! In addition, create a profile that is perfect for host families (put yourself in their shoes) and make the most of certain points, in particular :
- Your childcare experience. If you’re planning to go au pair in several months, try to continue gaining experience with children (babysitting, tutoring, summer camps, etc.) or take your BAFA.
- Your reasons for becoming an au pair. Avoid the phrase “to learn the language”, which is too broad a motivation. Tell us why you want to learn English? What is your ultimate goal? Is it for your studies? Explain as much as you can.
The pre-departure process
To go au pair with our agency, whatever your country of destination, you’ll need to follow a simple process. Register, make an appointment with a team member via your dashboard and fill in the documents that will be sent to you.
Butrfly deals with French au pair projects on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your criteria and the families available, you’ll be able to get in touch with them. Once you’ve made your choice and both parties have approved, we’ll start drawing up the contract.
⚠️ Don’t be too demanding either. Think carefully about which criteria are important to you and which are not.
Being an au pair in Ireland
Your role with your Irish host family will of course be to look after the children and take care of everything that concerns them, from tidying their rooms to washing and ironing their clothes, to preparing their meals…
In exchange for these services, you’ll be provided with food, lodging in a single room with a bathroom either shared with the children or private, and paid an average of €360 per month for 25 to 30 hours’ work. You’ll have enough free time to visit the country.
To sum up, an au pair placement in Ireland means :
- Food, lodging and laundry;
- Working between 25 and 30 hours a week;
- 2 free days a week (except for babysitting) and one week’s paid vacation for six months.
- Participate in small household tasks related to children and family life;
- Be paid approximately €320 to €400 per month.
Why Ireland for an au pair stay?
Ireland is a really interesting destination for an au pair. If you’re the kind of person who’s afraid to step out of your comfort zone, Ireland could be a great first experience to open you up to the world, and leave you elsewhere for a second experience. There’s so much to see and/or do, you’ll want to improve your English and visit the country:
- The destination to live an incredible experience while staying close to your family, it’s still great to be able to return during the Christmas holidays.
- Ireland is the perfect destination for visiting castles and/or period ruins and other places steeped in history. You can visit Galway, Lake Connemara, from where Michel Sardou dedicated his song, or the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. It’s a beautiful country with lush green landscapes.
- The culture! Celtic dancing, rock music à la U2, every Irish pub has a concert or show to offer.
- The people! The Irish love the French, and are extremely welcoming, kind and good-natured. We feel safe.
- The potato saved the country from famine! So they eat a lot of them. Typical Irish dishes you must try: Irish stew,
- Shepherd’s pie, Apple crumble cake, Potatos farls and their famous drinks, Irish coffee (a rather special coffee with a Jameson flavour) and Guinness. Their breakfasts vary a little from those in England, with the addition of blood sausage.
Everyone says, “when you go there, you fall in love with the country”, and it’s true!
Au pairing in Ireland is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn English and enrich yourself personally. Stay safe with Au Pair Butrfly
