Overview

Volunteering Solutions offers an amazing opportunity where you can volunteer at a local charity shop in Ireland.

These shops are run by non-profit and charitable organisations to generate some income to support their core activities such as supporting vulnerable people or running educational activities with children. The shops receive donations and sell them to the public. The shops are run by professional staff and local volunteers. One of the partner charity shops is based in the friendly and busy town of Clonmel and it has two locations where volunteers can help: the shop based on the main street and a sorting office that includes a furniture store, a bookshop and bric-a-brac. The other shops are based in various friendly towns across the country.

Not only will this be an incredible opportunity for you to learn while working with a team of volunteers and local Irish staff, but it'll also provide you with immensely meaningful work exposure that will enhance your career in the days ahead.

Placements are located in different locations such as Clonmel,Castle island and County Tipperary. Clonmel town is a busy town that provides shopping and various services for people of the surrounding rural area. It is located 2 ½ hours from the capital city Dublin and 1 ½ hour from Cork city. Clonmel is well served by bus and train services. The town is nestled in the Comeragh Mountains with the Knockmealdown Mountains to the South and legendary Slievenamon to the East. Hillwalking and cycling are popular local activities.

Volunteer Work Schedule

As a volunteer, you’ll be usually working from Mondays to Fridays - from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can make good use of the weekends to head out and explore the city.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Being a volunteer for this project, your main tasks would involve managing the charity shop, moving furniture or sorting books or bags of donated clothes.
Working in the shop front requires volunteers to be presentable to the public.
Book sales are sometimes organized outside in summer in the centre of the town or at local events and festivals.

Apart from that, you’ll have other miscellaneous work at the shop like:

Providing sales assistance to customers
Ensure goods are well displayed
Keep the shop clean and tidy

You can also volunteer and help in doing certain office work like:

Sorting donations into recycling and shop stock
Repairing donations
Steam cleaning shop stock clothing
Moving, cleaning and restoring furniture
Painting walls
Sorting and displaying books for sale
Sorting and displaying furniture

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project and must be fluent in English English. Volunteers must be mature, flexible and have an adaptive personality. Volunteers should be keen to take up responsibilities and act quickly as and when required. Any skills or experience with retail sales, particularly clothes or furniture is an advantage. Volunteers with an interest in DIY or an eye for interior design and decoration would be highly valued. All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. Additional documents such as CV/Resume and Statement of motivation shall also be required.

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Living

Airport Transfer
Participants are picked up by a driver who will be waiting with a sign displaying the participants’ name. Participants are transferred to a hostel accommodation located in Cork city centre.

Volunteers who arrive at a different airport (Dublin or Shannon) need to make their own way to Cork. It is very easy to arrive at Cork city from Dublin airport as there are buses from just outside the arrival terminal in Dublin that go directly to Cork city center (aircoach.ie). Participants are picked up from their point of entry in Cork (bus station or train station).

It is preferable to book a flight that arrives before 2pm in Dublin airport not to miss the welcome dinner!

If a participant arrives earlier than the arrival date, they should arrange their accommodation and transfer themselves.

Orientation
On the morning of the second day, participants are met by the coordinating staff at the hostel reception and will walk to the Cork Volunteer Centre where the orientation workshop takes place.

The orientation workshop lasts approximately 3.5h and includes the following topics:

Sharing and discussing fears and expectations
Exploring motivations
Skills and attitudes to make the programme a success
Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders(sender/host/volunteer)
Lines of communication
Potential challenges
Introduction to Irish culture
Cultural adaptation, culture shock and inter-cultural competences
Cultural adaptation in the Irish context
Practical tips for a successful voluntary service
Health issues
Safety and security, risk mitigation
Overview of what to do during free time

After the orientation workshop and their lunch, participants take part in a 2 hour walking tour of Cork City. During the tour, they are provided with practical advice, cultural and historical information.

At the end of the tour, participants are brought to the bus or train station and go to their project location. In some cases, depending on the location and availability of project mentor, the transfer could be done the following morning.

Accommodation & Meals
On arrival in Cork, volunteers are provided accommodation at a hostel in the city.The hostel is located in the city centre, a very short walk from all the shops and attractions of the city.

Hostel facilities:

Bed in shared dormitory bedrooms (4 to 8 beds per room)
Free Wi-Fi all over the hostel so you can stay in touch wherever you are
Free Home Cinema with big plasma screen, comfy beanbags
In-House Sauna
Always Open Coffee Dock and shop
Personal Lockers

While on the project, volunteers will live in local host family accommodation allowing you to get a real sense of life in an Irish family and community.Staying with a host family allows participants to be fully immersed within the Irish culture. Our local team in Ireland has developed a network of host communities in different part of the country. Host communities are managed by the local coordinators who deal with local families. Every host family goes through a thorough selection process, we make sure our participants are placed with welcoming and supportive hosts. Host families come in different shapes and sizes: e.g. parents and children with a spare room, a single host mother, or a retired couple. Families give participants an instant support system and help them learn the local language and culture. Most host families offer participants generally their own single room. On occasion participants might have to share a bedroom with another participant from the same gender. Many families are living at a walking distance from the projects while others can be based a bit further out of town. In this case volunteers are either given lifts, use bicycles or local transportation (cost not included in programme fees).

Meals will be provided along with a packed lunch as needed.

The host family provides breakfast (cereals or toasts, hot drink etc.), packed lunch (sandwiches, fruit etc.) and hot dinner in the evening (e.g. pasta, sausages, potatoes, pizza etc.). It is possible to cater for vegetarians (this information is subject to change, please check with us).

During your Free Time
Ireland is a wonderful place to visit. From vibrant, exciting cities like Dublin, Cork or Galway or Belfast to breath-taking landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way. Attractions include the world-famous sceneries of Connemara and West Cork, the ring of Kerry, the cliffs of Moher, the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin etc. There are also a multitude of less touristy but equally interesting places to visit and activities to do such as whale watching in county Cork! Local staff will give participants further information on visits and excursions during their orientation and in the welcome pack.

Volunteers will have the weekends to explore. During your free time, volunteers can discover the countryside around Clonmel, Tipperary region. They can visit famous attractions such as the Rock of Cashel Castle and Cahir Castle.

Dates

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

September

October

November

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
3 Weeks	$1745
4 Weeks	$1975
5 Weeks	$2245
6 Weeks	$2495
7 Weeks	$2775
8 Weeks	$3075
Extra Week	$445

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.

Inclusions

Pre-departure Information guide and support
Pickup in Cork
First night in hostel in Cork City
Transfer to Project
All Meals except lunch on arrival day
Accommodation in Host Family or at Project
Orientation with local staff
Ongoing support from project mentor
Local staff support and coordination

Not included

Flights
Lunch on arrival day
Return airport transfer (local team can assist with this)
Visa Fee
Vaccinations
Medical & Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses

FAQ's

Accommodation, Meals and Daily Life

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: On arrival in Cork, volunteers are provided accommodation at a hostel in the city.The hostel is located in the city centre, a very short walk from all the shops and attractions of the city.
Hostel facilities:
•    Bed in shared dormitory bedrooms (4 to 8 beds per room)
•    Free Wi-Fi all over the hostel so you can stay in touch wherever you are
•    Free Home Cinema with big plasma screen, comfy beanbags
•    In-House Sauna
•    Always Open Coffee Dock and shop
•    Personal Lockers
While on the project, volunteers will live in local host family accommodation allowing you to get a real sense of life in an Irish family and community. Staying with a host family allows participants to be fully immersed within the Irish culture. Our local team in Ireland has developed a network of host communities in different part of the country. Host communities are managed by the local coordinators who deal with local families. Every host family goes through a thorough selection process, we make sure our participants are placed with welcoming and supportive hosts. Host families come in different shapes and sizes: e.g. parents and children with a spare room, a single host mother, or a retired couple. Families give participants an instant support system and help them learn the local language and culture. Most host families offer participants generally their own single room. On occasion participants might have to share a bedroom with another participant from the same gender. Many families are living at a walking distance from the projects while others can be based a bit further out of town. In this case volunteers are either given lifts, use bicycles or local transportation (cost not included in programme fees).
Can vegetarians be accommodated?: Yes - please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can help ensure you are able to order the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?: We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Group to communicate with other participants. To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer page on our website.
Can you put me in contact with other volunteers who have done this program?: We can only provide contact details for former volunteers who have consented to having their data shared. However, there is a Facebook group for past and current volunteers which you are welcome to join. There are also hundreds of reviews online from our former volunteers as well as social media posts on Instagram, TikTok and our You Tube Channel.

Flights, Arrival and Visa Information

Can I Know More About The Flights & Visa?: Ireland is well connected with other major cities in Europe as well as with direct connections to some cities in North America. Participants need to arrive at Cork Airport. You can also arrive at Dublin and take a coach transfer to Cork city.
It is the participant's responsibility to make sure that you have checked the visa requirements before traveling to Ireland. Citizens of most European countries and USA/Canada do not require a visa for travel to Ireland to stay up to a certain period. You can check with us for more details once you’ve applied for the programs.

Free Time and Weekend Travel

Would I have free time during my program? Can I do sightseeing during my program?: Weekends are free for the volunteers to explore the country. Volunteers travel to see beautiful countryside or other parts of the country such as Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Dublin and other locations.

Health, Safety and Support

What vaccinations will I need?: Some routine vaccines like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus are required before traveling to Ireland. You can check the CDC List of vaccines and consult your doctor for any specific medication that you might require.

Program Overview and Application Process

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Ireland?: As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is strongly recommended to apply for the program and reserve your spot in the program well in advance. You can book your spot in the program by filling an online form and pay the application fee.Once you complete your application, your individual 'My Account' will be active in which you will receive your placement confirmation after which you can pay the program fees. You can pay the program fees later as well in installments, but 45 days before the program starts.
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?: After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active. You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the programs?: You must be respectful of other cultures
You must be tolerant towards others and respect the differences
You must welcome teamwork but also be able to work alone
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of joining the program
You have to be a proactive person, we welcome volunteers with initiative and creativity
You must have at least an Intermediate level of English
Can I volunteer as part of a group?: For individual volunteers:
You will arrive on the same start date as other volunteers joining at the same time and will be part of a cohort for your program. This means you’ll share the same orientation day, accommodation, and overall experience; a great way to meet new people and make friends from around the world. The best time to join if you want to meet lots of other volunteers is July and August as these are the most popular months.
For groups:
If you already have a group, we also accept applications from university and college groups, high school groups, corporate teams, families, and groups of friends. Your group can fill in our Group Application Form, providing details such as the number of participants, preferred duration, budget, and destination. We take special care in providing your group with a placement that best suits your goals, and we can customise your itinerary to ensure you get exactly the experience you’re looking for. For groups of five or more, we can even design special group programs that combine meaningful volunteer work with cultural immersion and travel opportunities. All our programs, whether individual or group, are designed to be safe, affordable, and rewarding, offering every volunteer a memorable and impactful experience
I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol?: Yes, most definitely you can as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
Does VolSol provide with a reference or a certificate after program completion?: Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
How do I get to the program location?: After the orientation workshop and the lunch, participants take part in a 2 hour walking tour of Cork City. During the tour, they are provided with practical advice, cultural and historical information.
At the end of the tour, participants are brought to the bus or train station and go to their project location. In some cases, depending on the location and availability of project mentor, the transfer could be done the following morning.
Why Volunteer in Ireland?: Ireland is a wonderful country; it is safe, friendly, rich in heritage, history, and culture. From vibrant, exciting cities to the spectacular countryside – it’s a magical place to visit. It’s also a wonderful place to stay and immerse yourself. The best part of an experience in Ireland is probably connecting with local people. Visitors find Irish people friendly, welcoming and very supportive.
There is in Ireland a strong sense of community with many initiatives taking place at local level. We have selected very specific community-based projects where participants can have an authentic and worthwhile experience. If you are keen to learn and experience something new, then there can be nothing better than this!
What happens after the end of the Program?: Participants can leave either on their last Saturday or Sunday. Project mentors provide them with information on how to reach the airport. The airports are well connected by public transport it is something participant find easy to do.
Can I know more about the program locations in Ireland?: We have carefully selected several host projects which provide participants with worthwhile and challenging volunteer work programmes. We select quality projects that are well established and that have an excellent track record of welcoming and supporting volunteers. Our projects are spread all around the country including in Counties Cork, Tipperary, Kerry, Sligo and more. Most of the programmes with host family accommodation are based in small, medium and large towns with a friendly atmosphere and with a strong community spirit.
How do I apply for a program and when do I need to pay?: You can book your slot by filling the online application form and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form. The initial application fee is refunded in the unlikely event that we’re not able to offer you a place on the program, and you have the flexibility to request a change of start date up until the 45 day payment deadline (this is subject to availability for other dates).
Can I apply with a friend?: Yes! On our application form you can detail the name of the friend(s) or partner you are applying with. You will be placed in the same project and accommodation with your friend.
What happens if the program isn’t available?: We will refund your application fee if the program isn’t available after you have applied.