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Volunteer with An Óige

Volunteer at Glendalough, Knockree or Errigal Hostel and enjoy a unique experience where you’ll make new friends, learn new skills and help create memorable stays for travellers from around the world.
Why Volunteer?

A Rewarding Way to Experience Ireland

Volunteering with An Óige is about far more than helping around the hostel. It's an opportunity to live in beautiful surroundings, meet people from across the globe, develop new skills and experience Irish hospitality from the inside.
We welcome volunteers throughout the year at Glendalough, Knockree and Errigal Hostels, each offering a unique setting surrounded by nature and a friendly, welcoming community.
Our Volunteer Hostels

Three Incredible Locations

Our volunteer hostels offer a welcoming atmosphere, comfortable accommodation and stunning natural surroundings. Which one will you choose?
Glendalough Valley

Volunteer at Glendalough Hostel

Once a traditional farmhouse, Knockree Hostel is located in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, overlooking the Glencree Mountains. Just 40 minutes south of Dublin city, it can host up to 90 guests across 17 rooms (2–8 beds per room). Some rooms are ensuite, while others share facilities.
County Wicklow

Volunteer at Knockree Hostel

Situated beside the world-famous Glendalough National Park, this hostel can accommodate up to 120 guests in 39 rooms (2–10 beds per room). It’s an ideal base for exploring the valley, lakes, and monastic ruins of Glendalough.
Donegal / Wild Atlantic Way

Volunteer at Errigal Hostel

Set at the foot of Errigal Mountain in Dunlewey, County Donegal, Errigal Hostel is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht. The hostel has 15 bedrooms accommodating around 64 guests, with a mix of dormitories and private rooms, along with shared spaces and self-catering facilities.
What to Expect

The Volunteer Experience

We welcome volunteers throughout the year through our Volunteer Programme. In exchange for up to 20 hours of work per week – typically five days a week – you’ll receive free accommodation, free laundry facilities, free meals at selected hostels and access to self-catering kitchen facilities.

Volunteer hours are usually from 10am to 1pm. Tasks mainly involve helping to clean bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, reception areas and shared spaces. During busy group stays, volunteers may also be asked to assist with kitchen duties at breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Weekends are generally our busiest time, but every volunteer receives two days off each week, although these may not always be consecutive.

20 Hours Per Week

Usually four hours a day, five days a week.

Typical Hours

Volunteer shifts generally run from 10am to 1pm.

Practical Tasks

Help with cleaning, shared spaces and occasional kitchen duties.

Two Days Off

Two days each week, which may not always be consecutive.

During Your Stay

Food & Facilities

As an An Óige volunteer, you’ll have access to comfortable accommodation, practical facilities and welcoming shared spaces, giving you everything you need to enjoy your stay and feel part of the hostel community.

Kitchen Access

Volunteers have access to shared kitchen facilities, making it easy to cook and enjoy meals together.

Accommodation

Volunteers share rooms with other volunteers. Bed linen, towels and laundry facilities are provided.

Extra Comforts

Enjoy free Wi-Fi, cosy communal lounges and even some friendly hostel cats to keep you company.

Join our Community

At any given time, around ten volunteers live and work across our hostels, with a larger community during the busy summer months. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet people from around the world, learn new skills and experience genuine Irish hospitality.

What we're looking for

We value volunteers who enjoy being part of a team and contributing to a positive community atmosphere. Reliability, honest, polite to guests and staff, with willingness to help and a friendly attitude go a long way in making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Application & Screening

Interested in volunteering?

We'd love to welcome you to the An Óige volunteer community. To help us provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, all volunteer applications are subject to a simple screening process before placement.
As part of your application, you'll need to provide your CV along with two character references (not from friends or family), as our hostels regularly welcome youth groups and young people.
Volunteer at Glendalough
Send your CV and references to
Volunteer at Knockree
Send your CV and references to
Volunteer at Errigal
Send your CV and references to