Dive into meaningful work with these 10 exciting volunteer roles in Dublin!
Remember that summer when I was itching to do something other than lounging around the house? I felt this urge to use my time meaningfully, to contribute to something bigger than myself.
I started researching volunteer opportunities and quickly realized the incredible impact I could make. So, I ditched the Netflix binges and embarked on a journey of discovery.
That’s how I immersed myself in this world of volunteering in Dublin. I uncovered a treasure trove of fulfilling experiences from animal shelters to environmental organizations. Keep reading to discover exciting volunteer roles in the city.
1. Dublin City Volunteer Centre
– Media credit: dublin_city_volunteer_centre
Website: http://www.volunteerdublincity.ie/
Address: Unit 4 Whitefriar Pl, Aungier St, Dublin, D02 XT21, Ireland
Contact details: +35314737482
Dublin City Volunteer Centre (DCVC) has been around for a while. As a registered charity, they connect people who want to volunteer with local non-profit organizations.
What I love about DCVC is its passion for fostering that community spirit. It is located in a vibrant city with over 554,000 residents, which shows how committed it is to engaging people in volunteer work.
Whether you’re into environmental projects, helping at community events, or supporting vulnerable groups, there’s something for everyone. Just hop onto their website, look at the opportunities available, and go through their simple placement process.
| Pro tip: Attend the regular meet-ups organized by DCVC. These gatherings are not just about volunteering. They’re fantastic networking opportunities to forge connections with like-minded individuals who share your desire to make a difference in Dublin. |
2. Volunteer Ireland
– Media credit: volunteerireland
Website: http://www.volunteer.ie/
Address: Regus House, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Rd, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 HW77, Ireland
Contact details: +35316369446
Operating hours: 9 AM–5 PM
Volunteer Ireland offers various opportunities for people to give back to their communities. It has been recognized for boosting community engagement and supporting multiple causes.
What’s cool is that they don’t just help people find where to volunteer. They also offer resources and training for organizations to manage volunteers effectively.
Just hop onto the Volunteer Ireland website, and you can browse through opportunities based on what interests you and what fits your schedule. Then, you can reach out to the organizations you connect with.
| Pro tip: Take the time to connect with other volunteers and locals during your experience. This personal touch will not only enrich your volunteering journey but also strengthen the bonds within the community. |
3. Solas Project
– Media credit: solasproject
Website: http://solasproject.ie/
Address: Liberty View, Unit 1 Long’s Pl, The Liberties, Dublin 8, Ireland
Contact details: +35315520683
Operating hours: 9 AM–6 PM
Solas Project empowers young people facing tough situations. It was founded in 2007 and has grown into an amazing community with around 120 volunteers who lend a hand each week.
They focus on children and youth, especially those who might feel left out because of social or educational hurdles. In 2023, they were recognized with the Investing in Volunteers quality mark, which shows how much they value their volunteers.
For instance, there’s this awesome program called Solas Sports. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, volunteers hang out with primary school students and help them learn valuable life skills through sports.
| Pro tip: Getting started is pretty straightforward. You just need to fill out a volunteer application form, undergo a Garda vetting procedure (which is just a way to keep everyone safe), and attend an induction session. |
4. The Irish Seal Sanctuary
– Media credit: sealrescueireland
Address: R130, Tobergregan, Garristown, Co. Dublin, Ireland
The Irish Seal Sanctuary is not your ordinary animal rescue. This amazing volunteer program focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and ultimately releasing injured and orphaned seal pups.
They’ve become a major part of marine conservation in Ireland. After moving in 2014 due to storm damage, they’ve rehabilitated and released more than 350 seals into the wild!
Their Rescuer-for-a-Day program is where you can get hands-on and help care for the seals. If you have more time, you can apply for an internship that usually lasts about 12 weeks. You’d get to work directly with the animals and help with daily operations.
| Pro tip: Their Rescue Network Volunteering program offers free training to assist in seal rescues, and you don’t need any prior experience. So, there’s something for everyone! |
5. Enable Ireland
– Media credit: enable.ireland
Website: http://www.enableireland.ie/
Address: Unit 14, Aerbridge House, Dunshaughlin Business Park, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath, Ireland
Contact details: +35318240696
Enable Ireland is an organization that serves children and adults with disabilities nationwide. It has existed for over twenty years and has become a lifeline for over 13,000 people.
What I love about them is their dedication to fostering independence and inclusion. They tailor their support to fit each person’s unique needs and those of their families, which is important.
They have over 40 locations throughout Ireland and charity shops that do a fantastic job raising funds and creating a warm, inviting space where volunteers can connect with others and contribute to their local areas.
| Pro tip: If you have some spare time, you can volunteer in one of their charity shops, helping sort donations, assisting customers, or even arranging shop displays. They also need volunteers during busy times like Christmas. |
6. Voluntary Service International
– Media credit: vsointernational
Website: https://www.vsi.ie/
Address: 4 Brunswick St N, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 RHA8, Ireland
Contact details: +35318735702
Operating hours: 9 AM–5 PM
Voluntary Service International, or VSI for short, was founded in 1965 as the Irish Service Civil International movement branch. For decades, VSI has truly championed peace, solidarity, and social justice.
It’s incredible how much they emphasize inclusion. This speaks to their hearts and has earned them recognition as a registered charity in Ireland and an accredited organization under the European Solidarity Corps.
You can participate in short-term International Volunteer Projects lasting 1 to 3 weeks or commit to longer placements through the European Solidarity Corps, which can last up to a whole year.
| Pro tip: Learn a few phrases in Irish (Gaeilge) to embrace the local culture. Engaging with people in their native language can create memorable experiences and foster friendships long after your project ends. |
7. Fingal Volunteer Centre
– Media credit: fvc_volunteerfingal
Website: http://www.volunteerfingal.ie/
Address: 8, Birch House, Rosemount Business Park, Dublin 11, D11 A9FP, Ireland
Contact details: +35318991921
Operating hours: 9 AM–1 PM, 2–5 PM
Fingal Volunteer Centre (FVC) connects people with volunteer opportunities. It started in 2001 with just two centers in Swords and Blanchardstown. Now, it’s blossomed into a hub that supports people all over the Fingal area.
What stands out is that FVC is committed to creating a welcoming space for volunteers. They take the time to guide you personally and help match you with roles that match your skills and interests.
Suppose you’re looking for something to get involved with. In that case, FVC offers diverse volunteering roles in environmental projects, social services, healthcare support, and educational programs.
| Pro tip: Take advantage of their Library Pop-Up events. These gatherings allow you to meet fellow volunteers and offer unique workshops and training sessions to enhance your skills while fostering a sense of community. |
8. Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland
– Media credit: rmhc_ireland
Website: http://rmhc.ie/
Address: Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Errigal Rd, Crumlin, Dublin 12, D12 DY09, Ireland
Contact details: +35314560435
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) supports families with children undergoing medical treatment. It is located on the grounds of Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin.
RMHC can host up to 20 families each night! It’s a safe space where families can find some normalcy, enjoy home-cooked meals, and take advantage of helpful services like laundry facilities and parking.
There’s this Cooking for Families Program, where volunteers whip up nutritious meals for those staying at the house. There are also roles for housekeeping, answering phones, and helping with transportation for families getting to and from the hospital.
| Pro tip: Embrace the stories of the families you meet. Listening and connecting with them can provide immense emotional support and make your volunteering experience more meaningful. |
9. Oxfam Ireland
– Media credit: oxfamireland
Website: https://www.oxfamireland.org/
Address: Portview House, Thorncastle St, Dublin 4, Ireland
Contact details: +35316727662
Operating hours: 8 AM–7 PM
Oxfam Ireland’s volunteer program has an incredible history dating back to 1942. It started as a way to help during World War II’s famine and has grown into a global movement dedicated to fighting poverty and injustice.
What stood out to me was the community of nearly 1,000 volunteers across Ireland. Whether you want to work in one of their shops, help at a distribution center, or dive into fundraising and campaigning, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re interested, you must visit their website, pick an area that interests you, check out the available options, and fill out a quick online application. Oh, and just a little heads up—you need to be at least 16 to volunteer.
| Pro tip: Don’t hesitate to share your experiences and ideas with fellow volunteers; this enhances your experience and strengthens the team spirit that makes Oxfam such a special place to contribute your time and skills. |
10. CoderDojo Foundation
– Media credit: coderdojo
Website: https://coderdojo.com/
Address: Dogpatch Labs, The CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, Dublin, D01 Y6H7, Ireland
CoderDojo is an amazing movement that aims to get kids aged 7 to 17 into coding in a fun and friendly way. It all started in 2011 in Cork, Ireland, thanks to two inspiring guys, James Whelton and Bill Liao.
This foundation provides resources and organizes awesome events, like the Coolest Projects, where young creators showcase their innovative projects.
They focus on peer learning and mentorship. You could mentor some kids and help guide them on their coding adventures, or you might even want to help with the behind-the-scenes admin stuff to keep everything running smoothly.
| Pro tip: Embrace the spirit of self-directed learning. Encourage the kids to explore their interests and work on exciting projects rather than strictly sticking to a curriculum. This approach fosters creativity and keeps the sessions lively and engaging. |