Ireland Exchange Programme

FRS and Max People are excited to offer a unique overseas farming opportunity for New Zealanders keen to experience life and work on Irish dairy farms.

We’re connecting motivated Kiwi farm workers with some of the best farms across Ireland. This farming exchange programme allows you to develop your skills, earn a competitive wage, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience all while supporting Irish farms during their peak season.

Why Work on a Farm in Ireland?

• Hands-On Dairy Farm Experience
  Learn directly from experienced Irish farmers. You’ll gain practical skills in calf rearing, milking, breeding, and grassland management, giving you valuable knowledge that will benefit your farming career.

• Earn While You Explore
  All roles offer industry-standard pay, meaning you can fund your adventure while living and working overseas.

• Live the Irish Rural Lifestyle
  Work in some of Ireland’s most scenic regions, close to historic towns and world-famous tourist destinations. This programme is a chance to explore a new culture, build independence, and make international friendships.

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for young New Zealanders with farm experience, a willingness to learn, and an adventurous spirit. Whether you’re between jobs, on a gap year, or want to boost your farming CV, this could be your next big step.

Costs and what is included

Work placements will generally run from January – June which is Ireland’s peak season and coincides with New Zealand’s off-season. This will cover the busy periods in each country and reduce the pull of domestic workers during each country’s busy season. Candidates travelling from New Zealand will be responsible for their own travel arrangements and costs, including relevant visa applications.

You will be:

• Picked up at the airport
• Attend an orientation on arrival
• Receive assistance to set up banking
• Guided through tax registration and requirements
• Receive ongoing pastoral care and training
• Also included is discussion group meetings, college trips and open days.
• Insurance assistance is arranged for accident and sickness which covers you for loss of earnings arising out of work related accidents or sickness.

Salary, Accommodation & Transport

Salary can vary depending on ability, experience and the scale of work taken on.

The range of salary would be from €12.72 – €13.50 per hour with farm managers commanding more.

Depending on the farm unit, accommodation can be available on farm but mostly that is not the case. Depending on what part of Ireland you reside in, rent can cost between €600 and €900 euro per month.

Transport is something that should be factored into your budget whether living on or away from a farm.

Process and requirements

General Minimum Requirements

• Minimum age to enter the programme will be 18 years old
• Minimum of one year dairy farm work; experience milking cows
• Meet Immigration requirements
• Have no previous criminal convictions
• Be in good health and not in possession of or using any drugs other than those prescribed by a doctor.
• Prepared to work up to 60 hours per week on roster over peak times

Process

Once your application has been received and processed, our representatives will advise you and set up an initial interview by telephone or Skype. A face to face interview may also be arranged with a Max People representative and FRS.

If your application is successful, you will be offered a place on the exchange programme.

We aim to confirm your suitability as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at every step. The process generally takes one month from interview to offer of placement decision depending on the information provided.

For example, Tipperary which is very central in Ireland, is only 1hr from Cork city, 30 mins from Limerick city, 1hr from Waterford city, 40 mins from Kilkenny city – so an easy drive from all locations. All destinations provide access to beautiful and vibrant cities which are sought after tourist destinations.

Kerry is probably the most popular tourist destination in Ireland with beautiful scenery and attractions. It’s mountains, lakes and coasts have been the picture-postcard image of Ireland overseas. And while visitors may argue about their favorite towns, everyone genuflects to the perfection that is the Kerry landscape.

Carlow, Wicklow, Cavan, Monaghan, Meath and Westmeath are all on average 1hr from Dublin city – Wherever you are placed, cities are very accessible and the towns are by no means remote with their own vibrant towns and attractions to offer.

Visas and Permits

Work Holiday Visas are processed through the Honorary Consulate General of Ireland in Auckland.

Applicants applying for a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) to Ireland must be resident in New Zealand during the application process, must have, and provide evidence of, access to a minimum of NZ$3,000 of available funds, hold a return ticket and hold a New Zealand passport which must be valid for a minimum of 15 months from the date of planned entry to Ireland.

Working Holiday Authorisations take approximately ten working days to process