If you’re looking for a side hustle to make extra money in Ireland, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’d prefer to work online when the kids are at school or would like to earn a little extra income during evenings or weekends, there are plenty of opportunities.
How to Make Extra Money in Ireland: 25 Ways
In today’s fast-paced world, you might find yourself seeking ways to make extra money and boost your income.
The good news is that Ireland offers plenty of opportunities for side hustles. Whether you’re a student, a busy parent or a full-time worker, there’s something for everyone.
From affiliate marketing to online tutoring, these side hustles can range from low-commitment, flexible options to more hands-on, creative ventures.
1. Complete Paid Surveys
If giving constructive feedback appeals to you, you can get paid for your opinion by signing up to complete paid online surveys.
It’s a good side hustle idea for anyone to make extra income from home.
Plus, it’s something you can easily do while performing other tasks – such as looking after a small child who is busy playing.
Our top picks for Irish survey sites are:
- Irish Opinions: Reliable, frequent surveys, payment in gift cards
- Opinion World: Huge survey brand, payment in gift cards or cash via PayPal
- Swagbucks: Earn points from surveys as well as watching videos and playing games
Each completed survey will earn you either cash paid via PayPal or vouchers for retailers such as Amazon.
If you want to earn money from taking surveys, check out this article on surveys in Ireland.
2. Work as a Virtual Assistant
Anyone with administration experience or who has worked as a personal assistant can make decent money by working as a Virtual Assistant (VA).
As a virtual assistant, you can help global and local businesses and entrepreneurs with email management, calendar scheduling, or social media management tasks.
The role allows for flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely.
Abbey Ashley from The Virtual Savvy runs a 60-minute FREE training webinar on becoming a booked-out virtual assistant. The training includes ideas on which services to offer, finding customers, scaling your business and more.
Related: Check out this complete guide to becoming a VA to learn about this exciting and flexible career opportunity.
3. Teach English Online
If you’re a native or experienced English speaker, you already possess a desirable skill.
Learning English is necessary for people from many countries – basically, anywhere it is not already the main spoken language.
While young people used to flock to Dublin or other Irish towns and cities to attend English language schools, they and their teachers have now discovered an easier and cheaper way to learn the language.
Lots of lessons are now delivered online.
This means you can work from home as an English teacher, delivering lessons to people worldwide.
Ideally, you will need a college degree and to be a native speaker.
To find out more, check out this article about how to make money teaching English online.
4. Start a Blog
While blogging used to be seen as an exciting hobby, it is now also an example of how to make a side income in Ireland or overseas.
Sharing your expertise, interests, or experiences through blogging is a popular way to create a side hustle.
Choose a topic you’re passionate about, and craft engaging, informative, or entertaining content in the form of bl for your readers.
Monetise your online content through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, creating an online course or selling your products or services.
Make sure to follow GDPR guidelines to protect your readers’ privacy.
At first, it may provide you with only a small income, but it can potentially make serious cash in the longer term.
Some investment is required if you’re determined to make it a full-time gig, but initially, you only need a web hosting provider and a desktop or laptop.
We recommend investing in a good blogging course so you don’t waste time doing the wrong things.
5. Sell Downloads via Etsy
If you’ve thought about selling online but are concerned about buying and storing lots of stock, selling digital downloads on Etsy can be a neat compromise.
Selling digital downloads may sound complex, but in fact, it’s a great way to make passive income.
Set up a shop on Etsy. Once it’s all there, all you have to do is keep an eye on it. It’s another example of the kind of work that you can do from anywhere.
Once you’ve created some digital downloads, you can literally make money while doing very little.
And if you think you need to be a great artist, you might be wrong there.
Think about how popular text images are now – such as motivational quotes.
You don’t need fancy software to get started, and you could produce printables of anything from business cards or leaflets to planners – and of course, artworks.
You can learn about making money by selling digital downloads on Etsy in a guest post from Trina – a UK mum who makes a considerable passive income from doing just that.
6. Become a Mystery Shopper
Mystery shopping is a fun way to make some extra money – while providing feedback to improve the products and services offered by big brands.
You’ll need good spoken and written communication skills and access to a computer.
Mystery shoppers are generally given a very detailed brief to complete.
Your tasks may include taking photos, checking displays or stock levels and assessing the level of customer service employees offer.
While many mystery shoppers get into the stores, working from home is also perfectly possible.
Online shopping is increasing, so companies also want to check those customers’ experiences.
Pay varies, and while it’s unlikely to make you rich, there can be some great perks.
Mystery shopping companies in Ireland include Pan Research, Customer Perceptions and RED C Research.
7. Sign Up for Money Making Apps
In the age of the smartphone, it really is simple to make some money from using your mobile phone.
All you have to do is sign up for the best money-making apps, and off you go.
Some are mystery shopping apps, while others want you to upload photos of your receipts.
You might be asked to complete surveys, perform online searches or even make short videos of yourself talking about a product.
Various apps can make you passive income in some way or will request that you enter a competition or watch a video.
We recommend getting started with the following:
To discover more, check out this article on Ireland’s best money-making apps.
8. Work as a Social Media Manager
If you think everyone finds social media as easy to use as you do, think again.
Many companies have no clue when it comes to posting on Instagram, setting up a Facebook page or why they should send a Tweet.
Let alone how to use TikTok or why they should have a YouTube channel.
Large and small businesses are always looking for people who know their way around social media.
If that describes you – and you can learn how to use paid advertising on each channel – then you have a marketable skill that could make you some serious cash.
If your skills need a little polishing before you start, there are some very affordable ways to train online.
This Udemy course, for instance, requires very little investment and can teach you all about setting up as a social media manager.
9. Work Online as a Tutor
Like many industries, private tutoring has also largely moved online.
So if you have specialist knowledge that you can pass on to others, online tutoring might be one of the best extra work ideas for you.
Whether you’re a qualified primary school teacher, a full-time student or have a degree in an A-Level or Higher subject, you can make good money online by passing your knowledge on to younger people.
Knowledge of the appropriate curriculum or syllabus will be required, but it isn’t too difficult to grasp once you’ve read the right books.
To get started, you can create a profile on platforms such as Tutorful or Superprof, which cater to the Irish market.
10. Get Paid to Write
If you have a good grasp of English – or a foreign language – you can earn money by writing copy for print publications, blogs and websites.
Bloggers don’t always want – or have time – to write their own content. The same goes for businesses large and small.
Even if they want to, not everyone finds writing an easy task. If you do, then you could be a winner.
There are various websites out there that you can use to find work. Not all pay well, so you may need to be selective.
Having a portfolio of your work will be of enormous benefit. If you have a blog, this can act as your portfolio so potential clients can see just what you can do.
We’ve written a guide to becoming a freelance writer with no experience, which you can check out here.
11. Earn Cash at the Local Pub
A pub job is one of the best ways to make money fast in Ireland. Pubs are almost always looking for casual bar staff. Mainly to cover busy evenings and weekends.
Unlike working from home, a job in a bar allows you to get out and meet new people, too.
If you give excellent service, there is also the potential to earn extra via tips.
Check out the pub or brewery’s website for opportunities, or simply ask around. If you’re a night owl, you could even try nightclubs too.
12. Get a Retail Job
You may associate shop jobs with young people looking for weekend work, but there’s no reason why an evening or weekend job wouldn’t also work for you.
Whether it’s the local supermarket or your favourite city centre fashion retailer, working as a store assistant can be great for those wondering how to make money fast in Ireland.
Convenience stores often employ extra staff for busy periods, so don’t overlook your local corner shop.
The run-up to Christmas is the best time to find this kind of work, although it is available all year round.
13. Rent Out the Spare Room on Airbnb
If you have room to spare, letting it out via Airbnb can be a lucrative money-spinner.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, either. Airbnb themselves say it’s all about managing expectations. In other words, tell it like it is.
Rooms with a private en-suite bathroom and kitchen facilities will generally attract higher rates. How much you can charge also depends on where you live.
Anywhere that’s popular with tourists is a really good bet, so if you live in a central part of a city, near the coast or in picturesque countryside, then you’re definitely onto a winner.
Whether it’s a loft conversion, a cabin in the garden or an unused granny annex, letting out your spare room on Airbnb can provide a serious income.
Unlike having a lodger, you can also choose when to rent out the room. You can find out more about listing your property on Airbnb here.
14. Rent Out a Room in Your Home Long-term
Renting out a room in your home long-term can help offset the cost of your mortgage or rent, utilities, and other expenses.
Additionally, renting out a room can provide you with some companionship and social interaction.
However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks as well, such as the need to share your space with a stranger, potential conflicts with your tenant, and the added responsibility of being a landlord.
It’s also important to ensure that you are following all legal requirements and regulations for renting out a room in your area.
If that all sounds OK, you can avail of the Rent A Room Relief scheme that will enable you to earn up to 14000 tax-free annually. More details on the scheme can be found here.
15. Sell Used Items Online
Declutter your home and make extra cash by selling your used items.
Websites like Adverts.ie, Donedeal, Facebook Marketplace and eBay offer various options for selling second-hand items in Ireland.
You can sell anything from clothes and electronics to furniture and collectables, turning unwanted items into extra income.
16. Focus Groups
Focus groups help companies can gain useful insights into consumer behaviour and feedback on their products.
Participating in a typical focus group will mean travelling to a given location. There, you will discuss your shopping or thoughts on a particular brand.
Sometimes you can participate in such groups online – or an interviewer may even come to your home for one-to-one feedback.
While fees vary, you could earn between 50 and 100 for a few hours of work, making this a nice little earner when work is available.
17. Be a Film Extra
Film or TV show makers may be after a particular look, or it may be more of a numbers game if they need to pack out a crowd scene.
Be warned, though – being an extra can be tedious, as it often involves hours of waiting around on set for that precious few moments of shooting.
It makes a great story to tell, though, and extras can earn between €50 for a half day to €77 to €120 for a full day.
To find work as an extra, try signing up with specialist agencies such as MovieExtras.ie
18. Sell your Old Mobile Phones
Selling your old mobile phones can earn you some extra income.
When you sign up for a new phone contract, you may be able to trade in or sell your old mobiles. You may be able to do this via the network provider.
If not, you can sell them to stores that specialise in offering second-hand technology in good condition – such as CEX.
The better the condition, the more money you will be offered.
Other factors that will contribute to the price include the make, model and age of the phone.
A nearly new iPhone, for instance, will fetch more cash than an old Android made by a lesser-known company.
So don’t let them sit in a drawer collecting dust – get out there and let your redundant mobile phones make you money.
You can also sell other items like tablets, laptops, or gaming equipment similarly.
19. Car Boot Sales
There are many fans of car boot sales across the island of Ireland.
For those who know how to use them, they can be a lovely way to make a small profit while enjoying a day out in the fresh air.
You can use car boot sales in two ways. Simply sell your old stuff at them to make some money, and you can ditch the clutter while making a bit of cash at the same time.
Those in the know buy from boot sales, too. Top tips from avid car booters include turning up early and learning what you’re looking for.
Once you snap up a bargain, you can then sell it. Either via another boot sale, or online.
20. Selling at Local Markets
Another excellent way to earn extra money is by selling your handmade or unique products at local markets.
Research local markets in your area, and contact the organisers to book a stall.
This can be particularly enjoyable if you have a creative flair and enjoy interacting with people.
Don’t be afraid to put your talent and passion into creating something special that people will love.
21. Get Crafty
If you enjoy making things, then what better way to earn a few euros than by selling the fruits of your labour?
Whether it’s a cushion cover that you can quickly run up on the sewing machine or a bespoke blanket hand-sewn from scraps of old baby clothes, handmade items are super popular.
How to sell your items depends entirely on your preferences. Book a stall at a local craft fair or market, or you can sell your goods online via sites like Etsy.
We wrote about the best items to sell on Etsy so you can make maximum profit.
22. Offer Airbnb Experiences
Not having a spare room does not have to mean you cannot make money via Airbnb.
You can offer Airbnb Experiences instead.
Whether it’s offering cookery or fitness classes, teaching people to play a musical instrument or hosting an animal encounter or adventure, there are all sorts of creative ways to give people a one-off experience while making money at the same time.
23. Give Your Home a Starring Role
While you might not fancy appearing on TV or waiting around for hours on set, there is another way to make money – and it doesn’t involve you being seen on screen at all.
TV, film and even photography companies will pay to use your home as the location for filming or a photographic shoot.
All these images and footage must be captured somewhere, and building a set every time would be incredibly costly and time-consuming.
Period-style homes are always sought after, while any house with lots of space and good access offers a film crew practicality.
Try specialist companies like Leinster Locations, and you could make your home work hard to benefit your bank balance.
24. Transcribe Audio Files
Transcribers are paid to transform video or audio recordings into written content.
So you’ll need a computer, internet connection, headphones and a decent typing speed – but that’s it.
No formal qualifications or years of experience are necessary.
Check out rev.com to get started.
25. Deliver Food
If you’re over 18, then you could make cash by delivering takeaway food. You will require a reasonably recent smartphone and the use of a bike, scooter or car.
Plus a safety helmet, if applicable.
Deliveroo, JustEat and UberEats are always looking out for new delivery staff, as they expand the areas they operate in.
They offer their riders constant support via an app as well as accident insurance.
If getting out and about and exploring the town or city appeals to you, then why not try delivering fresh, hot food in your spare time?
