Looking to make a bit of extra bob on the side? You’re in luck! Ireland’s gig economy is booming, offering a wealth of opportunities to make extra income. In fact, a recent survey found that over 30% of Irish workers now have a side gig, earning an average of €6,000 per year on top of their regular income. Whether you’re a student, a parent looking for at home side hustle jobs in Ireland, or you’re simply looking to “line your pockets” with some extra cash after retirement, explore our ideas below that are sure to have you “rolling in dough” in no time!
Hospitality and Tourism Hustles
Irish Pubs Pub Tours
Earning Potential: €20-€50 per person per tour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Share your passion for Irish culture and history by leading guided tours of Dublin’s most famous pubs. Regale visitors with tales of Irish folklore, literature, and the evolution of Ireland’s vibrant pub scene.
✅ Pros
- Flexible scheduling, as you can lead tours on your own schedule
- Ability to work outdoors and interact with people from around the world
❌ Cons
- Dealing with large groups of tourists can be mentally and physically demanding
- Potential weather challenges, as tours may be impacted by rain or other conditions
Tip to get started: Sign up with local tour operator companies in Dublin that specialize in pub and history tours. Create your own tours and list them on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or GetYourGuide.
Part-Time Pub Work
Earning Potential: €10-€15 per hour, plus tips
Difficulty: Low
Learning Curve: Low
✅ Pros
- Flexible schedule, often with the ability to work evenings and weekends
- Opportunity to interact with a diverse range of people and experience Irish pub culture
- Potential for tips and bonuses, especially during busy periods
❌ Cons
- Physically demanding work, such as standing for long hours or carrying heavy items
- Dealing with intoxicated or unruly customers can be stressful
- Irregular or unpredictable work hours, which can make it difficult to plan
Tip to get started: Start by asking local pubs around your home if they open weekend positions. Whether you’re serving drinks, bartending, or helping with food service, you can earn an hourly wage plus tips from satisfied customers. Flexible hours make this a convenient side hustle.
Airbnb Hosting
Earning Potential: €50-€200 per night
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
List your spare room, apartment, or vacation home on Airbnb and earn passive income from hosting travelers. Research your local market, set competitive rates, and ensure your space is clean, comfortable, and well-stocked to attract guests and maintain high ratings.
✅ Pros
- Opportunity to earn passive income from your available space or property
- Flexibility to set your own rates and manage your hosting schedule
❌ Cons
- Responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of your listing
- Dealing with the logistical and administrative tasks of hosting, such as check-in/check-out
- Potential for property damage or issues with problematic guests
Tip to get started: Create a detailed Airbnb listing for your available space, whether it’s a spare room, apartment, or vacation home. Research comparable listings in your area to price your accommodations competitively. Ensure your space is clean, well-stocked, and appeals to potential guests by highlighting any unique features or amenities.
Airbnb Experiences
Earning Potential: €20-€100+ per participant
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Offer unique, locally-inspired experiences or guided tours to travelers through the Airbnb Experiences platform. Leverage your knowledge of your city or specialized skills to create memorable, immersive activities for visitors.
✅ Pros
- Flexible schedule and opportunity to work on your own terms
- Potential for additional income by offering unique experiences
❌ Cons
- Challenges in attracting guests and building your reputation
- Responsibility for ensuring a high-quality guest experience
- Potential liability concerns when hosting experiences
Tip to get started: Identify your niche, build a portfolio, and research popular experiences. Use platforms like Airbnb Experiences or Peerspace to connect with clients and manage experiences. Offer unique experiences and excellent customer service.
Freelance Service Hustles
Freelance Writing
Earning Potential: Up to €50 per hour / €30 per 1000 words
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
The demand for content creators has skyrocketed, with businesses of all sizes in need of blog posts, articles, website copy, and more. To get started, build an online portfolio showcasing your writing skills, then start pitching your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or directly to potential clients.
✅ Pros
- Flexibility to work on your own schedule and from anywhere
- Opportunity to build a diverse portfolio and work with a variety of clients
❌ Cons
- Can be a highly competitive field with many freelance writers vying for the same jobs
- Irregular income and lack of steady, reliable work
Tip to get started: Build an online portfolio showcasing your best writing samples across different genres and styles. Then, start pitching your freelance writing services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.com. Reach out directly to businesses, blogs, online publications, and marketing agencies that may be in need of talented content creators.
Freelance Consulting
Earning Potential: €50-€150 per hour
Difficulty: High
Learning Curve: High
Share your professional expertise and industry knowledge by offering consulting or coaching services. Whether it’s in HR, marketing, IT, or another specialised field, your guidance can be valuable to businesses, entrepreneurs, or other individuals.
✅ Pros
- Leverage your professional expertise to offer valuable services
- Flexible hours and ability to work remotely
- Opportunity to build a diverse client base and expand your network
❌ Cons
- Securing new clients and maintaining a steady stream of work can be challenging
- Fluctuating income and lack of job security
- Responsible for your own taxes, insurance, and business expenses
Tip to get started: Monetise your professional expertise by offering consulting services in your field of specialisation, whether it’s human resources, marketing, IT, or another industry. Reach out to businesses, entrepreneurs, or even other professionals who could benefit from your specialised knowledge and experience.
Freelance Accounting
Earning Potential: €25-€50 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
✅ Pros
- Utilise your financial expertise to provide services to small businesses
- Flexible schedule and ability to work remotely
- Opportunity to build a diverse client base and expand your professional network
❌ Cons
- Securing new clients and maintaining a steady stream of work can be challenging
- Responsible for your own taxes, insurance, and business expenses
- Keeping up with changing tax laws and regulations can be time-consuming
Tip to get started: Offer your expertise in financial management, tax preparation, or bookkeeping services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, or individual clients. Your analytical skills and attention to detail can be a valuable asset for those in need of professional financial support.
Freelance Software Development
Earning Potential: €30-€200 per hour
Difficulty: High
Learning Curve: High
Turn your coding skills into a lucrative side hustle by offering custom software development, web design, or app development services. Showcase your portfolio, market your services, and find clients through freelance platforms or your professional network.
✅ Pros
- Leverage your technical skills to offer valuable services
- Flexible schedule and ability to work remotely
- Potential to build a diverse client base and command higher rates
❌ Cons
- Constantly evolving technology and the need to stay up-to-date
- Difficulty in finding and securing new clients
- Responsible for your own taxes, healthcare, and business expenses
Tip to get started: Create an online portfolio highlighting your coding skills and past projects. Sign up for freelancing platforms like Upwork, Toptal, or Freelancer.com to bid on software development gigs. Network within relevant online communities and leverage your existing professional connections to find clients.
Freelance Editing
Earning Potential: €20-€50 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Edit copy for websites, marketing materials, or even fiction text. Your strong command of language and ability to convey messages effectively can be in high demand among businesses, bloggers, and authors.
✅ Pros
- Flexible schedule and ability to work remotely
- Opportunity to work with a diverse range of projects and clients
❌ Cons
- Challenges in consistently finding and retaining clients
- Potential for tight deadlines and high-pressure work environments
Tip to get started: Showcase your editing skills by creating a portfolio with writing samples you’ve edited. Sign up for freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Reedsy to find editing opportunities. Reach out to authors, bloggers, or businesses that may require editing services for their written content.
Freelance Marketing
Earning Potential: €30-€75 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Leverage your marketing expertise to provide services like social media advertising, SEO, email campaigns, or content strategy. Help businesses and entrepreneurs reach their target audience and achieve their marketing goals.
✅ Pros
- Flexibility to work with diverse clients across various industries
- Ability to leverage your marketing expertise and earn based on your skills
- Potential for higher earning potential as you gain more experience
❌ Cons
- Competitive market with many other freelance marketers
- Need for continuous self-promotion and client acquisition efforts
- Uncertainty of a steady income stream due to project-based work
Tip to get started: Build a portfolio showcasing your successful marketing campaigns, strategies, and measurable results. Network with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and agencies that may require marketing services on Linkedin. Leverage platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Legiit or your industry connections to find clients in need of marketing expertise
Freelance Media Production
Earning Potential: €25-€75 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Use your creative and technical skills to offer video editing, podcast production, or voiceover services. As the demand for high-quality digital content continues to grow, your multimedia expertise can be a valuable asset.
✅ Pros
- Potential for diverse projects across various industries
- Ability to work on your own schedule and from any location
❌ Cons
- Significant investment required for equipment and software
- Challenges in securing consistent work and managing project deadlines
Tip to get started: Create a portfolio highlighting your best audio, video, or multimedia projects. Reach out to businesses, content creators, or agencies that require high-quality media production services via email or Instagram. Utilise platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProductionHub to find potential clients and gigs.
Work From Home Hustles
Online Surveys
Earning Potential: €5-€15 per hour
Difficulty: Low
Learning Curve: Low
✅ Pros
- Easy and accessible way to earn extra money in your spare time
- Flexible schedule that allows you to work when it’s convenient
- Potential to earn rewards, gift cards, or cash for your participation
❌ Cons
- Low pay rates per survey, requiring a significant time investment to earn meaningful income
- Limited number of available surveys, especially for repeat participants
- Concerns about data privacy and the legitimacy of some survey platforms
Tip to get started: Participate in online surveys and micro-jobs during your downtime to earn extra cash. While the hourly rate may be modest, the low barrier to entry and flexibility make this a convenient side income stream that you can fit into your schedule whenever you have spare time.
Virtual Assistant
Earning Potential: €15-€30 per hour
Difficulty: Low
Learning Curve: Low
Provide administrative support to busy professionals and entrepreneurs, such as scheduling appointments, managing email, conducting research, and even offering customer service. With your strong organizational skills and attention to detail, you can work remotely and fit this gig around your existing commitments.
✅ Pros
- Flexibility to work remotely and set your own schedule
- Ability to work with multiple clients and build a varied skillset
❌ Cons
- Potential for isolation and lack of face-to-face interactions with clients
- Requires strong organizational, communication, and time management skills
Tip to get started: Consider signing up with virtual assistant platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Fancy Hands to build your client base. Reach out to small businesses, entrepreneurs, influencers, and professionals in your network who may be in need of administrative support. Highlight your organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work remotely to attract potential clients.
Graphic Design
Earning Potential: €25-€75 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Leverage your creative talents to offer a range of design services, from eye-catching social media graphics to professional-grade logos and branding materials. Build an impressive portfolio, then pitch your services on freelance platforms or directly to small businesses and startups in need of design work.
✅ Pros
- Flexibility to take on projects that align with your personal design style and interests
- Ability to leverage your creative talents and turn them into a profitable side hustle
❌ Cons
- Highly competitive market, as many graphic designers offer their services online
- Potential challenges in accurately pricing your services and managing client expectations
Tip to get started: Build an impressive portfolio showcasing your best work, then pitch your graphic design services on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or 99designs. Reach out to small businesses, startups, and marketing agencies in your local area that may be in need of your design expertise.
Data Entry Assistant
Earning Potential: €10-€20 per hour
Difficulty: Low
Learning Curve: Low
Convert audio recordings into text or perform data entry tasks for businesses, researchers, or individuals. Your attention to detail and typing skills can be an asset in these roles.
✅ Pros
- Opportunity to work remotely and on a flexible schedule
- Minimal startup costs and equipment requirements
❌ Cons
- Repetitive and monotonous nature of data entry tasks
- Highly competitive market with many data entry providers
- Potential for low pay rates, especially for entry-level positions
Tip to get started: Start by offering basic data entry services to friends, family, and neighbors. Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to find clients and manage projects. Invest in quality data entry software, and offer additional services like data validation, data cleansing, or data migration to increase your income.
Affiliate Marketing
Earning Potential: €100-€10,000+ per month
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services on your website, social media, or through email marketing. Research high-converting affiliate programs in your areas of interest and create compelling content to drive sales.
✅ Pros
- Low startup costs and minimal overhead expenses
- Ability to promote products and services from various companies
- Potential for passive income streams once established
❌ Cons
- Highly saturated market with intense competition
- Challenges in building credibility and attracting an engaged audience
- Success heavily dependent on effective marketing strategies and traffic generation
Tip to get started: Start by choosing a niche, researching products, and building a blog or social media presence. Use platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Commission Junction to find affiliate programs. Follow FTC guidelines, and create helpful, trustworthy content to attract and retain an audience.
Website Building
Earning Potential: €300-€4000 per website
Difficulty: High
Learning Curve: High
Combine your technical skills and design sensibilities to offer web development services, from building custom websites to optimizing and maintaining existing ones. Showcase your work, build a portfolio, and market your services to potential clients.
✅ Pros
- High demand for website design and development services
- Opportunity to work with clients across various industries
- Potential for recurring income through website maintenance and updates
❌ Cons
- Competitive market with many skilled professionals
- Need for continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies
- Responsibility for ensuring website security, performance, and user experience
Tip to get started: Build an impressive portfolio of websites you’ve designed and developed, showcasing your skills in coding, design, and user experience. Sign up for freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.com to find website building projects.
Social Media Management
Earning Potential: €15-€40 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Leverage your social media savvy to provide content creation, community management, and paid advertising services to local businesses, entrepreneurs, or influencers. Help them build and engage their online following to drive sales and brand awareness.
✅ Pros
- Flexible schedule and ability to work remotely
- Potential to expand your services and earn higher rates as you build expertise
❌ Cons
- Constantly evolving social media algorithms and best practices
- Difficulty in demonstrating clear return on investment for clients
Tip to get started: Build a portfolio showcasing your social media expertise and success stories. Reach out to local businesses, influencers, or entrepreneurs who could benefit from your services. Leverage platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or your professional network to find potential clients.
Event Hustles
Weekend Security Work
Earning Potential: €15-€25 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Low
Providing security services on weekends can be a lucrative side hustle, especially in high-traffic areas or during events. This could involve working as a security guard, bouncer, or crowd control specialist at venues, pubs, festivals, or commercial properties.
✅ Pros
- Relatively straightforward work with minimal training required
- Flexible schedule, as you can pick up shifts on your own availability
- Potential for overtime pay or bonuses during busier periods
❌ Cons
- May require obtaining a security license or certification, depending on location
- Physical demands of the job, such as standing for long periods or dealing with unruly individuals
- Risk of encountering confrontational or potentially dangerous situations
Tip to get started: Research security companies or event organizers in your local area in Ireland that hire weekend staff. Obtain any necessary certifications or licenses, such as a Private Security Authority (PSA) license in Ireland. Start by applying for part-time or on-call positions to gain experience, and then leverage that to negotiate higher pay rates or secure more consistent shifts.
Event Planning
Earning Potential: €25-€75 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Use your organizational skills and eye for detail to offer event planning and coordination services. From weddings and corporate events to community gatherings, your ability to execute seamless events can be in high demand.
✅ Pros
- Potential to work on diverse events across various industries
- Ability to earn a decent income based on event complexity and size
❌ Cons
- Significant time and effort required for coordinating logistics
- Challenges in securing and retaining clients in a competitive market
- Irregular work schedules and need for flexibility during events
Tip to get started: Identify your niche, build a portfolio, and research popular events. Use platforms like Eventbrite, Splash, or Ticketleap to connect with clients and manage events. Offer personalized experiences and exceptional customer service.
Teaching and Tutoring Hustles
Gaelic Language Tutor
Earning Potential: €20-€50 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Help preserve the Irish language by offering Gaelic lessons to students, tourists, or professionals. Your fluency and teaching skills can be invaluable for those looking to learn this unique Celtic tongue.
✅ Pros
- Opportunity to share your passion for the Irish language and culture
- Potential to work with students of all ages, from children to adults
❌ Cons
- Limited demand, as Gaelic is a niche language with a relatively small pool of potential students
- Requires extensive knowledge of the Gaelic language and strong teaching abilities
Tip to get started: List your Gaelic tutoring services on platforms like Preply, Verbling, or Superprof. Contact local Irish cultural centers, community colleges, or language schools.
Irish Dance Instructor
Earning Potential: €15-€40 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Teach the traditional steps and rhythms of Irish dance to students of all ages. Your expertise in this culturally significant art form can be in demand, both for aspiring dancers and those looking to experience a piece of Irish heritage.
✅ Pros
- Share your love and expertise of traditional Irish dance with others
- Potential to earn additional income by teaching group or private lessons
❌ Cons
- Requires extensive training and certification in Irish dance
- Competition from other dance instructors in the local market
- Difficulty attracting and retaining students during off-peak seasons
Tip to get started: Reach out to local Irish dance schools, community centers, or dance studios to inquire about teaching opportunities. List your services on platforms like Fiverr or Teachable to find students online.
Online Tutoring
Earning Potential: €15-€40 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Share your expertise in academic subjects, languages, or specialized skills by offering personalized online tutoring sessions. Connect with students of all ages through platforms like Varsity Tutors, Chegg, or Tutor.com, and enjoy the freedom of setting your own schedule and rates.
✅ Pros
- Flexibility to set your own schedule and work from the comfort of your own home
- Potential to build a loyal client base and command higher hourly rates over time
❌ Cons
- Can be a competitive market, as many other online tutors offer similar services
- Potential challenges in maintaining a consistent client flow and managing your workload
Tip to get started: Create an online profile showcasing your academic expertise or specialized skills on platforms like Varsity Tutors, Chegg, or Tutor.com. Reach out to local schools, community centers, and educational organizations to explore in-person tutoring opportunities as well.
Fitness Instructor
Earning Potential: €20-€50+ per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
€20-€50+ per hour Share your passion for health and wellness by becoming a certified fitness instructor in Ireland. Offer group classes, one-on-one training sessions, or specialized programs (such as yoga, Pilates, or high-intensity interval training) at local gyms, studios, or through your own business. Your expertise in exercise science and ability to motivate clients can translate to a lucrative side hustle.
✅ Pros
- Share your passion for health and wellness with others
- Potential to build a loyal client base and grow your business
❌ Cons
- Requires extensive training and certification in various fitness disciplines
- Highly competitive market, especially in urban areas
- Need to continuously market your services and attract new clients
Tip to get started: Obtain the necessary fitness instructor certifications recognised in Ireland. Network with gym owners, community centers, and local fitness enthusiasts to build your client base. Leverage social media and online platforms to market your services and attract new clients.
E-commerce and Retail Hustles
Selling on Amazon
Earning Potential: €500-€5000 per month
Difficulty: High
Learning Curve: High
Becoming an Amazon seller allows you to tap into the massive e-commerce platform and reach millions of potential customers. Whether you sell your own products or source and resell items, an Amazon store can be a lucrative side hustle with the potential to grow into a full-time business.
✅ Pros
- Access to a vast customer base and established e-commerce platform
- Potential for passive income streams and business scalability
- Opportunity to sell a wide range of products and reach global markets
❌ Cons
- Significant investment required for product sourcing and inventory
- Intense competition from other sellers, impacting profit margins
- Need to navigate Amazon’s policies, fees, and best practices
Tip to get started: Begin by researching popular product categories and identifying potential suppliers or manufacturers. Start small by sourcing a few products and familiarize yourself with Amazon’s seller requirements, listing processes, and advertising tools. Invest time in mastering product photography, keyword research, and customer service to stand out in the competitive Amazon marketplace.
Retail Arbitrage
Earning Potential: €15-€100 per item
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Leverage your eye for deals and knack for finding unique items to resell on platforms like eBay, Depop, or Facebook Marketplace. Retail arbitrage involves buying products from one retailer at a discounted price and then reselling them online for a profit. By scouring local stores, clearance racks, and online marketplaces, you can identify hidden gems and in-demand items that can be sold for a higher price. For example: you can buy an iphone 10 on donedeal for €185 and resell it on ebay.ie for €210, making €35 profit.
✅ Pros
- Flexible schedule, as you can source and list items on your own time
- Potential for high profit margins on certain products
❌ Cons
- Requires research and market knowledge to identify profitable opportunities
- Inventory management and storage can be challenging, especially for bulky items
Tip to get started: Begin by visiting local thrift stores, overstock outlets, and going through donedeal to find potential arbitrage opportunities. Use online tools and apps to research product prices and identify in-demand items that can be resold for a profit. Start small and reinvest your earnings to build up your inventory and capital.
Dropshipping
Earning Potential: €100-€1,000+ per month
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Start an ecommerce business without the hassle of inventory management. Partner with suppliers to dropship products directly to your customers, allowing you to earn a markup on sales with minimal overhead costs.
✅ Pros
- Low startup costs and minimal inventory requirements
- Ability to sell a wide range of products without handling physical goods
- Potential for passive income and scalability
❌ Cons
- Reliance on third-party suppliers, which can impact delivery times and customer satisfaction
- Challenges in building brand recognition and customer loyalty
Tip to get started: Set up an online store using an e-commerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce. Research reliable dropshipping suppliers and wholesalers, such as AliExpress or SaleHoo, and partner with them to streamline your product sourcing and fulfillment.
Pet and Home Service Hustles
Pet Sitting
Earning Potential: €10-€20 per hour, plus tips
Difficulty: Low
Learning Curve: Low
Provide a valuable service to pet owners in your community by offering pet sitting or dog walking. Leverage your love for animals and build a network of clients through local veterinarians, social media, or online platforms like Rover. Earn extra income while caring for furry friends.
✅ Pros
- Ability to earn extra income while doing something you enjoy – caring for animals
- Flexibility to set your own schedule and work from the comfort of your own home
- Opportunity to build a network of loyal clients within your local pet-owning community
❌ Cons
- Potential liability and legal considerations, such as insurance and licensing requirements
- Dealing with the needs and behaviors of a variety of animals, which can be unpredictable
- Possibility of having to work evenings, weekends, or holidays to accommodate pet owners’ schedules
Tip to get started: Sign up with pet sitting platforms like Rover or Fetch to create a profile and list your services. Reach out to local veterinarians, community groups, and social media networks to build a client base of pet owners in your area. Emphasize your love for animals and any relevant experience or certifications you may have.
Home Cleaning
Earning Potential: €15-€30 per hour
Difficulty: Low
Learning Curve: Low
Leverage your cleaning and organisational skills to provide home cleaning or decluttering services to busy households. Help clients maintain a tidy, stress-free living environment while earning extra income.
✅ Pros
- Steady demand for cleaning services in residential areas
- Flexible schedule and ability to work around your availability
❌ Cons
- Physical demands of cleaning and potential for injury
- Challenges in finding and retaining clients in a competitive market
Tip to get started: Start by offering basic cleaning services to friends, family, and neighbors. Use platforms like Indeed, Gumtree, or FindaCleaner to find clients and expand your services. Invest in quality cleaning supplies, and offer additional services like deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, or window cleaning to increase your income.
Landscape Maintenance
Earning Potential: €15-€30 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Provide lawn care, gardening, or other outdoor maintenance services to homeowners and businesses in your local community. Utilize your green thumb and attention to detail to keep properties looking their best.
✅ Pros
- Opportunity to work outdoors and provide a valuable service
- Potential for steady work from residential and commercial clients
- Ability to set your own schedule and rates
❌ Cons
- Physical demands and manual labor involved in the work
- Need for specialized equipment, which can be costly
- Challenges in finding and retaining clients in a competitive market
Tip to get started: Start by offering lawn mowing, gardening, and other basic services to friends, family, and neighbors. Use platforms like Facebook groups, Gumtree, or Indeed to find clients and expand your services. Invest in quality equipment, and offer additional services like tree trimming, leaf removal, or snow removal to increase your income.
Contractor & Handyman Services
Earning Potential: €50-€150+ per hour
Difficulty: High
Learning Curve: High
€50-€150+ per hour Leverage your handyman expertise and project management skills to launch a lucrative side hustle as a general contractor in Ireland. Take on residential projects like bathroom refurbishments, wall painting, deck staining, and etc. Start solo then hire subcontractors, coordinating schedules, and ensuring high-quality work is delivered. Strong organisational abilities and industry connections are key to success in this field.
✅ Pros
- Ability to take on a variety of construction and renovation projects
- Opportunity to use your hands-on skills and expertise
- Potential to earn a good hourly rate for your services
❌ Cons
- Requires extensive knowledge of building codes, permits, and regulations
- Marketing your services and finding reliable subcontractors can be challenging
- Physical demands of the job, such as heavy lifting and working in various weather conditions
Tip to get started: Obtain the necessary licenses, permits, and insurance required for general contracting work in Ireland. Build a portfolio of past projects, assemble a reliable network of subcontractors, and market your services to homeowners, property managers, and small businesses in need of construction expertise.
Creative and Artistic Side Hustles
Performing Traditional Irish Music
Earning Potential: €50-€150+ per performance
Difficulty: High
Learning Curve: High
Share your musical talents by performing traditional Irish folk, ballads, or Celtic-inspired compositions at local pubs, events, or festivals. Your ability to captivate audiences with the rich sounds of Ireland can earn you supplemental income.
✅ Pros
- Potential to perform at various events, pubs, and festivals
- Ability to connect with like-minded individuals and grow your fan base
❌ Cons
- Irregular and unpredictable performance opportunities
- Challenges in monetizing your talent and building a sustainable income
Tip to get started: Connect with pubs, event organisers, and festival coordinators in your local area. Create a profile on platforms like GigSalad or Encore to showcase your talents and book gigs. Open up a tiktok and youtube channel and post regular videos clips showcasing your talent.
llustration Artist
Earning Potential: €25-€75 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Bring your artistic talents to life by providing illustration, animation, or motion graphics services. Leverage platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to showcase your portfolio and connect with clients in need of your creative skills.
✅ Pros
- Ability to express your artistic skills and creativity
- Potential for diverse projects across various industries
- Flexibility to work on your own schedule and terms
❌ Cons
- Difficulty in building and maintaining a consistent client base
- Potential for low pay rates, especially when starting out
- Need for continuous self-promotion and marketing efforts
Tip to get started: Develop a strong portfolio showcasing your illustration style and artwork across various mediums. Participate in online art communities, build an online presence, and market your services through platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or social media. Reach out to potential clients, such as publishers, businesses, or advertising agencies, that may require illustration work.
Artisanal Irish Crafts Maker
Earning Potential: €10-€100+ per item
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Showcase your artisanal skills by creating and selling traditional Irish crafts, such as Aran knitwear, Waterford crystal, or other heritage-inspired products. Leverage your creativity and the demand for unique, locally-sourced goods.
✅ Pros
- Opportunity to showcase your creativity and cultural heritage
- Potential for high profit margins on unique, handmade products
❌ Cons
- Challenges in finding and reaching your target market
- Significant time and effort required for production and marketing
Tip to get started: Sell your handmade products on e-commerce sites like Etsy, DaWanda, or your own online store. Participate in local artisan markets, craft fairs, or pop-up shops to reach customers in person. Explore wholesale opportunities by reaching out to gift shops, boutiques, or Irish specialty stores.
Selling Handmade Crafts on Etsy
Earning Potential: €10-€100+ per item
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Showcase your creativity and artisanal skills by selling handmade crafts on Etsy, a popular e-commerce platform. Whether you specialize in jewelry, home decor, clothing, or other unique items, you can earn premium prices from customers seeking one-of-a-kind, locally-sourced products.
✅ Pros
- Potential to earn premium prices for your unique, locally-sourced products
- Ability to monetize your creative talents and passion for crafting
❌ Cons
- Significant time and effort required to source materials, create the products, and manage inventory
- Potential challenges in accurately pricing your products to ensure profitability
Tip to get started: Set up a professional Etsy shop, photograph your products, and write compelling product descriptions. Optimise your listings for search engine visibility, offer excellent customer service, and consider hosting sales or promotions to drive traffic to your store. Explore opportunities to sell at local craft fairs or markets as well.
Unique and Niche Hustles
Sell Feet Pics
Earning Potential: €5 – €100 per picture
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Read Full Guide: Selling feet pics online
Capitalise on the growing demand for feet pictures by selling your own high-quality photographs online. Success in selling feet pics often requires continuous effort in marketing, engaging with potential buyers, and maintaining a high-quality, diverse portfolio of feet pictures
✅ Pros
- Low Startup Costs – To start selling feet pics, you only need a camera or smartphone, an internet connection, and an account on a platform like FeetFinder
- Selling feet pics allows you to work remotely and set your own schedule, providing flexibility and convenience
❌ Cons
- Risk of encountering scammers who may try to take advantage of or exploit feet pic sellers
- Selling feet pics may be viewed as a taboo or unconventional way to make money, which could lead to social stigma or judgment from others
Tip to get started: Familiarise yourself with the rules and guidelines of platforms like FeetFinder, FunwithFeet, and OnlyFans. Focus on taking and editing professional-looking feet pictures, and use effective marketing strategies to reach potential customers.
Playing GTA 5
Earning Potential: €30-€20000+ per month
Difficulty: High
Learning Curve: High
€50-€500+ per hour Channel your virtual entrepreneurial skills in the world of Grand Theft Auto 5 to generate substantial in-game income. Explore options like running lucrative criminal enterprises, investing in high-yield businesses, or even participating in competitive eSports tournaments centered around the game. However, be mindful that many of these money-making tactics within GTA 5 are intentionally designed to be challenging and time-consuming.
✅ Pros
- Enjoyment and entertainment value of playing a popular video game
- Potential to earn money by streaming your gameplay or creating content
❌ Cons
- Earning a significant income from playing GTA 5 is highly unlikely for most individuals
- Requires a significant time investment to build a following and generate revenue
- Potential for addiction and negative impacts on work-life balance
Tip to get started: Research the most profitable business ventures and investment opportunities available in GTA 5. Develop specialised skills, such as high-level heist planning or competitive PvP gameplay, to maximise your earning potential. Join online GTA 5 communities to learn from experienced players and stay up-to-date on the latest money-making strategies.
Playing Fortnite
Earning Potential: €100-€10,000+ per month
Difficulty: High
Learning Curve: High
Turn your gaming expertise and Fortnite skills into a profitable side hustle. Explore options like streaming on Twitch, creating YouTube content, offering coaching/training services, or even competing in tournaments. Building a dedicated following and monetising your passion for the game can result in substantial earnings.
✅ Pros
- Potential for high earnings through platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and competitive tournaments
- Opportunity to build a dedicated following and develop a personal brand
❌ Cons
- Requires an extensive time commitment to create high-quality content and cultivate a successful channel
- Potential for burnout and difficulty maintaining a consistent publishing schedule
Tip to get started: Set up accounts on Twitch and YouTube, create high-quality content, and engage with your audience. Research Fortnite coaching and training opportunities, as well as upcoming tournaments with cash prizes. Network with other Fortnite creators and pros to learn best practices.
Translation Services
Earning Potential: €20-€50 per hour
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Curve: Medium
Leverage your language skills to provide professional translation services for businesses, individuals, or organizations. Your expertise in cross-cultural communication can be a valuable asset for those in need of accurate and culturally-appropriate translations.
✅ Pros
- Opportunity to leverage your language skills and cultural knowledge
- Potential for higher earning potential based on language proficiency
- Flexibility to work remotely and on your own schedule
❌ Cons
- Need for exceptional accuracy and attention to detail
- Potential for tight deadlines and high-pressure work environments
Tip to get started: Specialise in a language pair, build a portfolio, and research in-demand services. Use platforms like Proz, Gengo, or Smartcat to connect with clients and manage projects. Continuously improve skills and stay updated with industry trends.
Ridesharing
Earning Potential: €10-€20 per hour, plus tips
Difficulty: Low
Learning Curve: Low
Put your driving skills to work and become a rideshare driver for platforms like Uber or Bolt. Enjoy the flexibility to work whenever it’s convenient for you, whether that’s during your daily commute or on the weekends, and supplement your income with tips from satisfied passengers.
✅ Pros
- Flexibility to work on your own schedule, fitting ridesharing around your other commitments
- Ability to earn extra income through hourly pay and tips from satisfied passengers
- Low barrier to entry, as most rideshare platforms have straightforward requirements
❌ Cons
- Potential wear and tear on your vehicle, increasing maintenance and fuel costs
- Exposure to the risks of driving, such as accidents or unruly passengers
Tip to get started: Sign up with popular rideshare platforms like Uber or Bolt. Ensure you meet the required qualifications, such as having a valid driver’s license, a properly insured vehicle, and a clean driving record. Research the busiest areas and peak hours in your local market to maximize your earnings potential.
