Ireland is one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe. Every year, thousands of restaurants, hotels, cafes, and bars open across the country. These places need many kitchen assistants and dishwashers to keep their kitchens clean, organized, and working smoothly.
For Africans and people from other developing countries, kitchen assistant and dishwasher jobs offer an easy way to move abroad, find work, and start earning without needing high education or professional experience.
In this guide, I will explain what the job involves, how much you can earn, visa options, where to apply, and tips to succeed.
What is the Work Like?
Kitchen assistants and dishwashers are very important people in every restaurant and hotel kitchen. Their main job is to support the chefs and keep the kitchen clean and organized.
As a kitchen assistant, you will do tasks like:
- Preparing basic ingredients (cutting vegetables, washing fruits)
- Organizing kitchen tools and equipment
- Cleaning the kitchen area
- Assisting chefs with simple cooking tasks (e.g., peeling potatoes, mixing sauces)
- Restocking ingredients
As a dishwasher, your tasks will include:
- Washing dishes, glasses, and utensils
- Cleaning cooking pots, pans, and baking equipment
- Keeping the dishwashing area clean and organized
- Helping remove trash and recycling
- Supporting kitchen cleaning before and after service
It is physical work but simple.
No technical skills are required.
You will receive short training when you start.
Why Ireland Needs Kitchen Assistants and Dishwashers
The hospitality and tourism sector in Ireland is very strong.
Millions of tourists visit Ireland every year, and the local population also loves to eat out.
However, many Irish people prefer office jobs or professional careers. Fewer people are interested in working as kitchen assistants or dishwashers. That’s why hotels, restaurants, and catering companies look for hardworking foreigners to fill these important roles.
Ireland welcomes international workers and issues many work permits every year for hospitality jobs.
How Much Can You Earn?
Here is a general idea of the pay:
- Minimum Wage in Ireland (2024) is about €12.70 per hour.
- Many restaurants and hotels pay between €13 to €15 per hour for kitchen assistants and dishwashers.
- Full-time (40 hours per week), you can earn around €2,000 to €2,400 per month (before taxes).
- Some places offer free meals during shifts and overtime pay.
- In big cities like Dublin, pay can be slightly higher but living costs are also higher.
You can save a good amount if you live outside the main cities.
Requirements to Work as a Kitchen Assistant or Dishwasher
The basic requirements are simple:
- Age: Must be 18 years or older
- Physical Fitness: Able to stand, walk, lift light items for several hours
- Basic English: To understand simple instructions from chefs and managers
- Experience: No experience needed (but experience helps you get better jobs)
- Work Visa: You must have a visa that allows you to work in Ireland
Some employers may prefer workers with:
- Good hygiene practices
- Willingness to work weekends and public holidays
Flexibility is important because restaurants are busiest on weekends.
Visa Options for Foreigners
If you are from outside the EU (like from Africa, Asia, Latin America), you need a work visa to legally work in Ireland.
Here are the options:
1. General Employment Permit
- This permit allows foreign nationals to work in many sectors, including hospitality.
- Valid for 2 years and renewable.
- You must have a job offer from an Irish employer.
2. Critical Skills Employment Permit (Not for this job)
- Only for highly skilled jobs like IT, engineering, medical.
Kitchen assistant and dishwasher roles use General Employment Permit, not Critical Skills.
3. Working Holiday Authorization (for young people from specific countries)
- Some countries like South Africa have agreements with Ireland.
- If eligible, you can work temporary jobs, including kitchen assistant jobs.
How to Apply for Kitchen Assistant and Dishwasher Jobs in Ireland
1. Online Job Websites
Best places to find jobs:
- Indeed Ireland (ie.indeed.com)
- Jobs.ie (jobs.ie)
- IrishJobs.ie (irishjobs.ie)
- Glassdoor Ireland (glassdoor.ie)
Search for:
- “Kitchen Assistant jobs Ireland”
- “Dishwasher jobs Dublin”
- “Hospitality jobs Ireland”
Some employers offer visa sponsorship.
2. Recruitment Agencies
Hospitality-focused agencies:
- Action Recruitment
- Excel Recruitment
- Noel Group
You can register online and they match you with hotels, restaurants, and catering companies.
3. Apply Directly to Hotels and Restaurants
Big hotels and restaurant groups often hire directly:
- Radisson Blu Hotels
- Clayton Hotels
- Hilton Hotels Ireland
- Supermac’s (fast-food chain)
- The Doyle Collection Hotels
Visit their websites and apply under the “Careers” or “Jobs” section.
Documents You Will Need
- Valid Passport
- Updated CV/Resume (mention any cleaning or kitchen-related experience)
- Job Offer Letter (for visa processing)
- Visa Application Documents
- Medical Insurance (required for visa approval)
- Police Clearance Certificate (showing good behavior)
Tips for Success
- Be Punctual: Always arrive on time.
- Work Cleanly: Hygiene is very important in kitchens.
- Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to the chefs and supervisors.
- Be Flexible: Be ready to work weekends, holidays, or evening shifts.
- Stay Positive: Even when the work is hard, keep a positive attitude.
Employers love reliable workers, if you prove yourself, you can get promotions quickly (to Kitchen Porter, then Supervisor).
Pros and Cons of Kitchen Assistant/Dishwasher Jobs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to get started (no experience needed) | Physically tiring |
| Steady income | Can be stressful during busy times |
| Meals often provided free | Work includes weekends and public holidays |
| Opportunity to grow in hospitality industry | Standing long hours |
Conclusion
Kitchen assistant and dishwasher jobs in Ireland are an excellent opportunity for people who want a simple, honest way to work abroad.
You don’t need a university degree.
You don’t need to be rich.
All you need is willingness to work hard, stay clean, and follow instructions.
Ireland needs workers like you. If you prepare properly, apply widely, and stay determined, you can find a good job, earn decent money, and even build a long-term future abroad.
Your first job in Ireland may be washing dishes, but your future can be much bigger!
