The digital landscape has completely changed how we think about work in Ireland. Whether you're hunting for a flexible side hustle to supplement your income, aiming to build a full-time online career, or simply want to monetise a hobby, the opportunities have never been more accessible. Forget generic advice that doesn't quite fit the Irish market; this guide is specifically tailored for you.
We're diving into seven practical and proven methods to earn money online in Ireland, cutting through the noise to give you a clear roadmap. Each entry is more than just a name; it’s a complete breakdown covering everything from estimated earnings and step-by-step setup instructions to navigating those all-important Irish tax considerations. This isn't just a simple list; it's an actionable playbook designed to help you start earning, fast.
We'll cover everything from freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr to selling goods on eBay.ie and DoneDeal.ie. We'll also explore unique platforms like Prolific for paid research and TELUS International for AI-related tasks. For those seeking more structured work, finding remote job opportunities specifically for Ireland has become significantly easier, offering stable income with the flexibility of working from anywhere.
This guide provides direct links, platform examples, and entrepreneurial insights to help you scale your efforts. Ready to find the right platform for your skills and financial goals? Let's get started.
1. Upwork
Upwork is the heavyweight champion of freelance marketplaces, connecting skilled professionals in Ireland with a vast global client base. Whether you're a writer, graphic designer, web developer, virtual assistant, or marketing guru, this platform offers a structured environment to find remote work, manage projects, and get paid securely. It’s an ideal starting point if you're looking to earn money online in Ireland by monetising your existing professional skills.
What makes Upwork stand out is its robust project management and payment protection system. Clients deposit funds into escrow for fixed-price jobs, guaranteeing you’ll be paid upon successful completion. For hourly contracts, the platform's time-tracking app logs your work and automatically bills the client, offering peace of mind for both parties.
Key Features & How It Works
Getting started involves creating a detailed profile that showcases your skills, experience, and portfolio. Once approved, you can browse a massive job board and submit proposals for projects that match your expertise.
- The "Connects" System: To apply for jobs, you use "Connects," which are digital tokens. You get some for free each month, but you'll likely need to purchase more (costing around $0.15 each). This system encourages freelancers to be selective and apply only for jobs they are genuinely qualified for.
- Payment & Fees: Upwork charges a sliding service fee based on your lifetime billings with a client, starting at 20% and reducing to 10% and then 5% as you earn more. For Irish users, withdrawing your earnings is straightforward, with options for direct bank transfer to an Irish account, PayPal, or Payoneer.
- Building Your Reputation: Positive client feedback is crucial. As you complete jobs successfully, you can earn badges like "Rising Talent" and "Top Rated," which significantly boost your profile's visibility and help you command higher rates.
Pros & Cons for Irish Freelancers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to a huge pool of international clients | The freelancer service fee can feel high, especially on smaller projects. |
| Strong payment protection and dispute resolution | The cost of "Connects" to bid on jobs can add up. |
| Flexible withdrawal options suitable for Irish bank accounts | Highly competitive; a strong profile and tailored proposals are essential. |
Pro Tip: Don't send generic, copy-pasted proposals. Address the client's specific needs mentioned in their job post, explain how your skills solve their problem, and attach relevant portfolio samples. Personalisation is the key to standing out from the crowd.
To maximise your potential earnings, explore detailed strategies on how to make money on Upwork that cover everything from profile optimisation to landing high-value clients.
Website: https://www.upwork.com
2. Fiverr
Fiverr flips the traditional freelance model on its head. Instead of bidding on projects, you package your services into predefined "Gigs" that clients can purchase directly. This approach makes it incredibly simple to monetise your skills, whether you're a logo designer, voice-over artist, SEO specialist, or even a creative writer. For anyone looking to earn money online in Ireland, Fiverr offers a streamlined, "product-like" way to sell your services to a global audience.
What makes Fiverr so appealing is its low barrier to entry and the sheer volume of buyer traffic. You essentially create a digital storefront for your skills, complete with tiered pricing, add-ons, and delivery times. This turns your service into an easy-to-understand product, removing the guesswork for buyers and the constant need to write custom proposals for you. The platform handles the entire transaction, from payment to delivery, providing a secure and organised environment.
Key Features & How It Works
Getting started on Fiverr is fast. You create a seller profile, then build your first "Gig" which describes the service you offer. A well-crafted Gig page with a clear description, good visuals, and smart pricing is your key to success.
- The Gig System: Each Gig is a specific service you offer, like "I will design a business logo." You can create multiple Gigs and offer them in Basic, Standard, and Premium packages with different features and prices. Buyers browse these Gigs and order what they need.
- Payment & Fees: Fiverr charges sellers a flat 20% commission on all earnings, including tips. Buyers also pay a service fee on their end (5.5% of the purchase amount, plus a small order fee on smaller totals). For Irish sellers, withdrawing funds is straightforward via PayPal, Payoneer, or direct bank transfer.
- Seller Levels: As you complete orders on time and maintain high ratings, you can progress through Seller Levels, from New Seller to Top-Rated Seller. Each level unlocks new benefits, such as a higher number of active Gigs and faster payment clearing times, increasing your visibility and earning potential.
Pros & Cons for Irish Sellers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast onboarding and easy to productise your services | The 20% commission on all earnings can feel steep. |
| Access to a huge pool of ready-to-buy clients | Building initial reviews and visibility can be a slow process. |
| Multiple withdrawal options suitable for Irish bank accounts | Highly competitive in popular categories, requiring a unique selling point. |
Pro Tip: Optimise your Gig titles and descriptions with keywords potential buyers are searching for. Use high-quality images or a video in your Gig gallery to showcase your work and personality. This greatly increases your click-through rate and makes your service stand out.
Treating your Fiverr profile like a small business requires a certain mindset; exploring the key characteristics of entrepreneurship can provide valuable insights into scaling your freelance career on the platform.
Website: https://www.fiverr.com
3. Prolific
Prolific offers a refreshing and ethical take on the world of online paid studies and surveys. Unlike many platforms that pay in points or gift cards, Prolific connects participants in Ireland directly with academic researchers and companies needing high-quality data, paying you in cash for your time. It’s an excellent way to earn money online in Ireland during your spare moments, contributing to interesting research while getting fair compensation.
What truly sets Prolific apart is its commitment to fair pay. The platform enforces a minimum hourly rate for all studies (currently £6.00 / €7.00 per hour), meaning you won't waste time on tasks that pay pennies. Researchers are encouraged to pay more, with the average reward often sitting higher. This focus on ethical rewards makes it a more reliable and respectful platform than typical survey sites.
Key Features & How It Works
Getting started involves creating a detailed profile and answering a series of "About You" questions. These questions are used to match you with studies for which you fit the demographic criteria, so being thorough and honest is key to receiving more opportunities.
- Fair Pay Standard: Prolific’s core principle is ensuring participants are paid fairly for their time. The platform automatically flags and prevents researchers from publishing underpaying studies, guaranteeing you a minimum hourly rate.
- Payment & Cash Out: Earnings are tracked in GBP and can be cashed out to a PayPal account once you reach the £5 minimum. For Irish users, this is a simple process, and PayPal handles the conversion to Euros. There are no confusing point systems or gift card limitations.
- Varied & Interesting Tasks: Studies on Prolific range from simple multiple-choice surveys to more engaging tasks like playing games, evaluating AI responses, or participating in academic experiments. This variety keeps the platform interesting.
Pros & Cons for Irish Participants
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Generally higher hourly pay rates compared to most survey websites. | A waitlist is common; you may have to wait to be accepted. |
| Direct cash payouts to PayPal (no points or gift cards). | The best studies get filled quickly, so you need to check regularly. |
| Contributes to genuine academic and scientific research. | Task availability can fluctuate based on your demographic profile. |
Pro Tip: Install the "Prolific Assistant" browser extension. It will notify you with a sound alert and a pop-up whenever a new study becomes available for you, giving you a crucial advantage in grabbing a spot before they fill up.
Website: https://www.prolific.com/participants
4. TELUS International AI Community
TELUS International AI Community offers a unique way to earn money online in Ireland by contributing to the development of artificial intelligence. This platform provides flexible, remote roles like search quality rating, ad evaluation, and data annotation. You're essentially helping to train and improve the algorithms that power major search engines and online services, all from the comfort of your home. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a steady side income without needing specific creative or technical skills.
What makes TELUS stand out is its focus on providing structured, part-time work that fits around your schedule. Unlike gig-based freelance sites, many roles here are ongoing contracts. Once you pass the qualification process for a project, you can often expect a consistent stream of tasks, making it a more predictable way to supplement your income.
Key Features & How It Works
The process begins by applying for a specific role through their jobs portal. Most positions require you to pass a series of online exams to test your understanding of complex project guidelines.
- Qualification Process: Be prepared for a comprehensive testing phase. This usually involves studying detailed manuals and then taking one or more exams. Success depends on your ability to interpret and apply these rules accurately and consistently.
- Types of Roles: Common roles for Irish contributors include "Personalised Internet Ads Assessor," where you evaluate the quality and relevance of online advertisements, and "Search Quality Rater," where you assess the accuracy of search engine results.
- Flexible Work: Most projects allow you to log in and work whenever you choose, provided you meet a minimum number of weekly hours (often 10-20). Payment is typically made on a monthly basis directly to your Irish bank account.
Pros & Cons for Irish Contributors
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-suited to side-income with highly flexible hours | The application and exam process can be lengthy and challenging. |
| Regular openings for Irish and English-speaking roles | User reviews cite slow support and inconsistent communications. |
| Provides a stable, ongoing source of part-time work | Pay rates can vary significantly between different projects. |
Pro Tip: When preparing for the qualification exams, create your own "cheat sheet" summarising the most important rules from the guidelines. The manuals can be over 150 pages long, so having key points handy is crucial for passing the tests.
To get started and see what opportunities are currently available in Ireland, you can browse their official contributor jobs portal.
Website: https://www.telusinternational.ai/cmp/contributor/jobs
5. eBay.ie
For decades, eBay has been the go-to online marketplace for clearing out clutter and turning unwanted items into cash. The Irish site, eBay.ie, continues this tradition, offering a massive platform for selling everything from vintage clothing and electronics to collectibles and handmade crafts. It's a fantastic way to earn money online in Ireland, whether you're a casual seller decluttering your home or a serious entrepreneur building an e-commerce business.
What makes eBay.ie a powerful tool is its sheer scale and the trust it has built with buyers globally. You're not just selling to your local community; you have access to an international audience eager for unique goods. The platform provides a structured environment with seller protections, marketing tools, and a comprehensive Seller Hub to manage your listings, sales, and customer communications all in one place.
Key Features & How It Works
Getting started is simple: create an account, take clear photos of your item, write a compelling description, and set your price. You can choose between a fixed-price "Buy It Now" format or the classic auction-style listing to potentially drive up the final sale price.
- Seller Fees: eBay's fee structure has several components. The main one is the final value fee, which is a percentage of the total sale price (including postage) and varies by category. Additionally, as of April 2024, a regulatory operating fee of 0.35% (plus VAT) applies to all sales on the Irish site.
- Seller Hub & Tools: This central dashboard gives you powerful insights into your sales performance, traffic, and customer behaviour. You can also access promotional tools like "Promoted Listings" to increase the visibility of your items for an additional fee.
- International Selling: For those with an eBay Shop subscription, selling internationally is streamlined. Irish sellers can get allowances for listing on various eBay sites across Europe and beyond, opening up significant new markets for your products.
Pros & Cons for Irish Sellers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to a huge domestic and international buyer audience | Fees can stack up (final value fee, regulatory fee, optional upgrades). |
| Strong resale demand for a wide variety of goods | Performance penalties (+6% fee) for "Below Standard" sellers can be harsh. |
| Clear, documented seller standards and payment protection | Competition is high, requiring well-optimised listings to stand out. |
Pro Tip: High-quality photography is non-negotiable. Use natural light, a neutral background, and take pictures from multiple angles. For clothing, show it on a mannequin or model if possible. The better your photos, the more trust you build and the higher the price you can command.
As e-commerce evolves, the role of automation and AI in managing listings and customer service is growing. You can explore a detailed analysis of how AI is shaping online jobs to stay ahead of the curve.
Website: https://www.ebay.ie
6. DoneDeal.ie
DoneDeal.ie is an Irish institution and the go-to online marketplace for selling second-hand goods locally. If you have unwanted items cluttering up your home, from electronics and furniture to sports equipment and musical instruments, this platform provides a direct way to turn that clutter into cash. It’s one of the most straightforward methods to earn money online in Ireland, connecting you with thousands of potential buyers in your local area.
What makes DoneDeal so effective is its hyper-local focus. Unlike global platforms, it’s designed specifically for the Irish market, making it incredibly simple to arrange quick, in-person transactions. The process is fast: you can photograph an item, write a description, and have an ad live in minutes, often attracting interest from buyers within hours.
Key Features & How It Works
Getting started is as simple as creating an account and placing an ad. You are responsible for managing the entire sales process, from responding to enquiries to arranging collection and payment.
- Ad Placement & Duration: Listing an item involves a small fee, which varies by category. Once live, your ad typically stays on the site for up to 72 days, giving it plenty of time to be seen. Some categories occasionally offer "Free Ad" promotions.
- Promotional Features: To increase visibility, you can pay for optional boosts like a "Bump" (which moves your ad back to the top of the listings) or a "Spotlight" (which features your ad in a premium position on the homepage).
- Direct Communication: Buyers contact you directly through the platform's messaging system or by phone if you choose to share your number. This allows for quick negotiation and arrangement of collection or delivery.
Pros & Cons for Irish Sellers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge, Ireland-focused audience ensures quick local interest | You must manage all buyer communication, vetting, and meet-ups yourself. |
| Straightforward listing process with low-cost promotional options | Shipping and payment are not integrated; you must arrange these yourself. |
| Long ad duration (up to 72 days) gives items more exposure | Ad placement fees and promotional boosts can vary by category and over time. |
Pro Tip: Good photos are everything on DoneDeal. Take clear, well-lit pictures of your item from multiple angles. Clean the item first and shoot it against a neutral background to make it look as appealing as possible. An honest, detailed description that highlights any flaws will also build trust with potential buyers.
For more ideas on what sells well, check out guides on what to sell to make money that can help you identify profitable items around your home.
Website: https://www.donedeal.ie
7. Etsy
For the creatively inclined, Etsy is the premier online marketplace to sell handmade goods, vintage items, and unique digital products. If you're a crafter, artist, or designer in Ireland, this platform provides a direct channel to a global audience actively seeking one-of-a-kind items. It’s a fantastic way to turn a passion project into a viable online business and earn money online in Ireland from your creative talents.
What makes Etsy so powerful is its established, niche-focused customer base. People don't just browse Etsy; they visit with the intent to buy something special and support independent creators. This built-in audience means you can spend less time finding customers and more time creating, making it an ideal platform for Irish sellers looking to reach international buyers without building a website from scratch.
Key Features & How It Works
Setting up your Etsy shop is a straightforward process. You'll create a shopfront, list your products with high-quality photos and descriptions, and set your prices. Etsy handles the payment processing, providing a seamless experience for both you and your customers.
- Listing & Selling Fees: Etsy's fee structure is layered. There's a listing fee of $0.20 USD for each item, a transaction fee of 6.5% of the total order amount (including postage), and a payment processing fee. For Irish sellers using Etsy Payments, this is 4% + €0.30 per order. VAT may also apply to these fees.
- Etsy Payments: This integrated system is mandatory for Irish shops and simplifies getting paid. It allows you to accept various payment methods, with funds deposited directly into your linked Irish bank account according to a schedule you set (daily, weekly, etc.).
- Marketing & SEO: Success on Etsy hinges on visibility. You need to optimise your product titles, tags, and descriptions with keywords that buyers are searching for. Etsy also offers optional marketing tools, like Etsy Ads and Offsite Ads, to boost your products' reach.
Pros & Cons for Irish Sellers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to a huge, built-in audience of eager buyers | The various fees (listing, transaction, payment) can stack up and eat into profits. |
| Clear, integrated payment system for Irish bank accounts | The marketplace is highly competitive, requiring strong branding and SEO to stand out. |
| Excellent for niche handmade, vintage, and digital products | Success is heavily dependent on high-quality product photography. |
| User-friendly shop setup and management tools | Etsy's Offsite Ads programme is mandatory for high-earning shops. |
Pro Tip: Don't underestimate the power of great product photography. Clear, well-lit, and attractive photos are the single most important factor in converting browsers into buyers. Invest time in learning basic photography or hire a professional if needed; it will pay for itself.
To get started, consider what unique products you could offer, from handmade jewellery and prints to digital planners and craft supplies.
Website: https://www.etsy.com
Earn Money Online in Ireland: 7-Platform Comparison
| Platform | 🔄 Implementation complexity | ⚡ Resource & setup | 📊 Expected outcomes | 💡 Ideal use cases | ⭐ Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | 🔄 Medium — profile, proposals, Connects system | ⚡ Moderate — portfolio, time for bids; platform fees | 📊 Variable — high earning potential with repeat clients | 💡 Long‑term freelance contracts, professional services | ⭐ Large demand, escrow/payment protection, flexible payouts |
| Fiverr | 🔄 Low — fast gig setup and templates | ⚡ Low‑Moderate — create tiered gigs, initial promotion; commission | 📊 Quick sales possible; visibility grows with reviews | 💡 Small fixed‑price services, productised creative work | ⭐ Easy onboarding, high buyer traffic, internal promotion tools |
| Prolific | 🔄 Low — simple signup, possible waitlist | ⚡ Low — minimal time per task; PayPal payouts | 📊 Modest supplemental income; typically higher survey rates | 💡 Short research/AI evaluation tasks, flexible participation | ⭐ Transparent pay guidance and ethical rewards |
| TELUS International AI Community | 🔄 Medium‑High — application, exams, qualifications | ⚡ Low‑Moderate — part‑time tasks; pay varies by project | 📊 Side income potential; depends on project availability | 💡 Search/ad ratings, data labelling, multilingual evaluators | ⭐ Flexible hours and regular openings in many locales |
| eBay.ie | 🔄 Medium — listing management, shipping and fees | ⚡ Moderate — inventory, postage logistics, stacked fees | 📊 Strong market reach; fees can reduce margins | 💡 Selling new or used goods domestically/internationally | ⭐ Huge buyer audience, seller tools, clear fee structure |
| DoneDeal.ie | 🔄 Low — simple classifieds listing process | ⚡ Low — local meetups or arrange shipping yourself | 📊 Quick local sales common; manual buyer management | 💡 Local second‑hand goods and quick turnovers | ⭐ Ireland‑focused audience, low cost with optional boosts |
| Etsy | 🔄 Medium — shop setup, SEO, product presentation | ⚡ Moderate — product creation, photos, listing & transaction fees | 📊 Niche audience reach; success tied to branding and SEO | 💡 Handmade, vintage and digital product sellers | ⭐ Built‑in niche marketplace, integrated payments for Ireland |
Choosing Your Path and Taking the First Step
We’ve journeyed through a landscape of powerful platforms, each offering a distinct route to help you earn money online in Ireland. From the professional freelancing arenas of Upwork and Fiverr to the quick-fire academic tasks on Prolific and the e-commerce powerhouses of eBay.ie, DoneDeal.ie, and Etsy, the digital toolkit available to you is both diverse and accessible. The sheer volume of options can feel overwhelming, but the goal isn't to master them all at once. The goal is to start.
The key takeaway is that your ideal path depends entirely on your personal circumstances: your skills, how much time you can commit, and what you ultimately want to achieve. There is no single "best" way to earn money online; there is only the best way for you.
How to Choose Your Starting Platform
Feeling a bit stuck on where to begin? Let's break it down. Think about your current situation and match it to a platform's strengths.
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If you have professional skills and want to build a portfolio (e.g., writing, graphic design, web development): Your best bet is Upwork or Fiverr. Upwork is fantastic for landing larger, ongoing projects, while Fiverr excels at packaging your skills into defined, easy-to-buy "gigs". Start by creating a killer profile on one of them, focusing on a niche you know well.
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If you have some spare time and want quick, low-commitment earnings: Prolific is your champion. You won't get rich, but it’s a reliable and interesting way to earn a few quid during a lunch break or while watching telly. It’s the perfect entry point if you want to dip your toes into the world of earning money online in Ireland without any major setup.
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If you have items to sell or a knack for finding bargains: Dive into the world of e-commerce. DoneDeal.ie is unbeatable for larger, local items like furniture or cars. For smaller goods, collectables, or anything you can post, eBay.ie gives you access to a massive market.
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If you are creative and want to build a brand around handmade or unique products: Etsy is your creative home. It's more than just a marketplace; it's a community built for artisans, crafters, and designers. Success here is about brand building and connecting with customers who appreciate unique, quality items.
Your Actionable Next Steps
Reading is one thing; doing is another. The most critical step is the one you take right now. Don’t fall into the trap of "analysis paralysis," where you spend weeks researching but never actually launch.
As an entrepreneur and investor, I, Scott Dylan, can tell you that momentum is everything. The most successful ventures I've seen didn't start with a perfect, 100-page business plan. They started with a single, decisive action, followed by another, and another. They learnt, adapted, and grew along the way. Your journey to earn money online in Ireland should be no different.
Here’s your challenge for this week:
- Pick ONE platform from this list that excites you the most.
- Commit 60 minutes to setting up your profile or creating your first listing. Don't aim for perfection; aim for completion.
- Remember the Irish context. Keep those Revenue guidelines in mind from the start. Track your earnings, even if they're small, and set aside a portion for tax. Good habits formed now will save you headaches later.
The digital economy in Ireland is thriving, and there has never been a better time to carve out your own space within it. Whether you're looking for a side hustle to supplement your income, a stepping stone to a new career, or a way to turn your passion into a business, the tools are at your fingertips. The only thing missing is your first move. So, go on, take that step. Your future self will thank you for it.
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