Internship Opportunities

From welcoming customers in the heart of Donegal Town to stepping behind the scenes of one of Ireland’s most iconic heritage brands, an internship at Magee 1866 offers an exciting and varied introduction to the world of retail, craftsmanship and business. No two days are the same as interns gain hands-on experience across front-of-house customer service, visual merchandising, sales, stock management, warehouse operations and the day-to-day running of a busy flagship store. Students also enjoy a unique glimpse into the famous Donegal tweed production process, seeing first-hand how traditional weaving techniques and modern design combine to create luxury products exported around the world. Working alongside a friendly, welcoming Donegal team, this placement is ideal for students interested in fashion, retail, business or Irish culture who want to experience one of the county’s best-known success stories

Skills & Interests:

• Friendly, professional and customer-focused
• Interest in retail, fashion, business or entrepreneurship
• Organised, reliable and eager to learn
• Enjoys working as part of a busy team in a fast-paced environment

An internship at The Model offers students the opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes experience at one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres. Home to world-class exhibitions, The Niland Collection and a vibrant programme of workshops, talks and community events, The Model plays an important role in the cultural life of the northwest. Interns work alongside the gallery team supporting exhibition preparation, visitor engagement, public programmes and the day-to-day operation of a professional arts organisation. Depending on the season, students may also assist with exhibition installations, educational activities and special events, gaining valuable insight into how a contemporary gallery connects artists, audiences and the wider community. Ideal for students with an interest in the visual arts, museums, arts administration or cultural organisations, this placement offers an inspiring introduction to Ireland’s thriving creative sector.

Skills & Interests:

• Interest in visual arts, museums or contemporary culture
• Creative, curious and eager to learn
• Enjoys engaging with people in a welcoming public setting
• Organised, reliable and attentive to detail

Comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team

The Old Stone offers students the opportunity to experience the energy of one of Donegal Town’s most popular cafés while gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of hospitality roles. A favourite with both locals and visitors, The Old Stone is known for its welcoming atmosphere, quality food and coffee, and friendly service. Interns receive professional barista training and work alongside an experienced team across front-of-house service, food preparation and kitchen operations, developing practical skills in a fast-paced hospitality environment. Students also have the opportunity to work with colleagues from Ireland and across Europe, gaining experience within a diverse team while experiencing the rhythm of everyday life in a thriving Irish town. For anyone interested in hospitality, customer service or simply experiencing life behind the scenes of a successful independent café, The Old Stone provides an engaging and authentic introduction to the industry.

Skills & Interests:

• Friendly, outgoing and enjoys working with people
• Interest in coffee, food or hospitality
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn
• Enjoys working as part of a collaborative team

Comfortable in a busy, customer-focused environment

An internship at Donegal English Language School offers students the opportunity to work within a vibrant international community where English language learning is combined with outdoor adventure and authentic Irish cultural experiences. Throughout the year, students from around the world come to Donegal to improve their English through experiential activities such as surfing, hiking, horse riding and cultural excursions. Interns work alongside the school’s experienced team, supporting group activities, welcoming new arrivals, assisting with programme logistics and helping create a positive and engaging experience for international students. This placement offers valuable experience working with groups in a fast-paced, multicultural environment while providing an insight into international education, youth leadership and experiential learning. Ideal for students who enjoy the outdoors, meeting people from different cultures and being part of an energetic team, Donegal English Language School offers a unique opportunity to experience life at one of Ireland’s leading language and activity centres.

Skills & Interests:

• Friendly, outgoing and enjoys working with groups
• Interest in outdoor adventure, travel or experiential education
• Positive attitude with a willingness to take initiative
• Enjoys meeting people from different cultures
• Adaptable and comfortable in a busy, team-oriented environment

An internship at Image Framers in Sligo City offers students the opportunity to learn the craft of bespoke picture framing while gaining experience within a working fine art gallery. Home to Scenius Gallery, an artist-run exhibition space, Image Framers works with artists, photographers, collectors and members of the public to professionally present and preserve artwork. Interns receive hands-on training in mounting artwork, cutting mounts, assembling custom frames and using specialist framing equipment, developing practical craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the placement. Students also have the opportunity to assist with gallery exhibitions, installations and visitor engagement, gaining valuable insight into how exhibitions are curated and presented. Ideal for creative, hands-on students with an interest in art, design or making, this placement offers a unique opportunity to develop practical skills while becoming part of Sligo’s vibrant contemporary arts community.

Skills & Interests:

• Interest in art, design or creative craftsmanship
• Enjoys working with their hands and learning practical skills
• Patient, organised and attentive to detail
• Creative mindset with a willingness to learn
• Enjoys working as part of a small, collaborative team

An internship at Bundoran Community Centre offers students the opportunity to experience the heart of our town. As a busy community hub, the centre provides a wide range of programmes and services that support people of all ages through education, wellbeing initiatives, youth programmes, community events and social supports. Interns work alongside the centre’s dedicated team, assisting with front-of-house operations, welcoming visitors, supporting community groups and helping with the day-to-day delivery of activities and events. Students also have the opportunity to become involved in a variety of community initiatives, from environmental projects such as Bundoran Tidy Towns to youth programmes including Youthland Bundoran, gaining first-hand experience of how local organisations work together to strengthen and support their community. Ideal for students interested in community development, non-profit organisations, youth work or public service, this placement offers a unique insight into the positive impact that grassroots organisations can have in everyday life.

Skills & Interests:

• Friendly, approachable and enjoys working with people
• Interest in community development, youth work or non-profit organisations
• Positive attitude with a willingness to help others
• Adaptable and comfortable interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Organised, reliable and enjoys working as part of a supportive team

An internship at Tattie Hoaker Farm offers students the opportunity to experience life on a small organic community farm, working closely with the land while learning the principles of sustainable food production. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Benbulben Mountain just 10 minutes from Bundoran, the farm produces certified organic vegetables using environmentally responsible farming practices and supplies fresh produce to local markets, shops and restaurants. Interns work alongside the farm team in every stage of the growing season, from planting, weeding and harvesting to preparing produce for market and connecting with the local community through direct sales. This is a hands-on placement where students can expect muddy boots, rewarding work and a genuine appreciation for where food comes from. Ideal for students with an interest in sustainability, organic farming, environmental stewardship or simply working outdoors, Tattie Hoaker offers an authentic introduction to rural Irish life and the rhythms of a working farm.

Skills & Interests:

• Enjoys working outdoors, close to nature
• Interest in sustainability, organic farming or environmental stewardship
• Willing to roll up their sleeves and learn through hands-on experience
• Appreciates nature and working with the seasons
• Positive attitude and enjoys being part of a small, community-focused team

An internship at ZINC Media Agency offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of digital marketing, branding and creative communications. Working with a diverse range of businesses, events and organisations, ZINC helps clients tell their stories through social media, content creation, brand development and event marketing. Interns work alongside the creative team, supporting content creation, social media campaigns, marketing projects and day-to-day agency operations while gaining insight into how ideas are developed and brought to life for real clients. Every day brings something different, providing students with experience across multiple industries while developing an understanding of creative strategy, digital storytelling and modern marketing. Ideal for students with an interest in marketing, communications, design, media or entrepreneurship, this placement offers an engaging introduction to life inside a creative agency.

Skills & Interests:

• Interest in marketing, media, communications or creative industries
• Creative thinker with a willingness to learn
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Enjoys working collaboratively on a variety of projects
• Organised, adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced environment

An internship at the North West Hospice Charity Shop offers students the opportunity to become part of one of Sligo’s busiest and most welcoming community spaces. This is SO MUCH MORE than just a charity shop, it is a place where people from all walks of life come together—whether searching for a hidden treasure, donating a well-loved item or simply stopping in for a meaningful chat. Every purchase helps support the vital work of North West Hospice, giving interns the opportunity to contribute to a cause that makes a real difference in the local community.

Interns work alongside a diverse team of staff and volunteers, including young people from across Ireland, gaining hands-on experience in visual merchandising, stock management, pricing, window displays, customer service and retail operations. Every day brings new and unexpected donations, making the work varied, creative and engaging. For students who enjoy meeting people, working in a lively environment and being part of a close-knit community, this placement offers a unique blend of practical retail experience, creativity and meaningful human connection.

Skills & Interests:

• Friendly, outgoing and enjoys talking with people
• Interest in retail, merchandising or community organisations
• Creative eye for displays and presentation
• Organised and enjoys hands-on, varied work
• Positive attitude and enjoys working as part of a welcoming team

An internship at Barton Smith Sligo offers students the opportunity to work in one of Ireland’s oldest independent retailers, serving the outdoor community for more than 230 years. Specialising in fishing, hunting, camping and outdoor equipment, Barton Smith has built a reputation for quality products, expert advice and exceptional customer service, welcoming everyone from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to those just beginning their next adventure.

Interns work alongside the experienced retail team, gaining hands-on experience in customer service, stock management, merchandising, product displays and the day-to-day operation of a specialist outdoor retailer. Students also develop an understanding of the equipment, clothing and accessories that support outdoor pursuits while learning how knowledgeable service and strong relationships are at the heart of a successful independent business. Ideal for students with an interest in the outdoors, retail or entrepreneurship, this placement offers a unique opportunity to combine practical workplace experience with a passion for adventure and the natural world.

Skills & Interests:

• Interest in the outdoors, adventure or outdoor recreation
• Friendly, approachable and enjoys helping customers
• Organised and enjoys practical, hands-on work
• Willingness to learn about specialist products and equipment
• Positive attitude and enjoys working as part of a small team

An internship at MADE Craft Collective Sligo offers students the opportunity to work alongside professional artists and makers in one of Ireland’s leading artist-run craft collectives. Showcasing the work of talented local ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists, woodworkers and designers, MADE celebrates the very best of contemporary Irish craftsmanship while providing visitors with the opportunity to meet the makers behind the work.

Interns become part of the creative community, supporting the day-to-day operation of the gallery while working directly with artists across a variety of creative disciplines. Students with an interest in ceramics may also have the opportunity to develop practical studio skills, including preparing glazes, throwing pottery for retail stock, kiln loading and firing, and assisting with the production of handmade ceramics. Throughout the placement, interns gain valuable insight into life as a professional maker while experiencing the collaborative and supportive environment of a thriving creative collective. Ideal for students with an interest in ceramics, studio art, craft, design or making, this placement offers a unique opportunity to develop practical creative skills while becoming part of Sligo’s vibrant arts community.

Skills & Interests:

• Interest in ceramics, art, craft or design
• Enjoys working with their hands and learning practical skills
• Creative, curious and eager to learn from professional makers
• Patient, organised and attentive to detail
• Enjoys working as part of a collaborative creative community