Inside the Hospitality and Culinary Working Holiday Programme

On a busy evening service in Cork, Miranda plates her first dish for a full dining room. Just month’s earlier, she was studying Baking and Pastry at Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Now, she is working in one of Ireland’s leading hotels, learning the pace, precision and pride of a new food culture.

She is one of a growing group of young chefs and hospitality students who have come to Ireland through a unique US-Ireland programme, gaining hands on experience while immersing themselves in Ireland’s evolving culinary scene.

Ireland’s culinary story

Ireland’s culinary story is one of people and pride. From the wild Atlantic coastline to fertile farms, the island’s agricultural richness has long shaped a food culture rooted in quality, seasonality, and craft.

In recent years, that tradition has evolved into a dynamic, globally recognised food scene with artisan producers, innovative chefs, and a new generation of hospitality talent are redefining what Irish food can be. For those starting out, it offers something rare: the chance to learn in kitchens that value both craft and creativity.

Hospitality and Culinary Working Holiday Authorisation

The Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) hospitality and culinary programme opens that door. Through a reciprocal agreement between Ireland and the US, it allows students to live and work in Ireland, gaining real world experience in some of the country’s leading hotels and kitchens.

Delivered in partnership with Cork County Council and the Irish Hotels Federation, the programme connects participants with employers across Ireland, providing not just work experience both front and back of house, but a chance to be part of a vibrant culinary culture grounded in heritage and driven by innovation.

Experience beyond work

For participants, the experience goes far beyond work. It’s about adapting to a new culture, building confidence in high pressure environments, and finding a sense of belonging in a place far from home.

In this video, three participants share what it’s really like to live and work in Ireland, from their experience in Irish kitchens to the friendships and skills they’ve gained along the way.

Since 2023 the WHA Culinary-Hospitality Programme has successfully placed students in leading Irish hotels in County Cork, with demand continuing to grow as more young people look for international, hands-on experience.

Find out more about the programme and how you can apply on our guidance page.