Potato Picking & Grading Jobs in Ireland For Foreigners

Imagine funding your Irish adventure while working in the lush, green fields of County Wexford, Ireland’s potato heartland. For backpackers and seasonal workers, potato picking isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to earn a solid income of €22.03 per hour, plus a 15% evening shift allowance, while immersing yourself in Ireland’s rich agricultural traditions.

Whether you’re extending your Working Holiday Visa or seeking a fresh start abroad, these roles offer more than just a paycheck; they offer a genuine Irish experience.

Details of Potato Picking & Grading Jobs in Ireland For Foreigners

Key Points

• Country: Ireland
• Location: Kilmore, County Wexford
• Employer: Kilmore Potatoes Ltd
• Industry: Agriculture / Farm Work
• Job Titles: Potato Harvest Worker / Potato Picker / Potato Grader
• Job Type: Part-Time / Rotating Shift Basis
• Experience Required: None
• Education Required: Basic (not mandatory)
• Visa Sponsorship: Varies by employer
• Eligible Visas: Working Holiday (2nd / 3rd year), Seasonal Work Visa, Student Visa, Permanent Resident
• Accommodation: May be provided
• Expected Salary: €22.03 per hour + 15% PM loading
• Season: Available most of the year, except during extreme weather

Why Potato Picking Jobs Are Ideal for Foreigners

Ireland’s agricultural sector depends significantly on seasonal and migrant labor. As the most extensively cultivated crop in the country, potatoes have harvests staggered across different seasons, creating a consistent demand for foreign workers.

These jobs are physically intensive but require no formal qualifications, making them a perfect fit for:

• Working Holiday Visa holders needing income and relevant job experience.
• Backpackers seeking flexible, short-term work contracts.
• Students or unskilled workers interested in entering Europe’s agricultural job market.

Requirements for Potato Picking & Grading Workers

While no prior experience is necessary, applicants must meet basic criteria:

• Physical Fitness: Ability to lift and carry bags weighing 2–20 kg.
• Work Endurance: Capable of prolonged standing, bending, and climbing.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work rotating shifts and overtime.
• Teamwork: Cooperative attitude for group work.
• Transport: Must arrange own transport to/from the farm (no nearby public transit).
• Accommodation: Some employers offer on-site housing; others do not.
• Experience: Previous farm or warehouse work is beneficial but not required.
• Visa: Must hold a valid working holiday, seasonal, or student visa.

Job Responsibilities

Daily tasks as a potato picker or Grader may include:

• Harvesting potatoes by hand.
• Inspecting potatoes for defects, rot, or damage.
• Grading potatoes by size and quality.
• Cleaning, sorting, and packing potatoes into 2–20 kg bags.
• Removing rocks, weeds, and debris from fields.
• Preparing packaging and maintaining stock records.
• Loading and stacking packaged potatoes carefully.
• Upholding cleanliness and safety standards.
• Occasionally assisting with tractor operation or transport to storage.

Training is provided on-site, so new workers learn techniques directly during harvest operations.

Benefits of Potato Picking & Grading Jobs

• Competitive Pay: €22.03 per hour + 15% evening shift allowance.
• Leave Entitlements: Paid leave and rest breaks as per Irish law.
• Year-Round Employment: Staggered harvests of different varieties provide near-continuous work.
• Flexible Shifts: Typically a three-week rotating roster (AM and PM shifts).
• Easy Entry: No formal education or prior experience required.
• Visa Opportunity: Suitable for Working Holiday Visa extensions (2nd and 3rd year).
• Open to All Nationalities: Applicants from Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond are welcome.

About Potato Harvesting in Wexford County

Wexford County is Ireland’s primary potato-growing region, renowned for key varieties:

• British Queen: Yellow-white skin, distinct flavor; ideal for roasting, frying, mashing. Peak season: July–August.
• Kerrs Pink: Traditional “Irish potato” with pink skin and floury flesh. Peak season: September–June.

This extended harvest window ensures potato picking jobs are available almost year-round in southern Ireland.

Related: Canadian Companies Offering Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Skills You’ll Gain

• Agricultural harvesting and grading expertise.
• Machine operation and farm safety awareness.
• Packing, logistics, and quality-control abilities.
• Time management and teamwork in a multicultural setting.

How to Apply for Potato Picking Jobs in Ireland

To apply for potato picking or grading jobs in Ireland with potential visa sponsorship:

1. Visit the official job listing via the provided link.
2. Read the full job description carefully.
3. Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements.
4. Prepare a CV and cover letter tailored to farm work.
5. Submit your application through the employer’s website or email.
6. Await confirmation or interview details from Kilmore Potatoes Ltd or another hiring farm.

Tips for Job Search

You can also find similar roles by using these keywords on portals like Indeed, EURES, or IrishJobs.ie:

• “Farm Jobs in Ireland with Visa Sponsorship”
• “Potato Picking Jobs for Foreigners Ireland”
• “Agricultural Jobs in Wexford for Working Holiday Visa”
• “Vegetable Grading Jobs in Ireland 2026”

Conclusion:

Potato picking and grading jobs in Ireland represent more than seasonal employment they are a gateway to living and working in one of Europe’s most welcoming countries. With competitive pay, flexible shifts, and opportunities for visa holders, these roles provide a practical and rewarding path for foreigners looking to support their travels, gain agricultural experience, or even extend their stay in Ireland. If you’re ready for hands-on work in the scenic Irish countryside, 2026 could be your year to harvest both potatoes and unforgettable memories.

Frequently Asked Questions