[conorc]

Hello Everyone!

Can anyone please give me advice on gardening employment in Dublin? I'm currently working as a sports groundsman/gardener at a school in London and I have ambitions to move to Ireland, preferably Dublin within the next year or so.

I have a RHS General Cert in Horticulture, NVQ 2 in Sports Turf and PA1/PA6 spraying certs.

The main point I'd like to raise is whether Ireland has a buoyant horticulture industry with jobs available or would my chances be so slim in geting work that I'd be better off staying in London?

Are there any websites/agencies out there that specialise in horticultural jobs in Ireland?

Are the wages relatively low as in London?

Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

conorc[/b]

[GarethAustin]

Hi Conor.

Welcome to Irishgardeners.com

I take it you are familiar with Horticulture Weekly and the other trade magazines? - speaking from a garden centre angle business is good, employment opportunities within the sector are high, and there is a skill shortage in Ireland for suitable qualified people to work in retail horticulture.

With regards to the landscaping sector here in County Donegal (the far north west of Ireland) business is also good.

There is no specific employment site for our industry here, perhaps you could try www.fas.ie where you can list your skills and advertise yourself for free.

Are you looking to move to Ireland as a 'life change' or is it for economic reasons, as I would suggest that earnings in London would be higher than Dublin, but your living expenses in Dublin may be higher than London.....think abour Cork, Limerick or even Belfast.?

[conorc]

Hi Gareth!

Thanks for taking an interest and giving a reply. My reasons to live and work in Ireland are purely 'life changing' and 'life enhancing'.

I've lived in London all my life but I have a very close relationaship with Ireland. My mother comes from Co. Mayo and my father Co. Galway. I have dozens and dozens of family and friends in both those counties. I visit Westport in Co. Mayo at least three times a year, and I absolutely love the place!

I also have family in Dublin (moved across from Mayo to work) and that county also appeals to me. Also, as I've lived in London all my life, Dublin would have the obvious similarities of the city life eg. gigs, cinema, theatre, transport links etc. However, you are right about the cost of living in Dublin...house prices...need I say more?

Making a living in either Mayo or Galway would be very appealing as the quality of life would be greater but I'm not entirely convinced that the west of Ireland has a sustainable horticulture industry. Dublin has the finance and the bigger population therefore increased job prospects.

Thats my conundrum in a nutshell and I've given myself just over a year to work it out!

Thanks again.

Conor

[GarethAustin]

Hi Conor,

Since you've Mayo heart strings....

You should try Horkans Garden Centres in Turlough, Co Mayo. They are always looking for good qualified staff. Perhaps you could try there for say 6 months, see how you enjoy Ireland and this may open doors for you to other areas of the industry.

If your looking for life enhancing your definitely looking to settle on the Western seaboard of Ireland. Forget Dublin, they standard of living is much better when you come rural. GPI will agree about the joys of living in the 'Wesht'.

Horkans are by far one of the best and largest garden centres in Ireland, winning many awards. They have quality centres in Mayo, Sligo and Galway.....

Let me know is this interests you as I have contact names etc I can give you.

Cheers
Gareth

[conorc]

Hello again Gareth!

I will gladly take any names, numbers, addresses and any other information you may have for Horkans or any other garden centre in the west.

If it helps post to my email address:
conorcuddy(at)yahoo.co.uk
change the (at) for @

Thanks again.

Conor