Young Americans think that picking up work as a bartender while traveling in Ireland may provide a good way to make money, meet locals and develop a more familiar relationship in the city in which they live and work. While some of these things may be true, actually finding legal work in a bar in Dublin may be more difficult than imagined. Although Dublin has numerous pubs, any open jobs, as of 2010 are likely to go to Ireland's unemployed citizens currently experiencing a 14 percent unemployment rate, according to the Associated Press.

Think about whether you are suited for work as a bartender. Bar tending involves long, often late hours and can be physically strenuous as you must be on your feet for the entire shift. Developed people skills and understanding how to calmly and courteously deal with intoxicated people behaving aggressively towards you or patrons become critical requirements for bartenders.

Gain as much bar tending experience before traveling to Ireland. As of 2010, according to the Associated Press, Ireland's unemployment rate sits at a sixteen year high of nearly fourteen percent. Build an impressive resume to compete with Irish people looking for jobs in their own country. Develop experience in a specific field of bar tending, such as nightclub bar tending, in which learning how to mix a number of cocktails and working fast become critical when serving many customers in as short a period as possible.

Consider attending a bar tending school. At a bar tending school, develop professionally by learning how various whiskey drinks are made and what the differences are between different types of liquors. Learn how to taste different types of alcohol and describe them accurately to customers, as well as how to pair drinks with food. Some bar tending schools also have job placement services that afford connections in the hospitality field to help find work.

Prepare a professional resume. Make the resume look neat and highlight people skills. Include all bar tending experience, certificates or licenses for bar tending as well as several references with contact information.

Contact bars in Dublin and talk to the managers to find out what they look for in bartenders. Let managers know why you think you would be a good match to their bar and describe specifically what appealed to you about their bar. Leave your resume with each manager; call or email later to thank them for their time. If managers are not currently hiring, check back with them in three month's time to see if any positions have opened.

Get an Irish work permit once you've obtained a job. Work permits are required before you can begin your job in Ireland--and Ireland regulations require a job before a permit is issued. In order to get a permit, you must earn a minimum of thirty thousand euros per year and agree to stay with the same employer for one year. This means finding an employer who is willing to hire you full time.