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How to Break Into Tech in Ireland Without a Degree

How to Break Into Tech in Ireland Without a Degree

Think you need a four-year computer science degree to land a job in tech? Think again. More people in Ireland are getting into software, design, coding, and other tech roles without a degree—and they’re doing just fine.

If you can build stuff, solve problems, and keep learning, companies want you. Here’s how to get started and actually get hired.

Degrees Are Nice. Skills Are Better.

What Employers Really Want

Sure, some big companies still ask for degrees on job listings. But most hiring managers are just looking for people who can do the job. That means showing your skills in real ways, not just writing “team player” on your CV.

One Dublin-based hiring manager put it this way: “We’ve had grads with honours degrees who couldn’t write clean code, and self-taught devs who could ship working apps in a week.”

The tech world moves fast. Employers care more about what you can build than where you studied.

Stats Back It Up

According to Code Institute, 72% of their Irish graduates land tech jobs within a year, many without any previous tech experience or university degree.

Ireland’s tech sector is growing too. With more remote work and global hiring, the gap is widening between people who think they need a degree and those who are just applying anyway.

Learn What You Need to Learn (No Loans Required)

Pick a Path That Pays

You don’t need to master everything. Start with something focused like:

  • Frontend development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

  • Backend development (Python, Node.js, SQL)

  • UX/UI design (Figma, Adobe XD)

  • QA/testing

  • Product design

  • No-code tools (Webflow, Bubble, Shopify)

You can also mix technical and creative skills. A Cork-based freelancer we spoke to started by learning WordPress and Canva. Now she builds small business websites and earns more than she did at her old retail job.

Use Free and Low-Cost Resources

Don’t pay for expensive bootcamps straight away. Try free options first.

Good places to start:

  • freeCodeCamp

  • The Odin Project

  • Coursera (many are free with audit option)

  • Code Institute short courses

  • Irish Tech Community on Discord and Slack

YouTube is also packed with full crash courses. You can literally learn JavaScript basics in a weekend. Just block out the distractions and follow along.

Build Stuff That Works

Start Projects Immediately

It’s tempting to keep watching tutorials forever. But employers won’t care unless you’ve built something on your own.

Start small. Clone a simple website. Build a personal to-do app. Make a fake product landing page. Design an app interface. Anything you can show is better than nothing.

One Limerick-based junior dev told us, “I applied for 20 jobs. Got ignored. Built one working React app and updated my portfolio. Got three interviews in the next week.”

Share It Publicly

Post your projects on GitHub, Behance, or even your own website. Write about what you built and what you learned. It shows initiative and gives people something to Google when they look you up.

You’re building proof. Employers love proof.

Find a First Role That Isn’t Perfect

Apply Before You Feel Ready

If you wait until you “feel qualified,” you’ll never apply. Send the CV anyway. You can always learn on the job.

Some companies in Ireland offer apprenticeships or junior roles that don’t require a degree. Look for:

  • Junior developer roles

  • Support engineer jobs

  • QA or testing positions

  • Internships with flexible entry requirements

Smaller Irish startups often skip the formal stuff if you show potential. Reach out. Send your work. Ask to help with a small task or freelance job. That’s how most people get their foot in the door.

Be Honest, Not Timid

If you’re self-taught, say so. Mention the courses you took, the projects you built, and what you’re learning now. Most hiring managers respect hustle. They don’t expect perfection from someone starting out.

Just don’t pretend to be something you’re not. You don’t need to say you’re a senior engineer. Just show what you can do and what you’re learning next.

Get in the Room (Even If It’s Online)

Join Irish Tech Communities

You don’t need to live in Dublin to network. Join online groups, Slack channels, Reddit threads, or Discord servers with Irish tech workers.

Start with:

  • Irish Devs Slack

  • Code Institute Community

  • r/irishdev on Reddit

  • LinkedIn groups like Tech Careers Ireland

Ask questions. Share your wins. Comment on posts. It might feel awkward at first, but it works. Jobs often come from connections, not job boards.

Go to Local Events

If you’re near a city, look for meetups, hackathons, or tech nights. Even one short conversation can lead to an opportunity later. Bring your project, not just your CV.

One junior dev told us he got his first contract after showing a recruiter his phone and saying, “I built this yesterday.”

Watch Your Online Footprint

Clean Up Your Google Results

If someone searches your name, what do they see?

Make sure your LinkedIn is updated. Create a simple portfolio. Use your real name on GitHub or Behance. You don’t need to be famous—just visible.

And if your teenage blog or questionable Facebook posts are still ranking? Maybe untag a few things. You’re applying for jobs, not writing a Netflix crime doc. No employer wants to find out you’ve been trying to remove your online criminal record from page one of Google.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a degree to work in tech in Ireland. You need proof. Projects, persistence, and a little bit of hustle.

Start small. Learn fast. Share your work. Say yes to stuff even if you’re scared.

The tech world doesn’t care where you started. It cares what you can build. So go build something.



Top things to do in Gdansk

Top things to do in Gdansk

I just got back from a trip to Gdansk, Poland visiting the city and also the currounding area in Sopot plus a day trip to the town of Słupsk. In this post I outline some of the features of our trip plus some of the Top things which we saw during this time in Gdansk. So please find below the Top 10 things to see in Gdansk Poland. If you have been and want to comment please feel free below to add your comments.

Top 10 Things to See in Gdańsk, Poland

If you’re heading to northern Poland, Gdańsk is a must-visit city – it is a lot smaller than I throught it would be (perhaps I was thinking it was going to be really large, but it is very walkable). Gdansk is located along the Baltic Sea, this historic gem offers a mix of charming streets, maritime vibes, and stories from centuries past. Here’s a quick list of the top 10 things you shouldn’t miss when exploring Gdańsk.

  1. Long Market (Długi Targ) – This colorful, lively street is the heart of the city. Lined with gorgeous buildings and cafes, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. We found a lot of great restaurants in this area but there is a ton of Pizza and Italian restaurants, which goes in the face of Polish authentic food. But we did find 2 great restaurants which I would really recommend. Restaurant Domininska which is at Garbary 2/4 just off the long market and Pan Papuga which is on Dluga 81/83. Both are amazing and I will write a review of both in the coming days.


  2. Neptune’s Fountain – Right in Long Market, this iconic statue of the Roman god of the sea is a favorite photo spot and a symbol of the city’s maritime roots. You can’t miss this fountain and it will be a great backdrop for a photo of our trip.

  3. St. Mary’s Church – One of the largest brick churches in the world! You can Climb to the top for an incredible view over the old town but we didn’t do this we took the other viewing point in the museum.

  4. The Crane (Żuraw) – This massive medieval port crane once helped load ships in Gdańsk’s busy harbor. Now it’s a cool reminder of the city’s seafaring history. The M3 crane is now a viewing opportunity.

  5. European Solidarity Centre – A modern museum that tells the powerful story of the Solidarity movement and how it helped end communism in Eastern Europe.

  6. Westerplatte – The site where World War II began. It’s a short trip from the city center and an important piece of history. I briefly visted but I’m not a person who likes war memorials or war museums so I just had a walk by.

  7. Amber Museum – Gdańsk is known as the “capital of amber,” and this museum showcases its beauty and how it’s been used for centuries. Thanks to my friend Owen he gave me a piece of Amber which he found on the beach – so I have a very special piece now.

  8. Mariacka Street – A picturesque, cobblestone street full of amber shops and charming old houses. This place is great to see near sunset as the light really hits the street with great beauty.

  9. Oliwa Park and Cathedral – A peaceful escape with beautiful gardens and a cathedral famous for its massive organ concerts.

  10. Motława River Promenade – Grab a drink, watch the boats, and enjoy the laid-back waterfront vibe.

Gdańsk mixes history, beauty, and culture effortlessly – and these spots are just the beginning. I am adding one more thing to see ….

11. Sopot – This is about a 20 minure train ride from Gdansk. There is a lot to see there including a great promenade, boat trips, a lovely beach, the museum of illusions, lots of cafes, great walking trails and much more. We did a 15km walk on the day we visited here so if you like walking you will enjoy Sopot.

I will add more to this review in the coming days.

Flying business class without draining your savings: 6 actionable tips

Flying business class without draining your savings: 6 actionable tips

Ever dreamed of soaring through the skies in business class? If so, you’re definitely not the only one! After all, all of the exclusive perks and the gourmet dining make it the epitome of luxury, and let’s be honest – everyone would enjoy such an indulging experience.   But for many, this remains just a dream because they think flying business class is only for affluent travelers and CEOs. However, that’s not really the truth. Luckily, it is possible to reward yourself with an opulent business class experience even if you are on a tight budget – but to do that, it’s essential to learn the secrets to uncovering such deals. Read on to learn more about it!

Buy tickets early on

Do you know the saying: “The early bird catches the worm”? This couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to buying business-class tickets. Timing truly is everything, so if you want to get a great deal, make sure not to leave this for the last minute. In fact, the ideal time to begin your search is four months before the departure date: booking past this time, you risk finding prices that are too high because airlines know there’s nothing you can do but pay for the flight on offer. 

Of course, there are exceptions to this, such as when you must fly on peak dates, like when going home to meet your family for the holidays. In such instances, one option is to get the fares available when flights open for booking, which generally happens 330-360 days before the departure date. Or you can find an airline that provides business class tickets with an auction upgrade. This essentially means that a minimum and maximum price is set for the seat and the highest bid is the one to win. 

Book your flight in shoulder season

In general, destinations have shoulder seasons, which are between the high and low travel seasons. More specifically, spring and autumn are the cheapest months to travel compared to peak months, so we recommend doing your research and seeing what’s available. 

Some destination examples to consider include Morocco and Egypt (the best months to visit them are January and February), Japan, Thailand, and Australia (it’s best to visit them in May or June), as well as the UK, Hawaii, Western Europe, and Ireland (March and April are the best months for traveling to these places). One thing is certain: no airline likes empty seats, so do your homework to find sales at specific times of the year and benefit from a discount on your business class flight. The best times of the year for such promotions are after Christmas (December 26th- the end of January) and from late August to September. 

Take advantage of credit card rewards and points 

One of the best hacks when it comes to flying business class cheap is to leverage credit card points. This works because credit card points enable you to accumulate miles through frequent spending, and therefore, it’s possible to convert them into business class airfare that’s either free or discounted. 

Just think about it: you’ll spend the money anyway, so why not earn miles at the same time? To get started, make sure to apply for the right credit card and loyalty program. It’s really important to choose a credit card that meets your unique needs, so don’t just listen to recommendations before considering your own situation. Another important thing to remember is to learn award program rules, as this will save you a lot of hassle. Some programs can make it really challenging to book your dream vacation, and only a few of them enable you to book round-trip tickets and enable different stopovers, so really take the time to do your research and familiarize yourself with the award booking rules.

Check fare errors or last-minute deals

Fare errors and last-minute deals can truly be a goldmine if you’re looking for discounted business-class seats. So, keep an eye on booking platforms, business class airline websites, and Google Flights, as this can help you stay informed about unexpected price drops or error fares. 

But remember: if you find a deal that meets both your itinerary and budget, don’t hesitate to take advantage of it. Other people just like you monitor these sites, so it’s unlikely that these deals will last long. Be flexible and decisive, so you can grab those cheap business class tickets before someone else does. 

Consider alternative destinations and an extra stop 

Flexibility goes a long way when it comes to saving money for business class flights. So, when you begin doing your research, ask yourself if you can travel to other places that can give you a similar experience to what you’ve planned. For instance, a weekend break in Brussels can be just as enjoyable as a weekend in London; however, it isn’t as popular so there’s a great chance that you will find cheaper tickets. 

If you’re dreaming of a beach holiday, consider less obvious destinations, such as Vietnam. Avoiding popular hubs is always a good idea if you want to secure cheap business-class tickets, and this is especially true if you’re traveling during the school holidays. You can further reduce your fare by adding a stop; for instance, flying from Frankfurt to New York may be cheaper to fly business class on British Airways compared to Lufthansa. 

Opt for unsociable flight times

Many passengers opt for overnight flights when flying long distances. Daytime flights are often considered less attractive, which is why they are priced lower. If you want to enjoy a business class experience with great food and entertainment at your fingertips, it’s a good idea to take advantage of these flights. 

Some of the cheapest fares you will find are early morning flights – more specifically, around 6 am. So, if you can make an effort to rise early and arrive at the check-in, you stand a bigger chance of securing a reduced ticket. The best possible deals unfold during unsociable hours, so if you don’t mind heading to the airport in the dead of night, you’re definitely covered. 

The bottom line

If you want to fly business class, the good news is that you can do so without breaking the bank. The secret is to plan in advance, do your homework and be flexible as much as you can. 



Travel Disruptions and How to Stay Flexible on the Road

Travel Disruptions and How to Stay Flexible on the Road

A road trip brings freedom, the open highway, your favorite music, and the chance to explore at your own pace. However, even the best-planned journeys don’t always go as expected. Flat tires, road closures, weather delays, and unexpected accidents can change your itinerary in seconds.  Travel disruptions are part of the experience, and adjusting your mindset makes a big difference when things don’t go according to plan. In this article, we will look at some travel disruptions you can face and how you can stay flexible.

When Plans Hit a Roadblock

Suppose you’re driving on the road, but the traffic ahead seems to slow down. You turn down the music, glance at our watch, and wonder what’s causing the hold-up. Eventually, you see flashing lights in the distance. Two vehicles have collided, creating a bottleneck just a few miles from your exit. You’re not involved in the accident, but the delay is now part of your journey.

There are also chances that this may happen to you, and someone might hit your car. In such a scenario, the best thing to do is to get local legal support. Consider the example of a seven-car crash in Colorado Springs. There was heavy traffic at the North Carefree and Powers intersection.

A police patrol car was sent to clear the traffic when another vehicle came and hit it. According to KRDO 13, this triggered a seven-car crash, but no one was severely injured. If you are involved in such a situation, you can contact a car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs. An attorney will have the right knowledge of local rules and regulations and will be best suited to help you.

According to Springs Law Group, attorneys can help you determine if you have a potential case or not. If you have a case, you can take legal recourse to seek compensation from the driver at fault. Attorneys can calculate damages and negotiate on your behalf to get a fair settlement amount.

Rethinking the Schedule

When a delay pushes back your arrival time, your carefully planned day may need to be restructured. It’s tempting to rush through your stops to stay on schedule. However, there’s value in stepping back and adjusting your plans instead of squeezing them tighter. Skipping one destination could give you the time and mental space to enjoy another fully.

By loosening your timeline, you open yourself up to a more relaxed experience. You might spend extra time walking through a local park or enjoy an unrushed lunch at a place you discover on the spot.

Those moments of slowing down can shift your focus from checking boxes to being present. Instead of watching the clock, you’re paying attention to the experience in front of you.

As stated in a Condé Nast Traveler article, being open to spontaneity is a golden rule of road tripping. If you plan with room to adjust, you won’t feel like everything is falling apart when one piece changes. And that sense of ease can make your trip more enjoyable, even when things don’t go as you imagined.

Detours with a Silver Lining

Not every wrong turn is a setback. Sometimes, a missed exit or an unplanned route leads you somewhere more interesting than your original stop. You might end up on a quiet road that winds through a scenic area you hadn’t researched. Maybe there’s a trailhead you hadn’t planned on exploring, or a lookout point that isn’t marked on your map.

Being open to these detours is part of staying flexible. When you let go of the idea that every part of your trip has to be perfect, you permit yourself to find more joy. This flexibility lets you embrace moments you didn’t plan, and they can create some of the best memories. This can be a conversation with a local, a quiet roadside view, or an off-the-map attraction that becomes your favorite stop.

You’re also likely to feel less frustrated when things go off track. Instead of focusing on what you missed, you can focus on what you found. That shift in mindset turns minor mishaps into new chapters in your travel story.

There are many detour destinations you can intentionally plan to visit to enjoy the quiet and calm. For instance, if traveling to Madrid, you can detour to Segovia and Toledo. Both these places are well known for their castles and cultures. Similarly, when going to Zion National Park, you can go to Capitol Reef National Park. Detouring to Rouen, when going to France, and Bath, when going to London, are all examples of classic detour destinations.

Shifting Perspective

Disruptions can test your patience, but they also offer opportunities to see your trip differently. When something delays your progress, it forces you to pause. And in that pause, you might notice things you would have missed while rushing from one stop to the next.

If rain cancels your hike, you may explore a nearby bookstore or visit a museum instead. If traffic reroutes you through a different part of town, you could discover a new restaurant or a quiet spot with an unexpected view. These moments show the value of letting the road set its rhythm.

Responding calmly and staying present helps keep your trip enjoyable, even when the details don’t match your original plans. The more you can shift your thinking from “this ruined the schedule” to “this changed the direction,” the more rewarding the experience becomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack to prepare for unexpected travel disruptions?

It’s helpful to keep a few essentials in your vehicle to make a delay more manageable. These include bottled water, snacks, a phone charger, a basic first-aid kit, and a paper map in case your GPS loses signal. Having these on hand can reduce stress and keep you comfortable if you’re stuck in traffic or must wait out bad weather.

How can I keep kids entertained during unexpected delays?

Keeping children occupied during travel disruptions can make the experience easier for everyone. Consider packing travel-friendly games, audiobooks, or downloading movies in advance. Activity books, simple puzzles, or even encouraging kids to help choose the next stop can help them stay engaged. Breaks where they can stretch or move around also help release built-up energy.

What to do if my car breaks down in a remote area?

Safety should be your first priority if your vehicle breaks down in a location with poor cell service or limited traffic. Stay with your car if it’s safe, turn on your hazard lights, and use reflective markers or flares if you have them. If you cannot call for help, note your location as clearly as possible before leaving to find assistance. Let someone know your plans before you leave the vehicle.

Every road trip has its share of unexpected turns. Some are small, like roadwork or missed turns, while others feel more significant. But when you stay flexible, these moments don’t have to ruin your plans. Instead, they can reshape your journey into something more memorable.

Let your itinerary guide you, but don’t let it control you. Make room for change. Leave space in your day to stop when something catches your interest or when the unexpected asks you to pause. The road is unpredictable, but that’s also what makes it exciting. The best part of your trip might not be where you planned to visit, but the place you found by chance.

Expat Insurance Broker: Coverage for Your Global Lifestyle

Expat Insurance Broker: Coverage for Your Global Lifestyle

Living abroad presents unique challenges for individuals seeking reliable protection. An expat insurance broker specializes in navigating the complex world of international coverage, ensuring individuals and families remain safeguarded wherever their global lifestyle takes them.

Global lifestyle insurance represents more than a simple policy. It delivers comprehensive protection tailored to the specific risks faced by professionals working and traveling internationally. Experienced brokers understand the nuanced requirements of expatriate communities, providing strategic solutions that traditional insurance plans often overlook.

The right international coverage goes beyond standard health and property protection. Expatriates need robust insurance frameworks that adapt to different legal systems, healthcare networks, and regional risks. Professional expat insurance brokers bridge these critical gaps, offering personalized strategies that protect assets and provide peace of mind.

Selecting an expert who understands international insurance landscapes can make a significant difference. These specialists offer customized guidance, helping clients secure comprehensive protection that matches their unique global mobility needs.

Understanding Global Health Coverage Through an Expat Insurance Broker

Navigating international healthcare can be challenging for expatriates seeking comprehensive medical protection. Expat insurance brokers specialize in connecting individuals with tailored global health coverage that meets unique international needs.

Types of International Health Plans

Expatriate healthcare offers diverse options to protect individuals living and working abroad. The most common international health plans include:

  • Comprehensive global coverage with worldwide medical protection
  • Region-specific plans targeting specific geographic areas
  • Short-term travel medical insurance for temporary assignments
  • Emergency medical evacuation packages
Expat Insurance Broker- Coverage for Your Global Lifestyle 2

Navigating Complex Healthcare Systems

Professional insurance brokers help clients understand intricate global healthcare landscapes. They provide critical support by explaining provider networks, simplifying claim processes, and ensuring seamless medical access across different countries.

Customized Coverage for Expatriate Needs

Experienced brokers develop personalized international health plans by considering individual factors such as:

  1. Family composition and dependents
  2. Age and health status
  3. Pre-existing medical conditions
  4. Specific destination healthcare requirements

By working closely with clients, expat insurance brokers ensure comprehensive global health coverage that provides peace of mind and robust medical protection for international lifestyles.

Key Benefits of Working with International Insurance Specialists

Navigating the complex world of global insurance can be challenging for expatriates. International insurance specialists offer invaluable support by leveraging their global insurance expertise to simplify the insurance process. These professionals understand the unique challenges faced by individuals living and working across different countries.

Expat insurance benefits extend far beyond simple coverage selection. International insurance specialists provide comprehensive support through:

  • Personalized insurance plan comparisons
  • Tailored recommendations based on individual needs
  • Negotiation of competitive rates
  • Ongoing policy management

The real value of working with global insurance experts lies in their deep understanding of international healthcare systems. They track changing regulations, understand local healthcare nuances, and help clients secure the most appropriate coverage. This expertise saves expatriates significant time and potential financial risks associated with inadequate insurance protection.

Clients gain access to a network of trusted providers and receive critical support during claims processes. International insurance specialists act as advocates, ensuring smooth communication between healthcare providers, insurance companies, and expatriate clients across different countries and legal jurisdictions.

By partnering with experienced international insurance specialists, expatriates can focus on their global adventures while enjoying comprehensive, reliable insurance coverage tailored to their unique lifestyle and needs.

Protecting Your Assets Across Borders: Property and Liability Coverage

Navigating international property insurance requires specialized expertise that expat insurance brokers uniquely provide. When living abroad, individuals face complex challenges protecting their personal and professional assets across different legal jurisdictions. Global liability coverage becomes crucial for expatriates who want comprehensive protection in unfamiliar environments.

Cross-border asset protection involves understanding local insurance regulations and securing appropriate coverage for homes, vehicles, and personal belongings. Experienced brokers help clients identify potential risks specific to their international locations. They evaluate country-specific insurance requirements and recommend tailored solutions that address unique expatriate needs.

Professional liability insurance represents another critical aspect of international asset management. Expats working in professional fields such as consulting, technology, or healthcare need robust indemnity protection that transcends national boundaries. A knowledgeable insurance broker can structure policies that safeguard personal and professional investments while ensuring compliance with international legal standards.

Strategic insurance planning empowers expatriates to live confidently across different countries. By partnering with specialized brokers who understand global insurance landscapes, individuals can create comprehensive protection strategies that adapt to changing international environments and personal circumstances.