Volunteering After 60: Where to Start in Ireland

Retirement opens up time that work used to fill, and many people find that the most satisfying way to use it is by contributing to something beyond themselves. Volunteering in Ireland after 60 is more accessible than it has ever been, with organisations actively recruiting older volunteers and a national network of local volunteer centres to help you find the right fit. 2026 is also International Volunteer Year, making it a particularly good moment to get started. 💚

This guide introduces the main organisations and routes into volunteering in Ireland for people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond.

1. Why volunteering works well at this stage

The benefits of volunteering are well documented, but they tend to be especially pronounced for people who have recently retired or are navigating a change in daily routine. Regular volunteering provides structure, social contact, a sense of purpose, and the opportunity to put decades of experience to use.

Many organisations in Ireland specifically value older volunteers for exactly these reasons. The skills, patience, and life experience that come with age are well suited to roles that involve supporting other people.

You do not need any particular qualifications to volunteer. Most organisations provide training, and many roles can be done part-time, from home, or fitted around other commitments.

2. Volunteer Ireland: the national starting point

Volunteer Ireland is the national volunteer development organisation and the best first port of call if you are not sure where to start.

Their online database at i-vol.ie lists volunteering opportunities across Ireland, searchable by location and type of role. You can filter by what suits your availability and interests, whether that is a few hours a week locally or something you can do from home.

Volunteer Ireland also runs a network of local Volunteer Centres in every county. These centres can provide one-to-one guidance, help you identify roles that match your skills, and support you through the process of applying and getting started.

Simple action: Visit i-vol.ie and search for opportunities in your area. If you would prefer to speak to someone, contact your local Volunteer Centre through volunteer.ie/your-local-volunteer-centre or call Volunteer Ireland on (01) 636 9446.

3. ALONE: supporting older people through volunteers

ALONE is one of Ireland's leading organisations working with older people, and it relies on more than 3,000 volunteers to deliver its services. If you want to make a direct and personal difference to someone who is isolated or struggling, ALONE is worth considering.

Volunteer roles include:

Support and befriending: Regular visits or phone calls to an older person who may have little other social contact. The relationship is structured and supported, with training provided.

Support Volunteer Officers: A more involved role working alongside ALONE's staff to coordinate and deliver support for older people in the community.

All roles involve training, ongoing support from ALONE's team, and Garda vetting where required.

Simple action: Find out more and apply at alone.ie/volunteer or call ALONE's national support line on 0818 222 024.

4. Third Age Ireland: volunteering run by and for older adults

Third Age Ireland is a national voluntary organisation built around the idea that people in later life have a great deal to offer, and that meaningful roles should be designed with that in mind.

Their main volunteering programmes include:

Seniorline: A confidential listening and support service for older people, staffed entirely by trained older volunteers. It is open every day of the year from 10am to 10pm, offering a friendly, non-judgmental ear to anyone who needs it.

Fáilte Isteach: A community project where older volunteers run conversational English classes for people who have recently arrived in Ireland. The classes are informal and social, and the programme has been running across the country for many years.

AgeWell: A community-based care model supporting older people to live safely and independently in their own homes, with volunteers playing a key role in check-ins and practical support.

Simple action: Visit thirdageireland.ie/get-involved to see current volunteering opportunities and find out how to apply.

5. Active Retirement Ireland: local groups and social connection

Active Retirement Ireland is a national network of local associations for retired people. While it is not purely a volunteering organisation, many of its members volunteer within their local associations and communities as part of their involvement.

Local active retirement associations run social activities, outings, educational events, and interest groups. Being involved in a group like this can also be a stepping stone to other volunteering, since members often hear about local opportunities through the network.

Simple action: Find your nearest active retirement association through activeretirement.ie or contact your local community centre.

6. Garda vetting and getting started

Many volunteering roles in Ireland that involve working with older people or other vulnerable groups require Garda vetting. This is a background check arranged by the organisation, not the volunteer. It is free, and the organisation will guide you through the process when you apply.

If you are new to volunteering, the most straightforward approach is to contact Volunteer Ireland or your local Volunteer Centre, who can advise you on the process and help match you with suitable roles.

There is no pressure to commit to more than you can manage. Many people start with a small, regular commitment and build from there once they find what they enjoy. 💛

For more on staying active and connected in Ireland, see our guide to free activities for over-60s across Ireland. If you are based in the UK and looking for volunteering options there, our guide to volunteering after 60 in the UK covers the main organisations and routes in. For readers in the Netherlands, the Dutch version of this guide covers how it works there. Browse more Una guides for practical help with life after 60.