Considering going over there for the summer and was just wondering has anyone been there, what they thought of it, if anyone is from there do they know how easy it is to get jobs etc.

Thanks

Hi Clodagh,
You were so helpful when my daughter and I were planning our trip to All-Irelands last year, and now I can return the favor. I don't live in Newport, but about an hour away from it. My son went to uni in Newport for 4 years, and my daughter attends the same uni now.

My son works in Newport every summer, and will do so again this summer. He met a lot of Irish uni students who come over to work for the summer. I've just texted him asking what he knows about how this works, and I'll write more when I hear back. I do know that some of the students from Ireland that he met came over without jobs and found them when they got here. Newport draws a lot of tourists so there are always jobs in restaurants and bars, and probably in hotels too. My son and his friends rented a house for the summer. This is very common in Newport. I'd be glad to send you the contact info for the rental agent he used if it would be helpful. I love Newport, and go as often as I can. I'd be glad to answer any questions you have.

My son says the Irish uni students he's met working in Newport each summer come over on a special visa (he thinks it's called J20) which allows them to work legally. He says some of them arrange their housing before arrival, and others couch surf with those who have places while they look for their own place. Housing in Newport is expensive so mostly they rent houses or apartments (flats) with roommates. In addition to restaurants and bars, he's met Irish students working in the shops that cater to tourists and at Sail Newport www.sailnewport.org . . . .