Wanted: Musicians , jugglers, magicians etc – to work as Buskers – for yourself in any Irish town .
Hours to suit you – day or evening work available. Part-time or full time.
Self employed – usually paid in cash. You sort out your own tax affairs!
It is not illegal in Ireland to busk – but if you draw a big crowd the Garda (Police) might move you on for blocking the highway or causing a disturbance. Your biggest problem might be yobs annoying you or even trying to rob you,
Begging is not even against the law in Ireland (The law was changed in 2007 to make it legal) – but even if begging was against the law – buskers would usually be seen as “providing a service” and therefore not begging.
Some busking experience would be useful – but not needed.
Outgoing characters would be best – and you will need to possess your own instrument .
Are Permits Required for Busking in Ireland ?
DUBLIN : In Dublin if you want to busk you will need a Street Performance Permit (€30 per year) or a 2 week €10 visitor permit (€10) . If you want to use amplification it will require a €60 per year extra permit or an extra €20 for a 2-week visitor permit. You can apply here
GALWAY – no permits are required but Street Performance is only permitted between the hours of 9 AM and 10 PM during winter months (Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb.March); and between the hours of 9 AM and 11 PM during spring/summer/autumn months (April, May, June, July, August, Sept. and Oct.
In Galway – a busker’s code of behaviour has been agreed which sets a maximum time of 2 hours each.
CORK – Since May 2024 you have to apply for a street performers permit to busk in Cork City . A short term permit (3 months) is €10. (€20 if amplified)
A full year permit (non amplified) is €30 a year. (€60 if amplified)
Times are restricted to between 10 am and 10pm
Full byelaws here
Busking Pay – varies from 1 euro an hour to maybe as much as 100 euro an hour or maybe more !. It depends on where you are and how good you are and what you are doing or singing. Tourist towns are best – Dublin, Galway, Cork, Dingle, Killarney, Sligo, Clifden, Kenmare, Waterford, Dungarvan, Sligo, Donegal, Clonakilty etc
Be careful that your takings don’t get robbed though – keep taking out cash and put it somewhere safe. (That’s if you get any) .