Rí Ra Irish Pubs

Clogs0

I was just wondering if many people are going to America this time with Ri Ra and what destinations are people choosing???
Also anyone who has been previously, could you give any feedback please?

silja

There's some info in an older thread here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056541855

cena

What is Ri ra irish pubs. Do they get you work visas

Number8

I hope to be going this year... Had my interview last week. It's really tough to find anything out at all but there are bits here and there on google from other people that are over there or have been.
I think most people apply for Vegas... Thinking about Atlantic City or Arlington myself. Where are you thinkin about goin?

Dj Stiggie

I accepted the visa application letter today and sent it back to them. I'm hoping to get Georgetown or Arlington myself. If I don't get either of them I'm going to think long and hard about still going.

Cena, RiRa are a chain of Irish pubs. They sponsor one year J1 visas and recruit in Ireland.

Number8

Dj Stiggie wrote: »

I accepted the visa application letter today and sent it back to them. I'm hoping to get Georgetown or Arlington myself. If I don't get either of them I'm going to think long and hard about still going.

Cena, RiRa are a chain of Irish pubs. They sponsor one year J1 visas and recruit in Ireland.

Just out of curiosity why only those two locations?

Clogs0

Im really not sure what destinations I'll be putting down yet. Think I'll rule Las Vegas out as I think that's where most people will be choosing. North Carolina is supposed to be beautiful. The new bar thats opening in Washington sounds pretty appealing too as everyone will be starting off at the same time and in the interview they said they would be recruiting 8/9 Irish people for that pub. I'm really not sure yet though! Would love feedback from someone who has already done it! :-)

Clogs0

Number8 wrote: »

I hope to be going this year... Had my interview last week

They emailed everyone back yesterday. Mine went into my junk mail just if u want to check there!

thecatspjs

I worked in RíRá in Louisville, Kentucky. It was an amazing experience and I would definitely go back again. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned it.

Clogs0

thecatspjs wrote: »

I worked in RíRá in Louisville, Kentucky. It was an amazing experience and I would definitely go back again. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned it.

How was Kentucky?? Whats the weather like??? How was the accommodation??? Was it easy to get to work from where u lived??? Were there many Irish people working in the same pub as you that travelled at the same time???

Sorry about all the questions just eager to know stuff about all the destinations to help make up my mind!!!

dobman88

I never heard of this until now but working in America is something I have wanted to do for a while now. The only thing stopping me was the cost. I have worked in bars, restaurants and hotels for 7 years so experience isn't a problem. Im just wondering do they provide accom also or is it up to yourself to find it and also what is the pay like. I am working full-time at the mo but I have been told if I wanted a year out, my job would be there when I got back so this is an opportunity I would love to have a go at.

Any info appreciated.

thecatspjs

Clogs0 wrote: »

How was Kentucky?? Whats the weather like??? How was the accommodation??? Was it easy to get to work from where u lived??? Were there many Irish people working in the same pub as you that travelled at the same time???

Sorry about all the questions just eager to know stuff about all the destinations to help make up my mind!!!

Louisville is a really cool place, off the beaten track for most european visitors. It's hot there in the summers, and humid but certainly manageable! I went over with my GF and the manager helped us to find accomm in an apartment block 2 mins from work which was soooo handy. There was two other Irish guys working there at the time, one of whom married a local. It's right in the middle of the downtown area and there is plenty of things to do to keep ya occupied on your days off. We only went for the summer (which they don't normally do, but we got lucky) so I'm not sure what it's like in the winter. AFAIK it can be quite cold and business is slower so much of the waitstaff take a second job.

If you have any questions ask away! Happy to tell you about it!

Number8

Clogs0 wrote: »

They emailed everyone back yesterday. Mine went into my junk mail just if u want to check there!

Got it and replied... Their reply then says to wait till 30th for the next step. I tend to agree with the posts above... From what they said in Dublin most go for Vegas... So I think I'll stick to Washington myself and hope for the best!

Aprilmay

Clogs0 wrote: »

Im really not sure what destinations I'll be putting down yet. Think I'll rule Las Vegas out as I think that's where most people will be choosing. North Carolina is supposed to be beautiful. The new bar thats opening in Washington sounds pretty appealing too as everyone will be starting off at the same time and in the interview they said they would be recruiting 8/9 Irish people for that pub. I'm really not sure yet though! Would love feedback from someone who has already done it! :-)

Yes we have a RiRa in Charlotte NC. Charlotte is a great town if anyone was considering applying. I'd say all the bigger cities get the most applications so its probably better to try one of the less known cities!

Clogs0

Aprilmay wrote: »

Yes we have a RiRa in Charlotte NC. Charlotte is a great town if anyone was considering applying. I'd say all the bigger cities get the most applications so its probably better to try one of the less known cities!

It's definitely going to be in my top 3 anyway!!! Could you give me more info on what Charlotte is like??? Weather wise and is the pub a busy location???

Clogs0

thecatspjs wrote: »

Louisville is a really cool place, off the beaten track for most european visitors. It's hot there in the summers, and humid but certainly manageable! I went over with my GF and the manager helped us to find accomm in an apartment block 2 mins from work which was soooo handy. There was two other Irish guys working there at the time, one of whom married a local. It's right in the middle of the downtown area and there is plenty of things to do to keep ya occupied on your days off. We only went for the summer (which they don't normally do, but we got lucky) so I'm not sure what it's like in the winter. AFAIK it can be quite cold and business is slower so much of the waitstaff take a second job.

If you have any questions ask away! Happy to tell you about it!

Thanks a million for your reply. Do you know if you can take on a second job when over with Rira or is there something that would forbid this??? It going quiet in the winter would be my only reservation about choosing it. Be afraid I wouldn't make enough money as its going to be near Winter when I'm starting!

Aprilmay

Clogs0 wrote: »

It's definitely going to be in my top 3 anyway!!! Could you give me more info on what Charlotte is like??? Weather wise and is the pub a busy location???

Yes it's in what we call Uptown, Charlotte is a banking district and its in a busy location there is actually a couple of other Irish pubs in the city, Connolly's on 5th is just around the corner from RiRa's and all the gang from both pubs get on. The weather is great! Its the south so its HOT! We've an Irish society and there's a GAA club. Loads of Irish here.

Clogs0

dobman88 wrote: »

I never heard of this until now but working in America is something I have wanted to do for a while now. The only thing stopping me was the cost. I have worked in bars, restaurants and hotels for 7 years so experience isn't a problem. Im just wondering do they provide accom also or is it up to yourself to find it and also what is the pay like. I am working full-time at the mo but I have been told if I wanted a year out, my job would be there when I got back so this is an opportunity I would love to have a go at.

Any info appreciated.

Its a company that has pubs all over America in like 12 different locations and they come to Ireland about 3 times a yearto recruit. Instead of having the cost of flights and visa and health insurance up front they pay it and all you have to give us a deposit of 500 and you pay the rest from your wages weekly when you get over there.
It does be advertised on jobs.ie you should keep an eye out for it!!!

Clogs0

Aprilmay wrote: »

Yes it's in what we call Uptown, Charlotte is a banking district and its in a busy location there is actually a couple of other Irish pubs in the city, Connolly's on 5th is just around the corner from RiRa's and all the gang from both pubs get on. The weather is great! Its the south so its HOT! We've an Irish society and there's a GAA club. Loads of Irish here.

Oooohhhh it's sounding more and more like my #1!!!
Do you know what accommodation is like over there??? Is it difficult to get and is it expensive???

MusicalMarie

Clogs0 wrote: »

How was Kentucky?? Whats the weather like??? How was the accommodation??? Was it easy to get to work from where u lived??? Were there many Irish people working in the same pub as you that travelled at the same time???

Sorry about all the questions just eager to know stuff about all the destinations to help make up my mind!!!

I am planning to head over later this year Accepted the offer yesterday!

I have been asking loads of people who have been to America or have family/friends over there and haven't actually heard anything about Louisville, but I really want to head somewhere that is different and not the norm...

cena

petty there isn't one in new York. Is this only those that finished college etc and is it only for the year?

MusicalMarie

cena wrote: »

petty there isn't one in new York. Is this only those that finished college etc and is it only for the year?

Having one in New York would be great! I really want to see NY!

I have just finished college and, yeah, I think it is mostly graduates who go for the year. They never mentioned if there was a chance to stay on after the initial J1 visa is up...would be great if we could tho! Not like there are any jobs over here to come back to!:rolleyes:

thecatspjs

Clogs0 wrote: »

Thanks a million for your reply. Do you know if you can take on a second job when over with Rira or is there something that would forbid this??? It going quiet in the winter would be my only reservation about choosing it. Be afraid I wouldn't make enough money as its going to be near Winter when I'm starting!

Not entirely sure about any difficulties that may arise finding additional work; as I didn't have to do it. I was just told that it can be slow in the winter but if you are interested in going there I would definitely ask (as I could be mistaken!). I'm sure they wouldn't take you on if there was no work to do or money to be made.

The good thing about RíRá is that most of them aren't in typical holiday locations so wherever you end up, you will have a unique experience at the very least :cool:

Clogs0

cena wrote: »

petty there isn't one in new York. Is this only those that finished college etc and is it only for the year?

You need to have a qualification in the hospitality trade or have I think 4/5 years experience in the hospitality trade. I'm pretty sure you have to be over 21 too

Clogs0

MusicalMarie wrote: »

I am planning to head over later this year Accepted the offer yesterday!

I have been asking loads of people who have been to America or have family/friends over there and haven't actually heard anything about Louisville, but I really want to head somewhere that is different and not the norm...

What other destinations are you considering??? I'm really not sure yet but Charlotte I think would be an amazing experience!!!
I'm also looking at Washington as a possible option!!!! Its all so crazy can't believe it's actually happening!

MusicalMarie

Does anyone know anything about the pub in Bethesda or Evansville??

Clogs0

MusicalMarie wrote: »

Does anyone know anything about the pub in Bethesda or Evansville??

I'm pretty sure the pub in Bethesda is closing down in September. Think I remember seeing something on the website about it!!!

MusicalMarie

Clogs0 wrote: »

What other destinations are you considering??? I'm really not sure yet but Charlotte I think would be an amazing experience!!!
I'm also looking at Washington as a possible option!!!! Its all so crazy can't believe it's actually happening!

Em...have been think really hard about it the past day or so and have been thinking about Atlantic City, Charlotte, Evansville and Louisville...

Washington would be cool...but it will he expensive for accomm because it Georgetown (student area)!

I know! I can't believe I'm actually doing this!!!

cena

Clogs0 wrote: »

You need to have a qualification in the hospitality trade or have I think 4/5 years experience in the hospitality trade. I'm pretty sure you have to be over 21 too

I have 5 years working in a night club and 3 years as a supervisor

Clogs0

MusicalMarie wrote: »

Washington would be cool...but it will he expensive for accomm because it Georgetown (student area)!

Yeah that's true never thought of that! And I can't see students being great tippers either!!!! I know I wasn't :L

I wonder how many Irish people are going over this time!!!

Clogs0

cena wrote: »

I have 5 years working in a night club and 3 years as a supervisor

I found the advert on Jobs.ie! They said in the interview that they recruit 3 times a year so u should keep an eye on it!

MusicalMarie

Clogs0 wrote: »

Yeah that's true never thought of that! And I can't see students being great tippers either!!!! I know I wasn't :L

I wonder how many Irish people are going over this time!!!

Yeah that's exactly what I was thinking too!!

I think they said in the interview that they recruit 60/70 people...so I'm sure there'll be a few of us!

cena

Clogs0 wrote: »

I found the advert on Jobs.ie! They said in the interview that they recruit 3 times a year so u should keep an eye on it!

They would need to open one in new York before I apply. Have family in brooklyn

Aprilmay

Clogs0 wrote: »

Oooohhhh it's sounding more and more like my #1!!!
Do you know what accommodation is like over there??? Is it difficult to get and is it expensive???

I'm not sure about apartments etc in the city, I live in the suburbs but there is the Lynx which is the equivalent of the Luas line. You could have a choice of places along it. Prices are more expensive near the good school districts so since you are younger and not looking to send kids to school you can avoid those places because rentals are more expensive in those areas.

sharw22

silja wrote: »

There's some info in an older thread here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056541855

Hi all I am thinking of applying for rira job I was just wondering would i be eligible to apply I have a business degree but no experience in the hospitality sector only in the retail sector?and also what west coast locations are there?thanks

sharw22

Clogs0 wrote: »

I was just wondering if many people are going to America this time with Ri Ra and what destinations are people choosing???
Also anyone who has been previously, could you give any feedback please?

Hi all I am thinking of applying for rira job I was just wondering would i be eligible to apply I have a business degree but no experience in the hospitality sector only in the retail sector?and also what west coast locations are there?thanks

dave2pvd

sharw22 wrote: »

Hi all I am thinking of applying for rira job I was just wondering would i be eligible to apply I have a business degree but no experience in the hospitality sector only in the retail sector?and also what west coast locations are there?thanks

Perhaps you could look at their website?

dobman88

I applied for this a few weeks ago, I have an interview on the 3rd of October. Anyone else have an interview or has anyone else done the interview and worked for them already.

Any feedback for the noobs going for the job??

mmaniac

Hey everybody. I'm currently working for Ri ra in Atlantic city. Great company to work for and the people here are cool. Georgetown sounds like a great place to start cause there will be so many people starting together. But it's expensive. They normally set you up for first week or so with accommodation and help you find something more permanent. I got lucky and replaced a j1er. Vegas is a 3 year waiting list they told us. Any questions I can help with I will try my best to answer.

dobman88

mmaniac wrote: »

Hey everybody. I'm currently working for Ri ra in Atlantic city. Great company to work for and the people here are cool. Georgetown sounds like a great place to start cause there will be so many people starting together. But it's expensive. They normally set you up for first week or so with accommodation and help you find something more permanent. I got lucky and replaced a j1er. Vegas is a 3 year waiting list they told us. Any questions I can help with I will try my best to answer.

Thanks mmaniac. Ok, what was the interview like? Standard or harder than normal?

What is the money like? Enough to live on for a non-smoker and a very light drinker or would you be scraping by every week?

What is the repayment plan like? Affordable?

What are the bosses like? Let you do your work but keep their eye on you or are they a bit more "in your face"?

Do you have to book your own flight there and do you have to get your own accom before going or does the pub help you with both?

What is the age group of most people working there?

Are there many Irish people in each pub?

Sorry for all the questions but I just want to know a little bit about them before the interview so I'm not like a total zombie in there. I'm sure I will think of more questions in the future if you don't mind answering them?

Any questions you can answer is appreciated, any questions you can't answer or don't feel comfortable saying publicly is cool too

mmaniac

Hi dobman. The interview is pretty standard alot easier than I thought they are looking for your personality more than anything. When you arrive you will be greeted by a guy called Cyril I think to check you In he I heard has a lot to do with checking you out.

Money is minimum wage they tell you that in interview. But the tips are good depending on how hard you wanna work. You will have no problem surviving on the money you make.

Repayment comes out of your pay check do you never even miss it causes that covers tax and repayment so you just live off your tips.

Bosses are fairly cool and will help you with everything and anything you need. They are pretty much leave you to it.

You have the choice to pay for your own flight or they will pay and you pay it back over the year. And they provide you with first few nights accommodation then help you find somewhere to live.

Age group is between 21-30 generally and there's 8 or 9 Irish in the Ri ra I work in.

dobman88

Thanks very much mmaniac,

I was freaking out over some of those things cos its such a big deal for me to leave my job and things here. I feel more relaxed now with your info, bring on the interview!!

If I think of anything else I will post it here if you don't mind answering? Thanks again

Prop Joe

Any update on what these guys are like to work for or the Claddagh pub group?

MusicalMarie

So I have just been told I am heading to Charlotte, North Carolina!! Not sure when I'm heading over as I am still waiting ony visa! Anyone out there have anything to say about Charlotte, NC??

Aprilmay

MusicalMarie wrote: »

So I have just been told I am heading to Charlotte, North Carolina!! Not sure when I'm heading over as I am still waiting ony visa! Anyone out there have anything to say about Charlotte, NC??

I live in Charlotte NC, I have lived here since we left Ireland, we love it! There are lots of Irish here too. Charlotte's a banking town so its busy during the week but quieter on Weekends as most people out in the suburbs.The people from RiRa's usually hang out with the crowd from the other Irish pubs.

Its a nice spot I'm sure you'll love it anyone we have ever met that's has worked in RiRa's in Charlotte never wants to leave when their time is up!

MusicalMarie

Aprilmay wrote: »

I live in Charlotte NC, I have lived here since we left Ireland, we love it! There are lots of Irish here too. Charlotte's a banking town so its busy during the week but quieter on Weekends as most people out in the suburbs.The people from RiRa's usually hang out with the crowd from the other Irish pubs.

Its a nice spot I'm sure you'll love it anyone we have ever met that's has worked in RiRa's in Charlotte never wants to leave when their time is up!

Great to hear!!! Don't suppose you are looking for a lodger?
Being serious though, could you recommend any places that are nice and also cheap?

Aprilmay

MusicalMarie wrote: »

Great to hear!!! Don't suppose you are looking for a lodger?
Being serious though, could you recommend any places that are nice and also cheap?

With two kids no lodgers and we are up @ 5:45 on school mornings and my husband works from home. You'd never get any sleep. LOL. I live out in the suburbs and you'd need a car. There's a light rail called the Lynx you could find something along that as it stops right by RiRa. Do they not help you find anything?

dobman88

I have an interview next Wednesday the 2nd October.

Can anybody give any advice on how the interview is??

mmaniac

Interview is fairly straight forward. The guy who greets you and has a chat with you is part of it aswell so have a good chat with him. The interview consists if then telling you all about rira. They ask you what you think an Irish pub should have,when have you ever gone the extra mile for a customer and the usual questions. They are more looking for your personality aswell.

dobman88

mmaniac wrote: »

Interview is fairly straight forward. The guy who greets you and has a chat with you is part of it aswell so have a good chat with him. The interview consists if then telling you all about rira. They ask you what you think an Irish pub should have,when have you ever gone the extra mile for a customer and the usual questions. They are more looking for your personality aswell.

Just home from the interview, Kerry to Dublin and back again zzzzzzzz :pac:

Went well I think, Cyril was cool. Heres hoping

Clogs0

MusicalMarie wrote: »

So I have just been told I am heading to Charlotte, North Carolina!! Not sure when I'm heading over as I am still waiting ony visa! Anyone out there have anything to say about Charlotte, NC??

Me too!!!! :-) Wonder how many of us are going to North Carolina!!!!