Help our family with two small kids and meet a variety of people from various backgrounds in South Kerry, Ireland
Last activity
: 12 Jun 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 2 days
Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 881215617469
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Feedback (12)
Left by Workawayer (Tanya) for host
Had an excellent 6 weeks with Helen and the girls In Jan & Feb.
I learnt a lot about life in the Kerry country side, with Helen making sure i had plenty of opportunity to explore the local areas and towns. She also included me in family outings.
My main duties were helping out with the kids, keeping them occupied and entertained, with some
… read more household chores like packing/unpacking the dishwasher and hanging up the laundry.
The kids are great, they trained me well to play the correct games in the proper way. Made me laugh every day. They certainly made sure I got my steps in daily, chasing me around the kitchen table!
I was left with plenty of free time to do my own thing and my room was private, clean and well appointed.
Had a wonderful time with the family and would absolutely recommend a stint with them to anyone who's looking for a taste of the country life while being chased by two kids.This workawayer has chosen to keep their profile private, but can be contacted regarding this feedback by other workawayers.
Left by Workawayer (Keli) for host
I stayed with Helen and her family for 2 months (October and November), I loved being with them during that time and I learnt and improved my English with them. They are a very friendly family and make you feel part of their family. I was looking after and playing with their two wonderful daughters, they love playing imitation horses, being in the
… read more garden running around, being with the dogs, etc. I had a lot of fun with them, they made my stay easier and more comfortable. The jobs I did were simple, setting the table, feeding the chickens and dogs, tidying the house and looking after the girls.
It is a very relaxing environment, the house is surrounded by forest, I love nature and I really enjoyed walking, running and cycling in these beautiful and close places.
I will miss you family, thank you for everything, I have been very comfortable and I have had a great time! :))))You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Keli)
Keli was with us for around 2 months over October and November 2024.
Keli was extremely hard working and a pleasure to have staying with us. She showed great initiative as after just a few days she knew exactly what needed done and when.
Keli spent hours playing with my two daughters, who absolutely adored her. Keli was an asset to have as a
… read more workawayer and I would recommend her to other host for sure.
Thanks Keli for all your hard work and I hope we get to see you again some day!
Left by host for Workawayer (Beatrice)
Beatrice stayed with my family for two weeks in June 2024. From the moment she walked in the door she was looking for ways to help. She very quickly learned our routine and the best way for her to help us out. She helped with housework, cleaning and other tasks here and there. She was super responsible with my two girls, she even acted as a
… read more gymnastics coach for my 7 year old!
Beatrice was a gem to have stay with us, her eagerness to help and join in on all of our activities was great.
I would have no hesitation recommending Beatrice to other hosts.
Thanks Beatrice!
Left by Workawayer (Beatrice) for host
I stayed with Helen and the girls for two weeks from the middle of June to the end of the month.
I had so much fun! I did gymnastics every day with the oldest (Sasha) and danced around the living room to Frozen songs with Emma. We also cooked a lot!
Helen was always kind to me and made sure that I had free time for myself every day. I helped her
… read more around the house here and there and cleaning the aribnb for the changeovers.
Jan, the girls’ dad, was only home in the weekend but he made me laugh every single second!
The place they live in is amazing! I had loads of lovely walks and runs. I also managed to visit some of the small towns they live near to.
Overall, I absolutely loved staying with them, wish I could have stayed longer! Thank you so much!!!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Left by Workawayer (Tanya) for host
Had an excellent 6 weeks with Helen and the girls In Jan & Feb.
I learnt a lot about life in the Kerry country side, with Helen making sure i had plenty of opportunity to explore the local areas and towns. She also included me in family outings.
My main duties were helping out with the kids, keeping them occupied and entertained, with some
… read more household chores like packing/unpacking the dishwasher and hanging up the laundry.
The kids are great, they trained me well to play the correct games in the proper way. Made me laugh every day. They certainly made sure I got my steps in daily, chasing me around the kitchen table!
I was left with plenty of free time to do my own thing and my room was private, clean and well appointed.
Had a wonderful time with the family and would absolutely recommend a stint with them to anyone who's looking for a taste of the country life while being chased by two kids.This workawayer has chosen to keep their profile private, but can be contacted regarding this feedback by other workawayers.
Left by Workawayer (Keli) for host
I stayed with Helen and her family for 2 months (October and November), I loved being with them during that time and I learnt and improved my English with them. They are a very friendly family and make you feel part of their family. I was looking after and playing with their two wonderful daughters, they love playing imitation horses, being in the
… read more garden running around, being with the dogs, etc. I had a lot of fun with them, they made my stay easier and more comfortable. The jobs I did were simple, setting the table, feeding the chickens and dogs, tidying the house and looking after the girls.
It is a very relaxing environment, the house is surrounded by forest, I love nature and I really enjoyed walking, running and cycling in these beautiful and close places.
I will miss you family, thank you for everything, I have been very comfortable and I have had a great time! :))))You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Keli)
Keli was with us for around 2 months over October and November 2024.
Keli was extremely hard working and a pleasure to have staying with us. She showed great initiative as after just a few days she knew exactly what needed done and when.
Keli spent hours playing with my two daughters, who absolutely adored her. Keli was an asset to have as a
… read more workawayer and I would recommend her to other host for sure.
Thanks Keli for all your hard work and I hope we get to see you again some day!
Left by host for Workawayer (Beatrice)
Beatrice stayed with my family for two weeks in June 2024. From the moment she walked in the door she was looking for ways to help. She very quickly learned our routine and the best way for her to help us out. She helped with housework, cleaning and other tasks here and there. She was super responsible with my two girls, she even acted as a
… read more gymnastics coach for my 7 year old!
Beatrice was a gem to have stay with us, her eagerness to help and join in on all of our activities was great.
I would have no hesitation recommending Beatrice to other hosts.
Thanks Beatrice!
Left by Workawayer (Beatrice) for host
I stayed with Helen and the girls for two weeks from the middle of June to the end of the month.
I had so much fun! I did gymnastics every day with the oldest (Sasha) and danced around the living room to Frozen songs with Emma. We also cooked a lot!
Helen was always kind to me and made sure that I had free time for myself every day. I helped her
… read more around the house here and there and cleaning the aribnb for the changeovers.
Jan, the girls’ dad, was only home in the weekend but he made me laugh every single second!
The place they live in is amazing! I had loads of lovely walks and runs. I also managed to visit some of the small towns they live near to.
Overall, I absolutely loved staying with them, wish I could have stayed longer! Thank you so much!!!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Madeline) for host
This is very belated, but I stayed with the family for 3 and a half weeks back in March and April! I had an amazing time, the girls were so incredibly sweet. There was a lot of free time for me to do as I wished, but I was also able to help around the house to keep busy as well. Tasks included watching the girls in the morning, washing up after
… read more meals, hanging laundry, and checking the chicken coop for eggs in the afternoon. I also appreciated having my own room upstairs, and the boundaries were respected well. I had an amazing time, would recommend to anyone!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Kim)
Kim came to stay with us last minute and she stayed for around 2 weeks. The only problem with Kim was that she couldn't stay longer!
She fitted into our family easily and she was a joy to host. She was excellent with my 7 and (not always easy) 2 year old. She was loving and attentive with them and I could trust her fully with them.
She was a
… read more great help around the house doing laundry and cleaning as needed. She was friendly and willing to help out with anything needed of her, plus whatever she thought needed done. She showed great initiative.
I would 100% recommend Kim to any host.
Thanks for everything Kim!
Left by Workawayer (Kim) for host
I stayed with Helen, Jan and the girls for just under 2 weeks and wish I could have stayed longer. They are a really welcoming, kind and fun family to be around. Which made my time there so easy and comfortable.
The work I had to do, wasn't really work. As I enjoyed my time with the girls so much. Having dance competitions, jumping on the
… read more trampoline, we got to bake a lemon cake, did some painting. It's just been great and the girls made it really easy for me :)
Other tasks were day to day things, like clearing the table after meals, sweeping the floor, hanging the washing and folding it
Easy things.
The location they're at is really pretty. A little remote but just so beautiful. And whenever they're going on a trip to a town nearby or somewhere else, you're always welcome to join or get a lift and do your own thing.
If you have the opportunity to stay with them, you're not going to regret it. I've had a great time and I'd come back in a heartbeat.
Thank you so much for having me. Wishing you all the best.
Left by host for Workawayer (FinjaNoor)
Finja was a treasured member of our family during her stay. She was sweet and attentive with our two girls, who aren't always the easiest to deal with. They loved her to bits and spent many hours playing and singing to Elsa with her.
Finja had great initiative to see the jobs that needed done, instead of always being asked. She was naturally
… read more super organised and clean and it was great to have her help out with the household chores and cleaning.
She carried out several changeovers for our Airbnb to a very high standard. She was confident to get on with a task alone.
Unfortunately, Finja had to leave a week early due to family bereavement but we would have had her stay forever!
Thanks so much Finja!
We would 100% recommend her to other hosts.
Left by Workawayer (FinjaNoor) for host
I was supposed to stay 4 weeks with Helen, Jan and the girls but unfortunately had to leave a bit earlier because of family circumstances at home.
However, I probably spent the best 3 weeks there that I could've imagined and can't wait to hopefully come back maybe in the next months.
The girls are, each on their own, very lovely and I already
… read more miss them a lot. [redacted text]
Helen and Jan are great hosts and I immediately felt comfortable around them. Jan is normally gone between Mo-Fr but when he's there in the weekend, you hear many laughter of everyone. Helen was always so kind and showed me, she values my work. We had interesting talks about the girls education including the homeschooling and her experiences. She also was very understanding when I had to leave earlier than expected.
Overall, both made me feel included completely but accepted when I took some time off for myself as well.
The surroundings they live in are just beautiful. No matter in which direction you're going, you have pure nature and I'm sure I haven't even seen half of it. Also, there's a local bus service every day that goes to the bigger town Kenmare and the village Sneem where you can either buy things or just meet new people.
To summarise my experience: I enjoyed every single aspect of it and I'm more than grateful for this whole experience. All in all, I would definitely recommend this family to everyone who wants more than just a work place and really enjoys to find out what it's like to live in Ireland.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Rahel)
Rahel stayed with us for a month from the middle of February until the middle of March 2024. Rahel was a joy to host. She felt like a member of the family immediately. She was keen to help with all chores in the house and take care of the animals.
She was attentive and responsible whilst caring for my two daughters. They had so much fun playing
… read more dress up and dancing around the house to Frozen songs, Rahel seemed to enjoy this too :-) I could 100% trust her with them, she was very responsible.
Rahel embraced the beautiful countryside here by going hiking and running regularly.
We would love to visit Rahel in Germany some day, but she is also welcome back here any day too.
I would recommend her to other hosts.
Thanks Rahel!
Left by Workawayer (Rahel) for host
I have spent the last 4 weeks and 5 days living with Helen and her family.
I truly felt like an additional family member, which I really enjoyed. Helen (mom) and Jan (dad) never let me feel left out and it was always fun having a chat with them. I loved spending time with the 2 girls. They were always down for going on a walk, doing crafts,
… read more playing games or having dance parties (with Disney music and beautiful princess dresses ;) ).
Helen included me in many trips which is why I was for instance able to visit Dublin and Cork with them.
The surrounding nature is very unique and I loved spending my time off going on hikes or runs in this area. It is very rural but one can easily hitchhike to Kenmare or take the bus.
If you want to be a genuine part of a family and love to spend time with children you should definitly consider staying with them!
I wish you all the best and hope to see you again one day :)
(Maybe in Germany? ;) )
Thank you for everything!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Rose)
Rose joined our family for most of the month of January. She immediately became a part of the family.
She was always prepared to help with jobs that needed done, either in the house or painting or looking after the animals. She was willing to give anything a go.
My two daughters enjoyed spending time with her and we wish her all the best for
… read more the future.
Thanks Rose!
Left by Workawayer (Rose) for host
I stayed with Helen and her family in January, for about 1 month.
I absolutely loved my stay in Black Water; Helen and Jan are both very welcoming and make you feel right at home.
Sasha and Emma, the two little girls, are both adorable and very clever! I enjoyed playing outside with them and participating in their numerous activities.
The house
… read more is ideally located if you love nature and beautiful landscapes. Kerry is a magnificent county and a great way to experience traditional Ireland.
Despite being a little afraid of dogs normally, I can assure you that Bella and Lina are both very friendly.
If you're considering a trip to Black Water, don't hesitate! It's a lively family that will always offer to accompany you on activities and include you in their routine.
Thanks again to Helen, Jan, Sasha, and Emma for this fantastic stay! 🌸You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Hikari) for host
I stayed with Helen’s family for three weeks in November and another week around Christmas. It was a wonderful experience to join the happiest family.
My job was mainly minding the children while Helen was working online upstairs. The older girl was so clever and kind that she often helped me understand English, the rules of the games, what the
… read more younger girl means and so on. She was a great artist and we enjoyed handicraft together. The younger girl was very friendly and often gave me big hugs. It was pleasure to watch her learning everything in surprising speed.
I also did the housework such as washing dishes, cooking, cleaning the house, doing laundry, taking care of the doggies and the chickens. There was nothing difficult, just like what I do in my house.
Helen was very flexible and fair. Sometimes I worked longer than appointed and she gave me some extra days off or free time. In addition to following the family’s excursions, I enjoyed exploring the town, walking around the house in the great nature (the forest, river and sea were all within walking distance!), and hiking in Killarney by myself. Though I preferred enjoying hitch hiking, she kindly offered to drive me.
Jan, Helen’s husband was really kind and humorous. On weekends and holidays, when he was at home, everyone in the house was smiling. He was a good cook and cooked the deer he had shot! I once followed him and the older girl shooting deer and it was a great experience. His parents lived next door were also kind.
Though I stayed there in winter, it was always very warm in the whole house with the fire. Plus they had very good hot water system and there was always plenty of hot water. The house was extremely comfortable.
I really appreciate the lovely days. I’ll be back to see them before long. Don’t miss the great chance to join them♡Left by host for Workawayer (Hikari)
We hosted Hikari for 3 weeks in December 2023 and then she came back to us for Christmas. Hikari fitted into our family really well. She was super helpful and always looking for ways to help out. We did not need to ask her to help with the household chores, she just saw the jobs that needed done and did them.
My two girls loved her and enjoyed
… read more spending time with her. She made sure they were cared for and happy.
Hikari was a valued member of our family whilst she was here and I would recommend her to other hosts 100%!
Thanks Hikari x
Left by Workawayer (Agathe) for host
I stayed with Helen's family for 3 weeks and felt at home from the moment I arrived. I am so grateful for the warm welcome I have received as well as the smoothness of my stay. Communication about the help required was clear from the beginning and Helen always made sure that I was confortable and happy.
I had so much fun minding her two daughters
… read more and I simply loved being part of this family and following them on their homeschooling events, doggie walks and other adventures. Helen and Jan are raising two incredible little girls full of joy, energy and laughter.
Thank you for everything!Left by host for Workawayer (Agathe)
Agathe was a delight to have stay with us. She was a last minute Workaway due to circumstances changing but we were delighted she came to stay with us for three weeks.
Agathe was caring, responsible and very patient around my two daughters. I will always remember the laughter and giggles they had. She was very hard working and helped out with
… read more the housework as well as outdoor tasks such as minding the chickens and dogs.
I would 100% recommend Agathe to other host families as she was fun to have around and my kids loved her!
Thanks for everything Agathe.
Left by host for Workawayer (Flavie)
Flavia was a pleasure to host. She was great with my girls and they loved spending time with her. Thank you Flavia for all your help.
Left by Workawayer (Flavie) for host
I recommend this family. Helen and Jan are really very generous and are always ready to take you with them. They are in a very beautiful area. Certainly they are quite isolated, but they move a lot allowing you to discover Kerry. It was a wonderful experience with them! The children are adorable and very well educated. For traveling, it is ideal
… read more because you have a lot of time on the side. I stayed 3 weeks with them, and I did very well!
Thanks again Helen and Jan for your welcome 😊You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Lena) for host
Helen and her family are wonderful, I stayed 3,5 weeks with them and had a very good time there! I was their first-time-ever workawayer and they did a fantastic job with hosting :)
My main task was to care for their two girls for a few hours a day. We three had lots of fun in their big garden, taking a little walk or playing indoors, while they
… read more taught me some english childrens songs. They both are lovely & sweet and they like being active and playing outside.
Aswell, I did the changeover (cleaning) in the familys guest house twice. All in all the work never expired 2-4 hours a day and Helen made sure I was okay with the tasks.
The family lives in a quiet but beautiful area, with a beach a 30 min walk and the small towns Sneem and Kenmare each a 20 minutes drive away. Having a car would make you more independent, but I didn't have one and was perfectly fine with the amount of "sightseeing" by joining the family on trips :)
Helen was an awesome host. She always made sure I was comfortable living with them. She reassured herself that I had everything I needed, and was super considerate and thoughtful about me being a vegetarian.
Her husband is only home at the weekends, but he was as kind and funny as Helen and their kids. The whole family treated me as a part of their family and they always invited me to join them on family activities like trips, local festivals, grocery shopping, ...
I really recommend staying with them if you like kids, nice talks, friendly people and peaceful places. For me it was a wonderful experience which I wouldn't want to miss.
Thank you all so much! See you at the next sackrace! :)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena)
Lena came to stay with us for three and a half weeks in July 2023. I needed help with minding the kids whilst I worked and some light housework.
We could not have asked more from Lena. She was a delight to have in the house. Both my daughters adored her from the day she walked in the door. I could trust Lena 100% to take care of my girls when I
… read more wasn't there, and she went above and beyond taking time to teach my six-year-old board games and spend quality time with them.
She fitted in with our family very easily and she was easy to communicate with and get to know. We took her on days out to see our beautiful area and she seemed to enjoy our company as much as we enjoyed hers.
Lena was very competant looking after my toddler and sometimes a little cheeky 6 year old. She had the patience of a saint but was firm when needed too.
I feel we made a true friend in Lena and we do hope we can visit her some day in the future. Lena was a joy to host and I would recommend her to anyone, especially those with young children.Experience a rural setting where time moves slowly in West Cork, Ireland
Come for a house and pet sit near Boyle, Ireland
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