Learn and share new skills helping with our small holding in Leinster, Ireland
Last activity
: 29 Apr 2025
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Usually responds within 3 days
Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
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Host ref number: 224779257483
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Feedback (14)
Left by Workawayer (Luca) for host
I had the opportunity to stay at Patrick and Heidi's for five weeks between February and March.
It was my first experience with Workaway and from day one I was made very welcome into the family.
I was helped a lot with learning English and enjoyed learning new jobs with Patrick.
Patrick and Heidi are really kind, helpful and relaxed people, they
… read more made me feel at ease and patiently taught and explained so many things to me.
I had the opportunity to do many different jobs, in fact I was never bored, mainly I worked with sheep since it was the season when lambs were born, then I worked with wood, I helped make mortar to finish building the drainage channel for the house, I did cleaning, worked in the greenhouse and many other nice things.
If you are someone who likes country life and is not afraid to get your hands dirty then this family could really be for you, I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to Patrick and Heidi for this experience that I will never forget, I hope to see you again one day. Have a good life.
Luca :)
Left by Workawayer (Stefan) for host
Pat and Heidi said they didn't want me to write a glowing review. I imagine for fear it would attract workshy whingers. So this is a glowing review foregrounding things that other people might complain about: I loved learning to feel the difference between dried poo and ewe lamb teats, between tails and testicles, and that if you get pooed or peed
… read more on just wipe it on their wool. I loved being in and learning about the different homes they've made: The straw bale house, the container house and the cabin, and learning practical stuff about them like that feeling in the cabin that means it's time to turn the dehumidifier on. I loved how quickly I dried after having a hot shower beside the cabin because so much fresh air gets in and learning the easiest way to empty the dry toilet. Things I did there: Painting: preparing walls with sugar soap, using filler, painting with roller and brush. Construction: using a cement mixer, laying paving slabs, using lime render. Livestock: Herding, weighing, counting sheep and how to move them (hold them under the chin with your legs behind their bum) Polytunnel stuff: pruning, feeding, spraying tomatoes. Harvesting potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, courgettes. Planting carrots and green beans, weeding, using soft soap and stinky garlic mix as bio pest control and other looking after life skills. Social farming: Seeing how much people benefit from therapeutic time spent on this lovely farm every Friday in the company of Pat, who is a very social farmer, caring, patient and experienced with volunteers. Heidi, who spends her downtime swinging a pickaxe and her work time fighting for the rights of refugees. I recommend asking ‘How was work?’ at the dinner table, you may come away with new knowledge about the civil war in Cameroon like I did. And their four uni to school leaver age kids who are very used to having strangers like me about the house and say stuff well worth hearing when they feel comfortable enough to talk. Juliasdale organic farm is the best place in Lusk, anyone would be lucky to stay there.
Left by Workawayer (Samuele & Filippo) for host
We had an amazing time on the farm with Pat and Heide, who are kind and lovely people. We took on various tasks, learning a great deal along the way, and had the opportunity to explore Ireland, particularly Dublin, which is just a short distance away. As our first experience in this setting, it couldn’t have been better—truly something everyone
… read more should try!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
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(5.0)
Left by Workawayer (Luca) for host
I had the opportunity to stay at Patrick and Heidi's for five weeks between February and March.
It was my first experience with Workaway and from day one I was made very welcome into the family.
I was helped a lot with learning English and enjoyed learning new jobs with Patrick.
Patrick and Heidi are really kind, helpful and relaxed people, they
… read more made me feel at ease and patiently taught and explained so many things to me.
I had the opportunity to do many different jobs, in fact I was never bored, mainly I worked with sheep since it was the season when lambs were born, then I worked with wood, I helped make mortar to finish building the drainage channel for the house, I did cleaning, worked in the greenhouse and many other nice things.
If you are someone who likes country life and is not afraid to get your hands dirty then this family could really be for you, I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to Patrick and Heidi for this experience that I will never forget, I hope to see you again one day. Have a good life.
Luca :)
Left by Workawayer (Stefan) for host
Pat and Heidi said they didn't want me to write a glowing review. I imagine for fear it would attract workshy whingers. So this is a glowing review foregrounding things that other people might complain about: I loved learning to feel the difference between dried poo and ewe lamb teats, between tails and testicles, and that if you get pooed or peed
… read more on just wipe it on their wool. I loved being in and learning about the different homes they've made: The straw bale house, the container house and the cabin, and learning practical stuff about them like that feeling in the cabin that means it's time to turn the dehumidifier on. I loved how quickly I dried after having a hot shower beside the cabin because so much fresh air gets in and learning the easiest way to empty the dry toilet. Things I did there: Painting: preparing walls with sugar soap, using filler, painting with roller and brush. Construction: using a cement mixer, laying paving slabs, using lime render. Livestock: Herding, weighing, counting sheep and how to move them (hold them under the chin with your legs behind their bum) Polytunnel stuff: pruning, feeding, spraying tomatoes. Harvesting potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, courgettes. Planting carrots and green beans, weeding, using soft soap and stinky garlic mix as bio pest control and other looking after life skills. Social farming: Seeing how much people benefit from therapeutic time spent on this lovely farm every Friday in the company of Pat, who is a very social farmer, caring, patient and experienced with volunteers. Heidi, who spends her downtime swinging a pickaxe and her work time fighting for the rights of refugees. I recommend asking ‘How was work?’ at the dinner table, you may come away with new knowledge about the civil war in Cameroon like I did. And their four uni to school leaver age kids who are very used to having strangers like me about the house and say stuff well worth hearing when they feel comfortable enough to talk. Juliasdale organic farm is the best place in Lusk, anyone would be lucky to stay there.
Left by Workawayer (Samuele & Filippo) for host
We had an amazing time on the farm with Pat and Heide, who are kind and lovely people. We took on various tasks, learning a great deal along the way, and had the opportunity to explore Ireland, particularly Dublin, which is just a short distance away. As our first experience in this setting, it couldn’t have been better—truly something everyone
… read more should try!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Katharina & Milos) for host
We spent three fantastic weeks on the farm even in the probably worst time of the year (January, February) when your wellingtons just get stuck in loads of mud every day. Living with Pat, Heidi and their children was inspiring and we had a lot of interesting conversations during our stay. Pat had always a story to tell during our coffee and lunch
… read more breaks and we enjoyed Heidi’s delicious dinners with the whole family.
We enjoyed most of the daily farm work and appreciated the structured time during the working days. There is a lot to do on the farm and the different tasks never become boring, wether it is checking on the sheep, weeding, feeding hens, repairing fences or sorting the barn. During the rainy days, we were mainly working in the polytunnel which was great and we learned new things like using a rotavator. Also the social farming was a great experience. We thought that having a composting toilet would be a challenge but everything worked out fine.
Living in the cabin with weekends off made us quite independent and we could easily visit Dublin and other near by places.
We’re happy for the whole experience and looking forward to visiting soon again!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Tiphaine) for host
First workaway, first experience in a farm, and first time in Ireland. I had the most amazing month! Every day was a wonder. It taught me a whole new world of possibilities, and I will miss everyone and everything there. I could never recommend or thank them enough.
Pat is an incredible human being that will do everything to make your stay as
… read more enjoyable and instructive as possible.
The family, their neighbors, their friends, their dog and sheep, and even the rarely-to-be-seen cat were all incredibly lovely, welcoming and interesting. As a workawayer, you get the chance of a full immersion into their family life on the farm, and countless interesting conversations about anything and everything, from the lightest to the more serious topics.
You can learn a variety of manual tasks ; during my one-month stay we finished building the stairs, worked on the piping and stone ground around the house, cared for the sheep a few times, worked in the tunnel (basil, potatoes, tomātoes, garlic...), and ate a ton of cherries and strawberries 😍
Loved it through and through, I hope to pass by again in the future to say hi, and until then I will cherish all the memories I made.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Tommaso)
Tommaso and Gaia, worked with us for six weeks during lambing. This is an intense time for us and we really found Tommaso and Gaia to be excellent in their attention to detail. They are both some of the hardest workawayers we have had and their focus and ability to see what needs to be done and then do it was invaluable. Gaia is a quite and gentle
… read more person but uses the amount of words needed to get the job done. She has integrity and works very well as part of a team. She is not afraid to get her hands dirty and even pulled a lamb when needed.
Tommaso is strong enthusiastic and skilled. He took the initiative to get work done to a high standard. He relates well to people and enjoys teamwork. I would recommend this fantastic couple who compliment each other and would have them back anytime.
Left by Workawayer (Tommaso) for host
We stayed with Pat and Heidi for 6 weeks. from the end of February to the beginning of April. We were lucky enough to help Pat with the lambs, unforgettable experience. We learned so much about sheep and the various jobs within an organic farm. Pat is a wonderful person, very kind and very clear in the tasks assigned, the work is during the week
… read more and very well organized it was great to always have the weekend free to visit the area and nearby Dublin, really beautiful. Heidi is really nice, always willing to have a chat and prepare delicious foods for dinner!!! Becoming part of Pat's organic farm was a real pleasure, we had the opportunity to improve our English, also thanks to the many friends of Pat who passed by his house every day, it was really nice to meet different people and be able to improve the language . Thanks so much Pat and Heidi for giving us the opportunity to stay and learn from you. We hope to see you again in the future!!!
Left by host for Workawayer (Johnny)
Johnny was a great help on our site and farm where he worked with us for over six weeks. He has many skills and is mature and has good attention to detail. He initiates well, works well on his own and as part of a team. I would recommend him as a workawayer to anyone.
Left by Workawayer (Johnny) for host
Where to start. I arrived at the beginning of November with Pat and Heidi for 6 weeks. I was very well received. My main job was to help Pat with the construction of their house (lime painting, installing gutters, cleaning...). Pat is a really pedagogical person and I was able to learn a lot by his side. I was able to learn Pat's trade better on
… read more the farm.
You can also eat with the family for lunch and dinner during the week. Pat, Heidi and the children are generous, interesting and caring people.
You will have the opportunity to meet their friends, to start interesting conversations.
During the weekend, you will have plenty of time to visit the surroundings (Boyne Valley, Dublin, Howth, Belfast...). Buses are very well served here. During the weekend, you will cook for yourself. You can ask Pat for ingredients for your cooking. Thank you again for this incredible stay. Johnny.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Agustin & Maria Paula) for host
Our stay with Patrick and Heidi was very nice! It was our first experience with Workaway and it couldn’t have been better.
We did a lot of things, from helping with your home project to learning about gardening in your greenhouse.
We spent very pleasant times with the whole family and learned what Ireland and its culture means.
The dinners were
… read more prepared by them and were always delicious meals!
They are our second family in Ireland ❤️
We’ll remember them forever!
Paula and AgustínYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Federico)
Fefe was a fantastic worker. He is a very good woodworker and his attention to detail is impressive. He planned his work and thought through the challenges well. He is polite, friendly and respectful. We enjoyed his company and he cooked us some excellent food. He worked hard and put in extra hours in order to finish the project. He is a good
… read more listener and worked well as a team member.
Patrick Bobbett
Left by Workawayer (Federico) for host
Im going to miss this place so much!!
It truly felt like home, Pat and Heidi are super kind and warm people, they made me feel part of this beautiful family they have!! They are very interesting people to get to know... had great conversations with them!! Their kids are very intelligent and cultured people. Also amazing hosts! I was lucky to be
… read more on Pats birthday, and got to meet some of their friends, they introduced me to almost everyone and with such kind words! I loved that gesture, it speaks about how kind they are and how they find hapiness caring about people.
Heidi is a great cook, the food was always delicious!! Pat is also very good at it!! despite him pretending otherwise.
I contributed to the main house with a piece of furniture beautifully designed (by Heidi) Very fun and interesting project! and I also did a littlebit of work in the polytunnel and participated in shearing sheep, such an interesting and fun experience!!
Pat, Heidi, Al, Emily, Billy and Harry, thaks for being my family this may of 2022, I'm going to miss you so much!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Gabriel) for host
My experience at the Organic Farm was a lot of fun. I learned a lot about Pollytunnel fruits and vegetables, about sheep and hans. I managed to improve my English too. Pat and Heidi are very kind people, their kids are really nice too. The cabin I stayed in was very comfortable and always had food. There are buses and trains nearby, as well as
… read more markets. I really loved my experience, thank you very very much🥰You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Well Marine and Estelle were a fantastic help to us on our farm during lambing this year. They are both hard workers and very capable. They were always willing to work at anything that needed to be done and work very well as a team. They are both very positive and enthusiastic. I would have them back at any time and highly recommend them.
We have been staying at the wonderful Juliasdale organic farm for a month. We had the chance to arrive during the lambing season and it was so nice to see newborn lambs practically every day (and to hold them in our arms).
We learned so many things about sheeps, plants, seeds, trees...Pat is such a good teacher You'll never get borred with him
… read more !
Most of the activities consisted on checking on the sheeps, feeding the chickens, planting some seeds but days were always different, it is one of the main reason why we loved our life there, the variety of the tasks.
Pat, Heidi and their lovely family are so welcoming, for sure you'll feel like at home with them. We also enjoyed our accommodation a lot, it was perfect we had everything we needed, it really felt like our own home. Some evenings we were lucky to have some company; indeed Sherlock the lovely cat but also Holly the most sociable dog !!
As the first French vegetarian staying there, we have had the best meals with them, Heidi is such a good cook, we also spent very nice lunches and tea breaks with Pat !!
We want to thanks them once again for their generosity and all the nice moments we've been spending together.
We miss you a lot and we hope to see you again very soon.
The French veggie girls, Marine and Estelle <3
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
As our first workaway experience we couldn’t ask for a better place to end up and a better family!
Pat and his family are people of great Kindness, hospitality, patience, they are very friendly and always ready to help you if you need anything.
Patrick is a great teacher because he can explain every
concept clearly and he makes every little thing
… read more so interesting (and that's not a given!).
We spent two wonderful months on their farm and we were really happy to help them with all the various jobs. We learned a lot!
It was great to come to their family and their beautiful home
and make a small contribution to their project.
The farm is wonderful and the “Jolie cabane” very comfy.
Pat, Heidi we miss you so much already!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Quinn) for host
I left pat , heidz and the fam over 3 months ago and miss it like crazy the best workaway I’ve ever done , lovely family , lovely spot , they make you apart of the family and don’t judge you on your personality or appearance, some of the best quality of work and best food I’ve had since being in Ireland I loved every minute and I was their for 8
… read more weeks ! Best time ever , never forget my time with these legends ! <3You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Ludwig ) for host
My stay at this organic farm was awesome, and i couldnt imagine it better! I loved anything about it, the people, the work, the food, the location, .... Pat is incredible. Very easy-going and people centered. He sees you as a person first, helper second. You will feel as one with the family instantly! His lovely wife and clever children will make
… read more you enjoy your adventure even more. It was hard for me to leave, i will miss you!
Thanks for the good time I had, I think I fell in love with this place!
LudwigYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Ludwig )
Well, I now am encouraging my boys to do an apprenticeship after having Ludwig as a Workawayer on our farm. Yes he is 18, but he has benefitted from his two and a half years as a carpentry apprentice. He is very capable and a great work-awayer. He has done lots of jobs on our farm e.g. carpentry, weeding, planted potatoes, cleaning, helped with
… read more the sheep, strimming, painting, cooking and basically anything he was asked. Treat him well, he is a star! Send him back to us if possible....Help with our daughter with special needs in West Cork, Ireland
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