Gardening and light building help in beautiful rural County Mayo, Ireland

  • Favourited 249 times
  • Last activity: 13 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    My stone built house is situated in farmland in a lovely peaceful part of County Mayo near lakes, mountains, bog land and forests and is about half an hour's drive from the coast. The nearest village is 15 minutes walk away and there are a couple of bikes you can use to get around and explore the countryside. I am English but have lived in Mayo for some 45 years. I am retired and my three children live away from home now so I'd welcome some help in maintaining and further developing the medium-sized garden and starting an organic vegetable patch again. There are also several other building and renovation projects waiting to be done. I have a friendly cat and may get more hens - a mink/pine marten got the last three.

    County Mayo is the third largest county in Ireland and is wild and beautiful. The local mountain area, the Nephin Beg range, was once described as "the loneliest place in Ireland" by the naturalist Robert Lloyd Praeger, and is an officially designated 'Wilderness Area'. There is plenty to see and do: including hill-walking, woodland walks, beaches, bogs, ancient neolithic sites, the Wild Atlantic Way, fishing, surfing, diving, horse riding, historic houses to visit, music, Irish dancing, and artistic and cultural events to enjoy.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    I believe in fostering goodwill and mutual understanding between people and will aim to make your stay pleasant and informative. I can help with improving your English if you wish and I speak a little French. I am also happy to give you lifts to town when I'm going, or to places of interest and cultural events, etc.

  • Help

    Help

    I would appreciate help for 3-5 hours per day/20-25 hours per week, on a flexible basis, depending on the weather, whatever else is going on, and on your own own travel plans. It would be great if you already have some gardening and/or building experience or skills.

  • Languages spoken

    French: Intermediate

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    There is a comfortable double bedroom with a desk and an adjacent bathroom for your own use. Meals are provided but you are welcome to cook also. No smoking is allowed in the house.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    There is lots to see and do in this area, especially if you are interested in the outdoors. For example, exploring the flora and fauna, painting or photography, walking, mountain climbing (Nephin is close by), cycling, swimming, fishing, music etc. The house is near Lough Conn, Lough Cullen, and Beltra Lough, and several Atlantic Ocean beaches are within 20-60 minutes' drive away.

    Nearby visitor attractions include Foxford Woollen Mills, Ballycroy National Park, the Ceide Fields, the Enniscrone seaweed baths, The National Museum of Country Life, and much more.

    The local village is a 15 minute' walk away and has a church, supermarket, 2 pubs, a small Titanic Memorial Park, and a Whiskey distillery. The nearest town is Crossmolina, 10 km distant. Public transport is limited but I will gladly take you on my trips to town - as well as further afield to visit local sights and cultural venues.

    The nearest bus and rail stations are withing 20-30 minutes' drive, in Foxford, Ballina, and Castlebar, and Ireland West Airport (NOC) is 45 minutes away.

    When I was actively farming, I enjoyed having occasional volunteers, mostly agricultural students from Brittany. My neighbours and friends are pleased to meet visitors from other countries and are proud to share their Irish lifestyle and culture.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    There is plenty of room for camper vans, though the driveway is a little rough and steep.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 20-25 hours per week on a flexible basis.

Host ref number: 319599239127

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