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Host rating
80 %
Last replied
6 Dec 2024
Feedback
21
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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 most of my life. 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 building and renovation projects waiting to be done.
I used to keep bees and hens in the garden, but not for a while, and currently have no pets either since the lovely family cat unfortunately died earlier this year.
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 by the naturalist Robert Lloyd Praeger as "... I think, the very loneliest place in this country." It is an officially designated 'Wilderness Area' and is now part of the 15,000 hectare Wild Nephin National Park and Mayo Dark Sky Park. There is plenty to see and do: including hill-walking, woodland walks, cycling, exploring beaches, bogs, ancient neolithic sites, the Wild Atlantic Way, fishing, surfing, scuba diving, horse riding, historic houses, music, Irish dancing, and artistic and cultural events to enjoy.
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
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
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
Languages spoken
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
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 ...
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 the beginnings of a whiskey distillery. The nearest town is Crossmolina, 10 km distant. Public transport is somewhat 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, in Foxford, Ballina, and Castlebar, are 20-30 minutes' away by car, and Ireland West Airport (NOC) 45 minutes. There are local buses running between Ballina and Castlebar three times a day.
When I was actively farming, I enjoyed having occasional volunteers, mostly agricultural students from Brittany, but now I think my situation is better for Workawayers. 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
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Generally good internet access. There is a desk in your room.
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?
Two
Feedback (10)
She made us discover this wonderful region and her nice friends.
We all shared our meals together with laughter and joy. She knows many stories and we shared our memories.
She always made sure we had everything we needed and prepared delicious meals for us.Usually in the evening we… read more
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
She made us discover this wonderful region and her nice friends.
We all shared our meals together with laughter and joy. She knows many stories and we shared our memories.
She always made sure we had everything we needed and prepared delicious meals for us.Usually in the evening we… read more
Luckily… read more
She is a good cook and after dinner , we watched together very good program on TV .
She knows very well plants and loves gardening .
I stayed there about 3 weeks and really felt at home, in a superb house located in a very quiet place. Pippa and I shared lovely moments like cooking, gardening, lovely chats, socializing with her friends, discovering the… read more
Pippa and Jim
Pippa constantly did everything she could to make me feel welcome and take care for everything that I needed, and Jim showed me a beautiful old tree and gave me riddles to sharpen my mind.
We had few joyful board game evening with apple pie!!!!
They took me to beautiful… read more
