We are a family of myself, my son (12) and 2 dogs, living in a town house in Portumna town.
The house is Victorian in era and includes a stone barn and sheds to the rear with an archway leading to a long garden at the back. The courtyard is enclosed with stone walls and with a south facing and west facing aspect gets plenty of sun during the day and into the evening. We are interested in growing vegetables and we currently grow in the polytunnel and an area of raised beds as well as our hens. Portumna has a lot to offer in terms of nature and culture including the Portumna Forest Park, the swimming area at the lake and Portumna castle all walking distance as well as evening pubs and traditional music twice per week.
I like to cook healthy meals which is why I like to grow, however, we are not strictly vegetarian so carefully sourced meat is also on offer.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
At least eating with myself and my son and spending time with us, you will be exposed to our culture and we are open to providing as much cultural exchange as possible. We like to interact with people and have evening BBQs.
Our property itself was built in the 1800 and there's no shortage of character character.
We like to take bike rides through the forest and swim at the lake and will give as much info as possible on how you'd like to spend free time. Traditional music is very prominent in our town and you can join for music and dancing.
I am looking for someone who is interested in sharing some time with our family and giving a hand to carry out some house tasks and keep an eye on my son. It would be great also we could have some support in taking care of our other animals such as the hens our dogs. The dogs love walks but I don't always have the time.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Accommodation in the winter is inside our own house and in summer it will be in a self contained unit to the front of the house with own bathroom.
Our time with Anne-Marie in County Galway was nothing short of exceptional. We were welcomed with genuine warmth and hospitality. It set the tone for what would become a memorable and enjoyable stay.
We spent nearly two months at Anne-Marie’s home, and no day felt boring. Anne-Marie is a wonderful individual with a deep commitment to both her… read more creative projects and the long-term transformation of her house. Her enthusiasm and clear communication made it easy to understand expectations and settle into a productive rhythm.
Our accommodation was a shared room with a bunk bed, simple, clean, and perfectly comfortable. The surrounding area was equally charming: the town has a lovely harbor on a lake, several small shops, and a beautiful walking path that leads past an old convent ruin and a castle. Just beyond is a national park, oerfect to explore on your day ofd.
The work itself was divers. Our tasks included gardening, meal preparation, light housework, and assisting with renovations on her unit. Anne-Marie remained flexible and considerate throughout, always open to input and always ready to share a laugh.
What truly set this Workaway apart was the overall atmosphere of creativity, respect, and mutual support. Anne-Marie fosters an environment where ideas are welcomed and people are valued and not just for their help, but for who they are. I would recommend for everyone who wants to get to know the quiet live in an irish town.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent
)
25 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Martin) for host
I really enjoyed my three month stay in Portumna with Anne Marie and her son. Anne Marie is a wonderful host, easy-going and fair, she makes you feel at home. Ewan her son is a nice polite young man and their dogs Shadow and BeBe love plenty of attention and play. I stayed in the self contained unit next to the main house, it was very comfortable.… read more
The work was varied and the hours fair, which left me plenty of time to explore Portumna and the surrounding area. Portumna is a great town full of history, it has a beautiful forest park ideal for walking in and enjoying nature. Lough Derg is perfect for water activities or just watching wildlife. My work consisted of some gardening, house maintenance and decorating. Occasionally I would be needed to keep an eye on Ewan if Anne Marie was busy with work, or to look after the animals if they were going to be away for a day or two. If this involved extra hours then Anne Marie was happy for me to take time off. After work Anne Marie leaves you alone to do your own thing or you are more than welcome to join in with family life. She offered to take me to nearby towns and tourist sites, she is also happy for you to take some days off if you would like to travel further afield. I would highly recommend a stay with Anne Marie. Thank you very much.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
9 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Maria & Marlene) for host
Our time with Anne-Marie in County Galway was nothing short of exceptional. We were welcomed with genuine warmth and hospitality. It set the tone for what would become a memorable and enjoyable stay.
We spent nearly two months at Anne-Marie’s home, and no day felt boring. Anne-Marie is a wonderful individual with a deep commitment to both her… read more creative projects and the long-term transformation of her house. Her enthusiasm and clear communication made it easy to understand expectations and settle into a productive rhythm.
Our accommodation was a shared room with a bunk bed, simple, clean, and perfectly comfortable. The surrounding area was equally charming: the town has a lovely harbor on a lake, several small shops, and a beautiful walking path that leads past an old convent ruin and a castle. Just beyond is a national park, oerfect to explore on your day ofd.
The work itself was divers. Our tasks included gardening, meal preparation, light housework, and assisting with renovations on her unit. Anne-Marie remained flexible and considerate throughout, always open to input and always ready to share a laugh.
What truly set this Workaway apart was the overall atmosphere of creativity, respect, and mutual support. Anne-Marie fosters an environment where ideas are welcomed and people are valued and not just for their help, but for who they are. I would recommend for everyone who wants to get to know the quiet live in an irish town.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
25 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Martin) for host
I really enjoyed my three month stay in Portumna with Anne Marie and her son. Anne Marie is a wonderful host, easy-going and fair, she makes you feel at home. Ewan her son is a nice polite young man and their dogs Shadow and BeBe love plenty of attention and play. I stayed in the self contained unit next to the main house, it was very comfortable.… read more
The work was varied and the hours fair, which left me plenty of time to explore Portumna and the surrounding area. Portumna is a great town full of history, it has a beautiful forest park ideal for walking in and enjoying nature. Lough Derg is perfect for water activities or just watching wildlife. My work consisted of some gardening, house maintenance and decorating. Occasionally I would be needed to keep an eye on Ewan if Anne Marie was busy with work, or to look after the animals if they were going to be away for a day or two. If this involved extra hours then Anne Marie was happy for me to take time off. After work Anne Marie leaves you alone to do your own thing or you are more than welcome to join in with family life. She offered to take me to nearby towns and tourist sites, she is also happy for you to take some days off if you would like to travel further afield. I would highly recommend a stay with Anne Marie. Thank you very much.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
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Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
