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Share our family life and explore Irish culture in Co Mayo, Ireland

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    PLEASE READ OUR PROFILE CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING TO US
    AVAILABILITY IS FROM 27 JUNE UNTIL 31 AUGUST 2026, MINIMUM STAY 3 WEEKS - MAXIMUM STAY 4 WEEKS

    My name is David, a retired construction/project worker. My wife and I live in the countryside, situated approximately 10 minutes from Ireland West Airport Knock on a smallholding of mixed-quality land. We are located close to the towns of Charlestown and Ballaghaderreen. There is a good transport service from Charlestown, including a regular bus service to Sligo, Galway, and Dublin, with a direct bus to/from Dublin Airport. We can also drop off/collect from the train stations at Boyle, Castlerea, and Ballyhaunis, all within 25 min from our home. We are on The Wild Atlantic Way, check it out.

    There are three museums in the vicinity, including the Museum of Country Life, which is part of the National Museum of Ireland; the National Famine Museum, Strokestown; and the Michael Davitt Museum. These are easily accessible to visit and offer an opportunity to explore and understand Irish history, medieval influence, and Irish culture and traditions that have shaped Irish life across the ages.
    Ireland's International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine: The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock, commonly referred to as Knock Shrine, is a short distance away
    .
    We generally prefer volunteers from different countries, as this encourages everyone to communicate in English.
    This is beneficial to those looking to improve their language skills.

    PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT CATER FOR VEGANS
    PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE PET CATS SO IF YOU'RE ALLERGIC TO CATS PLEASE NOTE
    STRICTLY NO SMOKERS PLEASE DO NOT APPLY
    WE DO NOT ACCOMMODATE DIGITAL NOMADS. PLEASE NOTE
    PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH ON WHERE WE ARE IN IRELAND. WE ARE 10 MINS FROM IRELAND WEST AIRPORT, KNOCK
    PLEASE READ OUR PROFILE CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING TO US
    PLEASE NOTE. DATES REQUESTED MUST BE FLEXIBLE.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    Farmstay help
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Outdoor activities
    Animals
    History
    Cooking & food
    Politics / Social justice
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We look forward to engaging with our volunteers through sharing conversations and knowledge about each other's countries, cultures, languages, and experiences. There is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature available in the West of Ireland, including daily life on a small rural holding. The area has a variety of wildlife and birds that are very enjoyable to observe, photograph, record, and learn more about. There is a wide variety of country walks with beautiful scenery available, including the opportunity to climb Croagh Patrick, "Ireland's Holy Mountain". Opportunities to attend local events and festivals are available throughout the summer months.
    Volunteers are provided with High-quality, home-cooked meals {7 DAYS A WEEK IF YOU WANT} {including Full cooked Irish Breakfast} {Dinner {Steak},{ Roast Beef} { Beef Burgers} { Roast Lamb } various chicken dishes, Fish dishes Lasagne Pizza Lots of fresh fruit and veg, snacks as much as they want , and are encouraged to actively participate in Irish baking sessions, such as baking soda bread and scones. they will also learn the art and craft of making yogurt. We also encourage them to share their knowledge of cooking/skills so that we can learn together and share ideas and experiences.
    Volunteers are encouraged to use their free time to take trips to other Towns and cities and travel to areas of interest throughout Ireland. They will be dropped off/ picked up from the local bus stop in Charlestown Great Bus service from Charlestown to Castlebar/ Westport/ Galway/Sligo /Donegal/Dublin----Dublin Airport by bus is a 3.5-hour journey

  • Help

    Help

    The help will be varied, both indoors and outdoors
    We cut our own Turf Peat on our own land for our own use to burn in our stove.
    Weather permitting, a contractor cuts the turf in May or early June.
    See our profile photos
    You can look at YouTube videos of cutting the hopper turf in Ireland
    All Tasks are done together in the context of learning and sharing skills
    We do not work outdoors in bad weather
    We can be flexible with the hours to suit.
    Particularly in good weather when working outdoors
    4 hours a day, 5 days a week, 1 hour break every 2 hours
    We do not accept paying guests

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    The volunteer(s) will have their own private room with a double/king-size bed on the ground floor of our modern home. There are ensuite or private bathroom/ shower facilities with bed linen/ towels, and toiletries provided. Full use of laundry facilities - (washing machine and dryer), WIFI is available, and a Smart TV is available in the sitting room that volunteers can share.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Enjoy the freedom of exploring on our bicycles, available for your use upon request!
    Check out Urlaur Lake a hidden gem in a peaceful setting 40 min bike ride from our home.

  • 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

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    One

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Mister Jack

Host ref number: 393918787425

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