Come and help on a farm animal sanctuary on the Beara peninsula in west Cork, Ireland
Last activity
: 29 Apr 2025
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Usually responds within 1 day
Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 399657593621
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Feedback (21)
Left by host for Workawayer (Angela )
What can I say about Angela…..we had her stay for approx 10 weeks and from the moment we met we felt like we’d known her already. She’s very easy to be around, very relaxed, great company, funny, smart, intelligent and an all round lovely person.
She has a great work ethic and nothing is ever any trouble, she was always asking if she could help
… read more with anything.
Angela’s attitude to everything is positive and supportive. She is someone who will excel at anything she turns her mind to and I have no doubt that she can do just about anything.
She was fabulous with all the animals as well and not phased by anything which included having a very poorly goat sleep in her room for a week so she could give him the additional care he needed. I know for a fact if he hadn’t had that care we probably would’ve lost him. Angela is a person that cares deeply about not only the animals but people as well.
It was hard to see her leave and we all miss her dearly (& the animals obviously) and can’t wait to see her again.
Left by Workawayer (Angela ) for host
My experience at the animal sanctuary was nothing short of magical. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, valued, and completely at home. Jacquie and Alan are truly extraordinary people—kind, compassionate, and utterly devoted to the animals in their care.
What they have created here is not just a place where animals are cared for, it’s a
… read more place where they are deeply loved, respected, and given a second chance at life.
I came as a Workawayer, but I left feeling like part of a family. Jacquie and Alan’s dedication to these animals is nothing short of inspiring. Every single day, I saw firsthand the love and effort they put into making sure every animal gets the care they need. Whether it was feeding, cleaning, or just spending time with them, every moment felt meaningful. The work was incredibly rewarding.
What made the experience even more amazing were the little day trips we took around the stunning Beara Peninsula. After a full day of work, getting to explore the breathtaking landscapes, hidden beaches, and charming villages made the experience even more unforgettable. I'll treasure these memories forever.
Leaving was really tough, but I know I’ll be back. This isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place that stays with you.
Jacquie and Alan, thank you for welcoming me with open arms, for all the laughter, deep conversations and for the incredible work you do every single day. I’m already counting down the days until I can return and be part of the family again!
Left by host for Workawayer (Uku & Laura-Marie)
We had Uku come for about six weeks from early September. Although a very quiet person he was always very helpful and joined in on lots of different things at the Sanctuary such as helping to paint a shelter and digging a ditch as well as all the daily things that need to be done and if asked he was always willing to help.
He was very good with
… read more all the animals and I think they all liked his gentle nature and responded to that. He was especially great with the cats who all spent lots of time with him. Uku was also very good at picking different films to watch in the evenings so stopped Alan and I trying to compete on what to watch.
We're really glad Uku chose to come and help us here and hope to see him sometime in the future
Left by Workawayer (Uku & Laura-Marie) for host
I stayed with Alan and Jacquie for six weeks and it was amazing. They are really friendly, helpful and just great people. I felt really welcomed and Alan's cooking was really tasty. I went to Ireland to gain some experience in animal raising and that is what i got. I got to prepare food buckets in the morning and let the animals out. In the
… read more evening i got to feed the animals and in the meantime, i got to do some various jobs on the farm (if the weather allowed it). In the evenings we also watched some movies and i loved doing it. The animals were completely amazing and cute, got to pet them and take pictures as well as snuggle up with some of the cats during the night. I also had enough free time to relax and discover the surroundings. Nature in Ireland is really beautiful. Alan and Jacquie also showed me around in different landmarks and museums, which was really cool. Overall, i really enjoyed my stay there and have nothing but good to say about this place. I wish to return there some day in the future!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (LiziAndLasse)
I’m late doing the feedback for Dalizia and Lasse so apologies.
The guys came to us for three months from July to September and there aren’t really enough words to describe how wonderful they both are.
They were both so kind, considerate and worked so very hard here. Nothing was ever too much trouble for them and they both threw themselves into
… read more sanctuary life totally.
The animals adored them, they spent lots of time getting to know them and their personalities, what they liked or didn’t like and I know the animals miss them and the care and love they showed them.
After three months of them being here and them leaving, nothing feels the same, they helped life seem so much easier and when there were difficulties here they were so kind and supportive to us both and we knew that if we had to be away from the sanctuary that everything would be looked after and the animals cared for.
One of the major differences they made, which everyone who has been here will understand, is that they developed an app for us with all the information someone coming needs to know. It’s been a game changer for us, made things so much easier and we use it ourselves.
The quality of work and care was excellent and they are both just genuinely lovely people who will accomplish whatever they set their minds to in life and we so hope they come back to see us again.
Dalizia and Lasse will always be part of the sanctuary family and we consider them part of our own as well.
Left by Workawayer (LiziAndLasse) for host
We stayed with Jacquie and Alan for three months in the summer, and we truly had the best time there😍! From the moment we arrived, we felt an instant connection with them, as they are incredibly sweet, loving, and funny people. They were always there for a chat but were never pushy, resulting in many great conversations with them over dinner. Alan
… read more is a great cook as well😉. On top of that, they are very flexible and considerate of each workawayer's plans, actively seeking feedback from the people who stay with them to improve their farm. You can tell that they are genuinely passionate about what they are doing, and it was a pleasure to witness that whenever we worked alongside them🥰. Moreover, they were always super generous with their time, offering us lifts to explore the area and sharing lots of great recommendations for breathtaking hikes (in more ways than one😅). Considering all this, we definitely shed a tear or two when it was time to say goodbye, but we will be back to visit them as soon as we can, as we consider them our second family❤️. The animals on the farm are the absolute cutest, and you quickly get used to being around them constantly, even if you're not typically an animal person. Their distinct personalities and charm just make you fall in love with them in no time🥹. We dearly miss all the cuddles and even sweeping up after them😂. When it comes to our work, our tasks were mostly the same every day, but this does not mean that it was boring! Every day actually felt really different, and we learned so many things along the way. Overall, we are deeply grateful for this experience and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone ready to step out of their comfort zone and have a great time!☺️You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
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Left by host for Workawayer (Angela )
What can I say about Angela…..we had her stay for approx 10 weeks and from the moment we met we felt like we’d known her already. She’s very easy to be around, very relaxed, great company, funny, smart, intelligent and an all round lovely person.
She has a great work ethic and nothing is ever any trouble, she was always asking if she could help
… read more with anything.
Angela’s attitude to everything is positive and supportive. She is someone who will excel at anything she turns her mind to and I have no doubt that she can do just about anything.
She was fabulous with all the animals as well and not phased by anything which included having a very poorly goat sleep in her room for a week so she could give him the additional care he needed. I know for a fact if he hadn’t had that care we probably would’ve lost him. Angela is a person that cares deeply about not only the animals but people as well.
It was hard to see her leave and we all miss her dearly (& the animals obviously) and can’t wait to see her again.
Left by Workawayer (Angela ) for host
My experience at the animal sanctuary was nothing short of magical. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, valued, and completely at home. Jacquie and Alan are truly extraordinary people—kind, compassionate, and utterly devoted to the animals in their care.
What they have created here is not just a place where animals are cared for, it’s a
… read more place where they are deeply loved, respected, and given a second chance at life.
I came as a Workawayer, but I left feeling like part of a family. Jacquie and Alan’s dedication to these animals is nothing short of inspiring. Every single day, I saw firsthand the love and effort they put into making sure every animal gets the care they need. Whether it was feeding, cleaning, or just spending time with them, every moment felt meaningful. The work was incredibly rewarding.
What made the experience even more amazing were the little day trips we took around the stunning Beara Peninsula. After a full day of work, getting to explore the breathtaking landscapes, hidden beaches, and charming villages made the experience even more unforgettable. I'll treasure these memories forever.
Leaving was really tough, but I know I’ll be back. This isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place that stays with you.
Jacquie and Alan, thank you for welcoming me with open arms, for all the laughter, deep conversations and for the incredible work you do every single day. I’m already counting down the days until I can return and be part of the family again!
Left by host for Workawayer (Uku & Laura-Marie)
We had Uku come for about six weeks from early September. Although a very quiet person he was always very helpful and joined in on lots of different things at the Sanctuary such as helping to paint a shelter and digging a ditch as well as all the daily things that need to be done and if asked he was always willing to help.
He was very good with
… read more all the animals and I think they all liked his gentle nature and responded to that. He was especially great with the cats who all spent lots of time with him. Uku was also very good at picking different films to watch in the evenings so stopped Alan and I trying to compete on what to watch.
We're really glad Uku chose to come and help us here and hope to see him sometime in the future
Left by Workawayer (Uku & Laura-Marie) for host
I stayed with Alan and Jacquie for six weeks and it was amazing. They are really friendly, helpful and just great people. I felt really welcomed and Alan's cooking was really tasty. I went to Ireland to gain some experience in animal raising and that is what i got. I got to prepare food buckets in the morning and let the animals out. In the
… read more evening i got to feed the animals and in the meantime, i got to do some various jobs on the farm (if the weather allowed it). In the evenings we also watched some movies and i loved doing it. The animals were completely amazing and cute, got to pet them and take pictures as well as snuggle up with some of the cats during the night. I also had enough free time to relax and discover the surroundings. Nature in Ireland is really beautiful. Alan and Jacquie also showed me around in different landmarks and museums, which was really cool. Overall, i really enjoyed my stay there and have nothing but good to say about this place. I wish to return there some day in the future!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (LiziAndLasse)
I’m late doing the feedback for Dalizia and Lasse so apologies.
The guys came to us for three months from July to September and there aren’t really enough words to describe how wonderful they both are.
They were both so kind, considerate and worked so very hard here. Nothing was ever too much trouble for them and they both threw themselves into
… read more sanctuary life totally.
The animals adored them, they spent lots of time getting to know them and their personalities, what they liked or didn’t like and I know the animals miss them and the care and love they showed them.
After three months of them being here and them leaving, nothing feels the same, they helped life seem so much easier and when there were difficulties here they were so kind and supportive to us both and we knew that if we had to be away from the sanctuary that everything would be looked after and the animals cared for.
One of the major differences they made, which everyone who has been here will understand, is that they developed an app for us with all the information someone coming needs to know. It’s been a game changer for us, made things so much easier and we use it ourselves.
The quality of work and care was excellent and they are both just genuinely lovely people who will accomplish whatever they set their minds to in life and we so hope they come back to see us again.
Dalizia and Lasse will always be part of the sanctuary family and we consider them part of our own as well.
Left by Workawayer (LiziAndLasse) for host
We stayed with Jacquie and Alan for three months in the summer, and we truly had the best time there😍! From the moment we arrived, we felt an instant connection with them, as they are incredibly sweet, loving, and funny people. They were always there for a chat but were never pushy, resulting in many great conversations with them over dinner. Alan
… read more is a great cook as well😉. On top of that, they are very flexible and considerate of each workawayer's plans, actively seeking feedback from the people who stay with them to improve their farm. You can tell that they are genuinely passionate about what they are doing, and it was a pleasure to witness that whenever we worked alongside them🥰. Moreover, they were always super generous with their time, offering us lifts to explore the area and sharing lots of great recommendations for breathtaking hikes (in more ways than one😅). Considering all this, we definitely shed a tear or two when it was time to say goodbye, but we will be back to visit them as soon as we can, as we consider them our second family❤️. The animals on the farm are the absolute cutest, and you quickly get used to being around them constantly, even if you're not typically an animal person. Their distinct personalities and charm just make you fall in love with them in no time🥹. We dearly miss all the cuddles and even sweeping up after them😂. When it comes to our work, our tasks were mostly the same every day, but this does not mean that it was boring! Every day actually felt really different, and we learned so many things along the way. Overall, we are deeply grateful for this experience and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone ready to step out of their comfort zone and have a great time!☺️You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Ellen) for host
First of all, I am writing this much too late, so I apologize! I had the pleasure of staying at the sanctuary with Jacquie and Alan for 3 weeks in June. From the first moment they picked me up in Glengarriff, Jacquie and Alan were so welcoming and always incredibly kind to me. I immediately fell in love with the Sanctuary and all of the animals. I
… read more think it is not only an animal sanctuary, but also a sanctuary for people! I loved to enjoy my morning coffee sitting with one of my new best friends, Lucy (the lovely goat). My first night I saw the evening feeding and it was a bit crazy to see, but these parts of the day became some of my favourite and funniest memories. The work was never too difficult. We mostly helped with feeding, cleaning shelters every once and a while, filling up feed buckets, and spending quality time with the animals. Jacquie and Alan are animal lovers from the bottom of their hearts, the animals are very loved and happy and it was very special to see and be a part of.
Jacquie and Alan were wonderful hosts, bringing myself and the other volunteers to the surrounding areas like the Buddhist Temple, Bantry, Kenmare, Garnish Island and more.
The weather was still quite chilly when I was there, so I was always excited for the delicious warm dinners cooked by Alan.
The surrounding area is beautiful, with access to the ocean very close to the Sanctuary. I also had the opportunity to hike along part of the Beautiful Beara Way trail from Glengarriff directly back to the farm with another lovely volunteer, Nadine. I hope one day I can return and experience more of the natural areas around Beara.
Beara, the Sanctuary and especially Jacquie and Alan all became very special to me, and I highly recommend the experience. I definitely hope to return one day!!
Thank you Jacquie and Alan!!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellen)
The very lovely Ellie came to us for just under three weeks in June and was a pleasure. Despite the fact we are quite disorganised Ellie soon got into a routine and nothing was ever too much trouble for her. The love and care she showed all the animals here told me everything I needed to know about her as a person.
She’s kind, gentle, caring,
… read more thoughtful and a genuinely lovely person. We sadly suffered the loss of two of our animals when she was here and was both affected and a great support. One soul came to us very poorly and Ellie spent lots of time with him making his last few days full of love and gentle care and I’ll never forget her for that.
Ellie will always be welcome to come here whoever she wants, whether to just visit or to help out and we wish her the best going forward
Left by host for Workawayer (Nadine)
We had the very lovely Nadine come to stay for just over two weeks and I really liked her very much instantly. She’s a happy positive person who’s really in touch with what life is all about and I found that a really refreshing energy to be around.
Nadine worked hard and despite being a little apprehensive on arrival really emerged herself into
… read more sanctuary life.
Sadly while she was here we lost two of our beloved goats which was very upsetting for everyone. Nadine was a great support for me, whether it was just sitting in the feed store with a cat on her lap in silence or having a hug, I’m glad she was there. She has a special something about her and the animals really took to her.
I’m so glad she came to us and wish her the best going forward. I’m sure anyone who hosts her will have the same experience.
Nadine will always be welcome back here whether to help or just visit, I know there will be several animals who are waiting to see her again, as are we
Left by Workawayer (Nadine) for host
My stay with Jacquie and Allen and all the wonderful animals was my first workaway and it couldn't have been better. I felt very welcome and at home from the minute I arrived. Jacquie and Allen are such wonderful people and I am so grateful to have met them and to have had the experience of all the ups and downs of a sanctuary. What they do there
… read more every day is incredible. The world definitely needs more people like them who put their lives, energy, time and money into the welfare of animals. Then our world would be a much better place. I stayed in the camper, which is clean, very comfortable and offers a lot of space. Every morning I woke up and watched the animals through the window, which was a wonderful way to start the day. There is also a very cozy room in the house. Allen is a great cook and I looked forward to dinner and spending time together every day after work. When time allows, they show us their beautiful Peninsula and we have visited great places like Kenmare, the Healy Pass, Bantry and Glengarriff as well as the pubs and restaurants nearby. The area is stunning and so beautiful. The animals are all very sweet and show great gratitude for the work, affection and time given to them. It is not difficult to make friends with them and to fall a little bit in love with one or the other animal. The help is mainly needed in the morning and evening and consisted mostly of feeding, preparing the food, letting the animals out of the stables in the morning and bringing them back in in the evening, collecting eggs, filling up water at the water stations, cleaning the stables and the areas and giving the animals lots of love. Anyone who wants to help out here should have a big heart for animals and be aware that the animals are everywhere and you are in contact with them a lot. For me it was no problem, I loved it. Many thanks to Allen & Jacquie for the great time with you! It was emotional, heartwarming and fulfilling.
Jacquie and Alan are two very nice hosts who have given their whole hearts to their animals. They are super friendly and look after their guests just as selflessly. When I got sick, they gave me all the time I needed to get back on my feet. I always felt well looked after and safe, so I never felt the need to cut my trip short.
Jacquie and Alan
… read more know all their animals by name and can tell you their individual story. The animals are all friendly (except sometimes the pony) - they seem to feel just as well looked after as I did :-). Somehow, the whole farm is a big community where everyone - including the animals - gets along and likes each other, even if there are of course sometimes small struggles. That's great to see and would hardly be possible without the always careful and sophisticated implemented introduction of new arrivals - whether sick, young, old or shy - under Jacquie's direction.
Beside the work like feeding the animals, cleaning the shelters or repairing some stuf there is also enough free time - usually in the morning - to explore the beautiful area or to accompany Jacquie and Alan, when they have to do some stuff in Glengariff or Bantry, where shopping is possible.
From time to time we went on trips together, during which Jacquie and Alan showed us the most beautiful sights in the county. And in the evening, after a nice meal (Alan is a great cook), we often watched films together.
If anyone loves animals, I highly recommend to have a stay with Jacquie and Alan.
Kathi came to us in May for a couple of weeks and was great company.
Sadly she was quite poorly when she came and had a short stay in hospital.
After she was better she came back to us for another week.
Despite her being poorly Kathi worked very hard when she was able and was a great help to us and I was very fond of her.
Should she ever want
… read more to she is welcome to come back anytime.
Left by host for Workawayer (Eve)
We had the very lovely Eve come to stay for two weeks and what a blessing it was.
She's great fun, really easy to be around, loves all the animals and everything she did was with enthusiasm and care.
Eve spent lots of time with our new pig Buddy, helping him to settle in as he's currently being kept separate from the other pigs until he can be
… read more neutered and also one of our poorly pigs Aoife who really appreciated the one-one attention Eve gave her.
Eve is definitely a part of our sanctuary family and is welcome back whenever she wants to come and we hope she will.
Left by Workawayer (Eve) for host
My 2 weeks visit to the sanctuary was the most amazing experience, I loved every minute. Jacquie and Alan are possibly the kindest people I've ever met, I felt welcomed and at ease right away and within a few days I really felt like a little family. During my stay I loved spending time with Jacquie and Alan and the other volunteer, it was a lovely
… read more balance between going on road trips to see the beautiful sights and helping out with jobs at the sanctuary. Of course the animals are all so beautiful and have their own unique characters. I especially loved Aofia, Saffy and Buddy the pigs, and all the cats, dogs and goats!! Every single animal is super friendly and they love a fuss. I can't thank Jacquie and Alan enough for such an amazing, memorable stay, I'll remember it forever. I really hope I can visit again soon & stay for longer next time!!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Willa)
Willa came to us for two months and was a pleasure to heave around. Right from the time she arrived she started interacting with the animals here (namely the cats who are everywhere) and the following morning dived straight into meeting the rest of the animals.
Willa took everything in her stride but at the same time asked as many questions as
… read more she needed and put extra pressure on herself to get things right from the very beginning.
Willa is great company, she’s a genuinely lovely thoughtful person and so easy to be around.
We thank Willa for all her hard work, for the care she gave the animals and all the love as well, especially with the goats and cats.
We hope to see her again and wish her only the very best going forward x
Left by Workawayer (Willa) for host
Jacquie and Alan were so kind and fun, just lovely people overall. I learned a lot about animal care and over the course of two months got to learn the specific temperament of each animal. The goats were incredible--I still miss them--and it was so much fun to interact with them, especially as I got to witness two sets of twins go from newborns to
… read more playful adolescents. (It was really cute to watch their horns start to come in.) I learned to trust myself more, and grew so much because of Jacquie and Alan. They let me figure things out for myself but never got upset when I made a mistake. I hope to come again! Thanks for having me <3You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie Marie)
Sophie came to stay with us for a month in January and despite being a little overwhelmed upon arrival (which is pretty normal as there's so much going on) became a great help to us. She threw herself into all the tasks here and helped around the house as well. Nothing was too much trouble for her at all.
Once settled Sophie is great company, very
… read more chatty, a great support, very organised, a very hard worker and we really enjoyed having her here.
Overall Sophie is initially a quiet person who then bursts into life once she's settled in and will always be welcome here
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia)
The very lovely Julia was with us for a month which totally flew by.
Julia is a genuinely lovely person in every way, she's really helpful and pro active, great with the animals and got in the routine very quickly.
We had some great chats and I know that whatever it is in life that she wants to achieve she will.
Julia is very focused but also
… read more very open minded and interested. She's also a great cook and cooked many lovely meals for us.
Julia helped with whatever we wanted and offered with things we wouldn’t expect someone to get involved in.
She's great company and we miss her, she will always be welcome back whenever she wants and is part of our sanctuary family
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
The Farm is not only a sanctuary for animals, but for people too. Jacquie and Alan are incredibly wonderful people with hearts of gold! They are both generous with their time and with making sure you feel at home. The animals here, from the loving dogs to the spunky pigs to the gentle-natured goats, have filled me with such joy. I loved getting to
… read more know the animals as individuals but also the dynamics that exist between them as they do all share the space they live in. My experience at The Sanctuary was so rich and rewarding. Jacquie and Alan are building something very special here. Their honest pursuit to offer abused and neglected farm animals a second chance at a good life inspires me endlessly. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves animals and nature. Beara will hold a special place in my heart forever!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Katrin)
Well what can we say about our time with Kat.
Kat spent seven weeks here and she was amazing.
Not only did she get involved with absolutely every aspect of our life here at the sanctuary but she cooked for us, helped with housework, looked after a sick kitten for us as well as all the other cats, walked the dogs, fed the outside animals, helped
… read more with foot dipping and mucking out, she also helped with a lot of fencing that needed to be replaced/repaired. She also spent several hours out in the pouring rain with us when two of our pigs got out and got lost and we looking for them (they got back safely the following morning)
Kat was very supportive to both of us through times of stress and we were blessed to have her here with us. She's a very resourceful person with lots of empathy and kindness and she will always be like family to us.
All the animals here loved her and she was like a magnet to the inside animals. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her and she's someone that we would be both comfortable and confident about going away for a few days and leaving her to run the place.
She's coming back early next year and we can't wait to see her again 💚
Left by Workawayer (Katrin) for host
No words would ever be enough to appropriately describe all the wonderful experiences I made during my stay at the Farm Animal Sanctuary.
The way all the animals live together in a huge community is stunning. Pigs will sleep next to goats and occasionally a chicken will lay on top of them during the night. Each animal has their own character
… read more which can thrive in the environment of the sanctuary.
During my stay I got the opportunity to acquire new fencing skills (if I should ever be in the position that I have to make my garden pig and goat proof, I will know what to do now). Moreover, I learnt more about typical behaviours and general needs of the different animals and I was entrusted with the inclusion of animals that had recently been rescued.
Jacquie and Alan are really loveable and relaxed people who care more than anything about their animals. Alan is always very patient and encouraging. Also, he will always come up with clever (new) construction projects whereas Jacquie has a very caring and insightful personality that will make 101 percent sure that you will have everything you need. She has a vast knowledge concerning the care of (sick) animals and will be happy to teach you as well. Both Alan and Jacquie will be more than happy to share the stories of their animals. Moreover, they will take you to different places around the peninsula, take you out to cafés and pubs and introduce you to local history. We always shared dinner together and would often end our day with watching something together on Netflix.
Both Jacquie and Alan appreciate all the help you can offer, although they made it clear, that one of their highest priorities was that people staying with them have a good time during their stay, so don’t worry, you decide as much you want to work. My regular work included feeding the animals, cleaning their shelters and helping with household chores. Cuddling animals had always a high priority as well. Most of the 18 cats will be happy to sit on your lap or your shoulder and will welcome you with their soothing purring all day long. Weather permitting, I would walk the dogs along the picturesque coastline of Beara Peninsula in the morning. I absolutely loved assisting Alan in mending fences or minor construction works such as installing small pens.
These seven weeks have been life changing and although I was (voluntarily) working a lot, I am feeling really relaxed now, knowing that I had the opportunity to be part of this fabulous place and the sanctuary family. If you love animals, you should not miss out, this is the place to go!
I am already counting the weeks until I will be back in February!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Cecilia)
We had the wonderful Cecilia to stay for two weeks, which sadly flew by. Right from the start she settled in to our home and we immediately felt so comfortable with her.
Sadly I was poorly when she arrived so didn't see much of her for the first couple of days but she was a great help to Alan during that time and took everything in her stride.
… read more
Cecilia has a quiet but very warm personality and the cats especially took to her immediately, she was also able to get one of our cats to take his meds every day, something I've always struggled with.
Cecilia fully embraced the madness that is this place, especially at feeding time and was very quickly in the routine. She was so helpful during her stay despite the weather not being great and we loved her being here.
We truly hope Cecilia will come and see us again, we miss her as do the cats, dogs and all the animals
Left by Workawayer (Cecilia) for host
This was my first two weeks Workaway experience and it's been AMAZING!
Jacquie and Alan welcomed me in their home with open heart and mind since day one, making me feel comfortable, listened and safe at all time.
They patiently explained me the behaviour and history of each animal, how to interact with them, how to carry out the feeding and any
… read more other activity.
At their sanctuary they have goats, pigs, geese, ducks, hens, donkeys and a pony, cats and dogs, all with their personality and happy to have you around for a sweet cuddle - besides the bossy geese ahah.
During my experience I got the chance to see about the management of an animal sanctuary, procurement of food, visits to the vet and herbal therapy. I also had the opportunity to visit the stunning surroundings by walking, going on a few car trips, stopping by a Buddhist temple and admiring lots of natural beauties, plus some nice beers and music and the local pub!
I had a very precious time at their lovely sanctuary, and hoping to be back next year 💚You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Amy) for host
I stayed with Jacquie and Alan in May 2023 and clearly was so distraught to find myself no longer surrounded by cats that I forgot to leave feedback until now. I had an amazing time. If you love animals then this is an unmissable opportunity to meet wonderful souls of many species (including human). As a sanctuary workaway, it is unparalleled for
… read more the amount of animal interaction and bonding that is available if you're open to it. The animals are all (rightfully) adored and doted on and it's really touching to see the bond that they have with Jacquie and Alan.
It's clear that an enormous amount of blood sweat and tears that have been put into setting up the sanctuary and keeping it going, but despite this I was always treated well and like a valued member of the sanctuary team. Jacquie and Alan are very knowledgeable about the local area and its history and will be able to tell you all about it. It's easily the most beautiful place I've ever visited in my life, and I'll never forget my time here for many reasons. Accomodation was also really high quality and welcoming. The animals are all (rightfully) adored and doted on and it's really touching to see the bond that they have with Jacquie and Alan. They were fairly new hosts when I stayed but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see the sanctuary become a top host on workaway.
If you go, then give them all your effort and all your heart because this is most definitely an opportunity of a lifetime! Bring your wellies and don't forget to give the piglets some love too!!! :)
Until the next time <3You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Amy)
We had Amy come and stay for just over 3 weeks and she was fantastic. She very quickly settled in and took over the preparation, organising and feeding of the animals. She sorted out the feed shed, painted two shelters and just went with the flow of the place. She LOVED the animals and I'd always hear her chatting away to them. She took everything
… read more in her stride and was phased by nothing....even all the animals in the house. After finding her ,practically every day, wearing a blanket of cats she told us that she had never really been around cats before. They all really loved her and miss her as do the dogs and all the animals outside.
Needless to say that Amy will always be welcome to come back and we sincerely hope she does. She's now a part of the Sanctuary family and is missed by us all. I'm sure we will hear of her in the future making big differences to animals lives
Left by host for Workawayer (Deborah)
We had Deb come to stay for a month and what a great month it was.
She is full of fun, a great help and all of the animals adored her.
Not only did she give 5 ⭐️ care to the animals she also cooked fab meals for us.
Nothing was ever too much trouble for Deb and she was very proactive in every way. She was patient and caring and gave as much
… read more individual attention as needed to any animal that needed it.
Deb is great fun to be around, has a million funny stories she'll happily share with you and is a deeply caring person.
Our experience with Deb was fantastic so if you want someone who is an all round lovely person you won't do any better then her.
Though she will have many more adventures we hope she comes back to us one day, she'll always be welcome.
We miss her and so do all the animals
Left by Workawayer (Deborah) for host
Sometime in your lifetime you are drawn to a special place that nourishes your soul, warms your heart and floods you with joy. Well my month here was one of these moments.
Jacquie and Alan have created a plot of heaven and a space for a safe and happy life for a special group of animals that are family.
I could not have asked for more
… read more hospitable, fun, generous, friendly and thoughtful people on this amazing adventure.
The joy of waking up every morning to an orchestra of animal sounds was magical and greeting them all in the yard was absolutely wonderful. The animals all roam free and live harmoniously together and provide an endless supply of fabulous photo and video opportunities. Jacquie taught me about animal care and provided an amazing insight into the lives that have been saved. Alan provided me with opportunities to learn new skills in fencing and farm maintenance that was fun. They are a beautiful couple who kindly open their home and hearts and welcome you to the sanctuary. I was lucky to work with two other wonderful Workaway ladies and met a few of Jacquie and Alan's friends who were as passionate and kind as them.
Jacquie and Alan took us on fantastic road trips around the Peninsula where we got to see beautiful colourful villages, stunning coastlines, ancient Standing Stones and Wedge Burial tombs, heritage properties and of course classic old Irish pubs.
We enjoyed many meals together with lots of laughter and some nights of comedy in the TV room with the beautiful dogs.
I enjoyed every second of my 4 weeks. and hope to get the opportunity to return for some more animal magic. I already miss my morning greetings from the gang and the moments when I could tell them a secret or a story that I know they would keep safe.
What Jacquie and Alan are doing here is extraordinary and wonderful and the unconditional love they share with their furry and feathered friends is joyous.
Thank you both so much xxx
Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host
Well what can I say, an experience of a life time!!. Jacquie and Alan are great. Their dedication ,passion and love for all the animals is outstanding and shines through without a shadow of a doubt. The fact that all the animals roam free altogether is magical! To sit in the kitchen in the morning, having a cup of tea and watch the pigs, donkeys
… read more then the geese walk by the back door, is amazing. Jacquie and Alan took the time to show me the local sites ,coastline and history of the surroundings , which was great......and a couple of pubs!!.. This time spent on the animal sanctuary, with all the animals ( which I think I know them all by name now!!) has been an amazing adventure. like I said before, the experiences and the memory's that I hold from being with Jacquie ,alan and all the animals on the sanctuary will remain and make me smile to the end of days......... Ps. Wellies are essential 😃You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Marianna & Paweł) for host
We had amazing few weeks at Jacquie and Alan’s place. They are warm, kind, caring, welcoming, wonderful people and made us feel at home since the first day. They showed us lots of stunningly beautiful places around the peninsula, as well as the local bars. We had many good talks and laughs :) They give their whole hearts to their animals, it’s
… read more fantastic to see how committed they are to providing them with the best care.
We spent our days surrounded by animals, helping with feeding them, cleaning and painting the shelters, giving foot baths to the goats, helping around the house etc. All the work was very pleasant, it was super interesting and fun getting to know each one of the animals, observing their behaviors and giving them cuddles. We loved them all so much, we already miss waking up to the sounds of geese, piggies and hens 🤍
The area is really pretty, with lots of beautiful nature you can enjoy on walks, there is a bay you can swim in or a kayaking place nearby where we’ve seen some cute seals! It’s definitely a place to go if you love animals, feel comfortable around them and want to reconnect with nature.
Our time at the sanctuary was something we’ll never forget. It went by in a blink of an eye. We’ll hold this place in our hearts forever and we’ll definitely be back one day ❤️❤️You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Marianna & Paweł)
Mania & Pawel came to stay with us for just under three weeks and were both so lovely. They took everything in their stride and were unphased by anything here. Their calm caring personalities won us all over very quickly and the animals loved them. They're both so gentle and kind and I loved to see and hear how they interacted with the animals, it
… read more was so touching. The love and care they gave when here was so appreciated and genuine. They helped around the house and cooked some delicious meals including the best pizza ever. They truly are wonderful people, helpful and funny and we will miss them a lot. Mania is also a very talented artist and helped us with social media and they both did a lot of painting of the shelters and helped get a fenced feeding area done within a couple of hours which was brilliant. They are both definitely part of our Sanctuary family and we both hope they'll come back to us again.
Left by host for Workawayer (alicemsomm)
We had Alice come to stay with us for five weeks and she was wonderful. She's interesting, witty, smart, helpful, fun, great with all the animals and nothing was too much trouble for her. She used her initiative whilst here, did amazing things with social media for us and helped to increase our profile online which is so important for the
… read more Sanctuary. Alice is also a writer and a wordsmith and very talented in our opinion and we enjoyed every minute with her. We hope she'll come to us again and is definitely a member of the Sanctuary family. Thank you Alice for everything you've done for us
Left by host for Workawayer (Mattia)
We had Mattia come to stay with us for two weeks. It was the fastest two weeks ever and felt like he was leaving just after he arrived. We loved having him here with us, he was super helpful, always smiling and willing to do anything even without asking. He was great with the animals and interacted with them all. We learned about different places
… read more in Italy and he was a delight to have around. He also cooked some amazing meals for us as well.
Mattia is one of our Sanctuary family and we hope he'll come back to visit us again as he'll always be welcome.
Left by host for Workawayer (Louise)
Louise was with us for 3 weeks and we simply loved having her here. Immediately we met her we felt as though we already knew her. She was such fun to have around, always smiling and great company. She was amazing with the animals and they all loved her. Our eldest donkey Milo was winding down and his son made a bond with Louise which I think
… read more ultimately helped when we lost Milo just after Louise left. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her, we miss her a lot and hope she will come and see us again whether to work or to stay
Left by Workawayer (Louise) for host
I had a wonderful stay at the sanctuary and it didn't take long for me to feel at home. Jacquie and Alan are very welcoming and caring hosts. I felt very well looked after with them. They drove me all over the Beara Peninsula and showed me beautiful places. I enjoyed working on the sanctuary and I was able to learn a lot about the animals,
… read more especially about their very different personalities. Most of them are very affectionate and friendly. You feed the animals, muck out the stalls or give the pigs a belly massage (Celie is always up for it) or brush the donkeys.
It felt more like a holiday than work when I was with the animals and I would definitely like to come back!
All the best, Louise 🌞You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Alejandra)
Alejandra was with us for two weeks and we wish we could've had her stay longer. We had a little issue with language but her english is better then she thinks and she just lacks a little confidence. She was lovely to be around, always calm and smiley and was great with the animals and preparing their food twice daily. There's a lot to take on
… read more board here and with the help with a previous workawayer Ale was fine. We really hope to see you again soon, thank you for supporting me through the loss of three of our animals, it meant a lot to us all
Left by Workawayer (Alejandra) for host
Jaquie and Allan are incredible people. I keep a piece of all of you in my heart. Even with my understanding problems with language ...I have felt like with my family. The animals are lovely (even the geese haha) I'm already missing the little cute lambs... Thanks you for everything and for this marvelous experience. I wish see all of you again
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Claire) for host
I had an excellent few weeks staying with Jacquie and Alan!! They are truly welcoming and kind people and I felt very safe and well-looked after while I was there. They were also really great at taking me and the other workawayers out regularly to explore more of west cork (which was awesome!! The beauty really can't be understated 😍) and to the
… read more best local bars. The ocean is only 400m away from the house so it's easy to go for a quick dip if you're into that as well!
The animals at the sanctuary are extremely friendly and an absolute delight to work with. Being comfortable around large animals is definitely essential to working here (though the geese are by far the most dangerous haha). Our tasks mostly consisted of feeding the animals every day, cleaning out the animal pens and yard, and assisting with animal care like cleaning the goats feet in a foot bath. Accommodation is very comfortable (a room in the house or a caravan next to it) and the kitchen has everything you need to cook. There are a lot of cats and dogs inside the house but I loved them all!! Special love to Teddy and the kittens ❤️❤️ I hope our paths cross again!Left by host for Workawayer (Claire)
We had Claire come to stay for just under three weeks and we loved her. She's got a bright sunny personality, is a great planner, will go above what is asked of her and a fab cook. I was poorly while she was here but I could rest assure that the animals were well cared for by her and the other workawayers we had staying.
Claire is someone who
… read more will succeed in whatever she turns her mind to and we hope to see her again one day, she'll always be welcome
Left by Workawayer (Tiphaine) for host
Jacquie and Alan are wonderful people, I spent two weeks in the sanctuary and it was my best experience in Ireland.
They are people of extreme kindness concerned about the well-being of others and a complete devotion to animals. Regarding my tasks, I had to feed the animals and take care of their living spaces. In the sanctuary the animals are
… read more imposing in size but very friendly and endearing. The house is located in the middle of the animals' living space, it is best to come if you feel comfortable with the animals and are not afraid to get your hands dirty.
Thank you very much to both of you for this wonderful experience, I hope to see you again soon 💙You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Tiphaine)
Tiphaine is an absolute joy to have around. She was amazing with the animals and although I was poorly for some of her stay I could hear her chatting away outside to the animals. Knowing that the animals were being cared for well took the pressure off of me and I had the space to recover properly. She went above and beyond anything we expected of
… read more her and was a great help. She has a smiling and lovely personality and we will miss her a lot.
Tiphaine will always be welcome to come back and we hope to see her sometime in the future.
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie-Amélie)
We had Marie-Amélie here for two weeks and we loved her. She was always smiling, upbeat and nothing was ever too much trouble for her. She's an absolute pleasure to be around. She went above and beyond with what we needed doing and helped us outside of the hours we were looking for. Sadly I was ill for the first part of her stay so didn't get to
… read more spend as much time as I would've liked with her but Alan spent time with her and the other two workaways we had and he he said they were all fabulous. She got involved with things even outside of her comfort zone and only ever showed patience and a caring attitude towards the animals.
Marie-Amélie you will always be welcome here and we really hope to see you again in the future
Left by Workawayer (Teresa) for host
Jacquie and Alan are absolute lovely persons and great hosts. They were very concerned about me feeling comfortable and my well being.
My main task was to feed the animals which wasn't always easy, because all the animals share their place with each other and try to steal each others food. Most of the animals are very friendly except for the
… read more geese, but I managed to avoid them.
Once the fencing and some other building projects are finished, working with and around the animals will be a lot easier. But I could always ask for help when some of the animals were being too forward.
Jacquie and Alan made an afford to show me around the stunning penninsula and took me out to the pub on weekends. They are very welcoming people and I hope I will visit them again some time.
Be aware that 5 dogs and many cats live in the house and they sometimes leave a mess and can be quite noisy.
If you are looking for a very clean and peaceful place this is probabaly not for you. To anyone else I absolutely recommend these lovely hosts!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Teresa)
Teresa was our first Workawayer and we are delighted she was. It took us a minute to get our heads around wanting to involve her in everything and not respecting her free time but she gave us time for the penny to drop and us 'get it'. She's friendly, interesting, quiet, respectful and took feeding all the outside animals here in her stride which
… read more is no mean feat, especially when the weather is bad and it has been bad. She also embraced the madness with all the animals in the house and was just lovely.
We were so lucky to have you here Teresa and you're welcome back anytime
Left by Workawayer (Stacyoneill) for host
Jacquie and Alan are the sweetest hosts. Right away you see they have a good sense of care, collaboration and communication with their workawayers.
They are dedicated to the care of the animals they've taken in and work to meet the needs of all of them in addition to giving great consideration for the individual strengths & needs of their
… read more workawayers.
It seems you find the animal(s) you love here and give them the extra attention and love.
We find our niche, our routine, and enjoy the absolutely beautiful area surrounding during off time.
I really recommend coming prepared for the farm with boots that are fine to get muddy, etc.
I very much recommend these hosts.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Enjoy an oasis in the heart of Dublin, good food, adoring dog and no dig garden, Ireland
Dog sitting & House Sitting- near Dublin, Ireland
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Charity Work
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Help around the house
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