Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
18 Jun 2025
Reply rate
92.6 %
Usually responds within 7 days
Feedback
45
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We are a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 children: two boys aged 14, and 12, and a girl aged 7. We have one cat, a bearded dragon lizard and a small aquarium with 11 fish. We live on a beautiful piece of land about 20 minutes drive from Galway City and just on the doorstep of the gateway to Connemara, a very popular destination for anyone wanting to see the beauty of Ireland. We home educate our children, following the unschooling method in particular. Our daily routine consists of all the normal domestic chores around meals, feeding the animals, doing the shopping and also lots of adventure, play and fun. We have built our own house and continue to build and finish various projects. There are woods, mountains and beautiful gardens all in close proximity to us and we try to get out as often as we can. Less than 5 minutes walk from our home is a regular bus service, which goes directly to Galway city and also in the opposite direction out to Connemara. We cook food from fresh every day and are vegetarian.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care
Help around the house
House sitting
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
If you are interested in education/ homeschooling/ unschooling then you could learn from us about our way of schooling the children. English is our first language so if you would like to learn more English we could be a great help with that. We do require that you have enough English to be able to communicate and understand everyday conversation. Due to the location of our home you could get a great experience of the Irish countryside and visit some of the most scenic areas of the country, as well as getting to enjoy the culture of Galway City easily. We are an open minded family who know about this area, what's on and what's to see and do.
Help
If you are someone who loves connecting, hanging out in a family environment then we would love your help here. We need help with general chores and feeding animals. We feel our children learn a lot from good quality contact with others. You will not be expected to look after the children, there will be a parent around also.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Accommodation for workawayers will be in our home.
What else ...
Galway is a thriving cultural City. It has a number of highly respected language schools, which host people from all over the world. There are many things to see and do, classes to attend, really whatever you are interested in exploring you will find it. Also, for anyone wishing to explore the beauty of Ireland, then Connemara is a must. There are a range of hostels in various locations, surrounded by stunning scenery and lots of activities. Daily tours go from Galway to Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aaran Islands, which are all parts of Ireland that are a 'must see'.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 448822434357
Feedback (22)
14 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mónica & Noah) for host
Last summer we where at Barry and Allison,s beautiful and cozy home and we had one of our BEST experiences in life.
They are the greatest family leaving in a dreamed home that they made with all their heart.
They give you the BEST welcome to their home. They all are loving , easy going, relax, Happy, caring, smiling family.
Thanks a lot for the… read more
They are the greatest family leaving in a dreamed home that they made with all their heart.
They give you the BEST welcome to their home. They all are loving , easy going, relax, Happy, caring, smiling family.
Thanks a lot for the… read more
28 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacopo)
Jacopo stayed with our family for one month. During his stay he completed many tasks; helping us out around the house with daily chores and cooking, hanging out with our children: playing games and supporting learning, and walking and caring for our dog. Jacopo is a very generous, warm and easy going young man who was a joy to host. He completed… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jacopo) for host
The experience was beautifull. I stayed for a month and felt like i was part of the family too. The children are full of energy, playful and interested in every topic. I spent a lot of time playing with them and adventuring in their world! Barry and Allison are very kind hearted people, very respectful of my spaces, times and different opinions.… read more
3 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas & Marie)
Thomas and Marie were really wonderful helpers in every way. They were loving, kind and attentive to our animals and took care of them with such enthuisasm and delight. They were interested and engaged with our children and were fun to have around. They were also brilliant in our garden!! Every job they completed with great enthuisasm and to the… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
14 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mónica & Noah) for host
Last summer we where at Barry and Allison,s beautiful and cozy home and we had one of our BEST experiences in life.
They are the greatest family leaving in a dreamed home that they made with all their heart.
They give you the BEST welcome to their home. They all are loving , easy going, relax, Happy, caring, smiling family.
Thanks a lot for the… read more
They are the greatest family leaving in a dreamed home that they made with all their heart.
They give you the BEST welcome to their home. They all are loving , easy going, relax, Happy, caring, smiling family.
Thanks a lot for the… read more
28 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacopo)
Jacopo stayed with our family for one month. During his stay he completed many tasks; helping us out around the house with daily chores and cooking, hanging out with our children: playing games and supporting learning, and walking and caring for our dog. Jacopo is a very generous, warm and easy going young man who was a joy to host. He completed… read more
(Excellent)
24 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jacopo) for host
The experience was beautifull. I stayed for a month and felt like i was part of the family too. The children are full of energy, playful and interested in every topic. I spent a lot of time playing with them and adventuring in their world! Barry and Allison are very kind hearted people, very respectful of my spaces, times and different opinions.… read more
3 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas & Marie)
Thomas and Marie were really wonderful helpers in every way. They were loving, kind and attentive to our animals and took care of them with such enthuisasm and delight. They were interested and engaged with our children and were fun to have around. They were also brilliant in our garden!! Every job they completed with great enthuisasm and to the… read more
(Excellent)
7 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Malin) for host
I loved my stay in Ireland with the family. They have created such a wonderful space to live in and it was lovely being part of that. Alison and Barry are so kind, open and considerate and always made sure I was okay. The kids are great fun and so full of energy. I loved spending time with them, playing with them and reading about ten books a day… read more
2 May 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Malin)
Malin stayed with our family for about 2 months and we had a wonderful experience. Malin is warm, caring, fun, interested in people and willing to help wherever she can. Life was easier and much more fun having Mailn around, especially for our children, whom she played with tirelessly: reading stories, playing board games, ball games...and on and… read more
(Excellent)
15 Feb 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Claudia)
We had a fantastic experience sharing our home and lives with Claudia. The communication and clarity around the work/help was exceptionally easy, the tasks were carried out flawlessly and day-to-day living was a joy. Claudia not only brought her positivity to her jobs but she also brought fun and good quality attention for our children. She shared… read more
(Excellent)
8 Feb 2021
Left by Workawayer (Claudia) for host
mmmh
Heart-warming
far beyond words
the words used ~ know their truth
It has been such a blessing to stay with you. An abundance of Joy and laughter, giggling ~ thank you for that, as well as for the music and singing together
Thank you for the trust and freedom given to care for your land
Thank you for the lovely meals and our maccachino… read more
Heart-warming
far beyond words
the words used ~ know their truth
It has been such a blessing to stay with you. An abundance of Joy and laughter, giggling ~ thank you for that, as well as for the music and singing together
Thank you for the trust and freedom given to care for your land
Thank you for the lovely meals and our maccachino… read more
26 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Rowan) for host
My stay at Alison and Barry´s was my first experience as a Workawayer, and although I was pretty nervous at the start, they were a lovely introduction to Workaway.
Right off the bat they were very relaxed, the first days I stayed in the house which was quite fun, then moved to the caravan. Barry put in new tapestry in the caravan, made sure the… read more
Right off the bat they were very relaxed, the first days I stayed in the house which was quite fun, then moved to the caravan. Barry put in new tapestry in the caravan, made sure the… read more
30 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sarah & Krystian) for host
I had a great stay in Ireland with this lovely family. Alison and Barry are great hosts and always made me feel very comfortable. I loved to stay in their cozy camper van, cook meals according to Alison's delicious recipes, walk Shampoo in the quiet neibourghood, play with the children and having some fun nights in Galway.
Thank you Alison and… read more
Thank you Alison and… read more
17 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Kathy) for host
My ten-day stay started off with Halloween -- a new experience for me and great fun watching Torin and Rowin go trick or treating. After that, I got to explore the hillwalks around Barry and Alison's lovely home with Shampoo as my walking companion. I also looked after the rabbit and the guinea pig, both of whose names I've forgotten -- sorry… read more
28 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Martin & Adrien)
Martin and Adrien stayed with us for around 1 month. During their stay here they helped out with our house build as well as with domestic chores. They also played with our children and our dog. Both Martin and Adrien committed themselves to each task asked of them with both happiness and attention to detail. They were a pleasure to have stay at… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (William & Mary Ellen) for host
Barry and Alison were kind and wonderful hosts. They had great perspective and culture to share. They provided a lovely environment where we had time to ourselves and were also fully welcomed into the family. They were clear with what was expected. There were bikes to take and an easy bus into Galway. They provided yummy, healthy, and plentiful… read more
10 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (William & Mary Ellen)
We hosted Mary Ellen and William for 2 weeks. It was such a pleasure to share our home with them. They are fun, hard working, very respectful and wise! Every task presented to them they each completed with enthusiasm and thoroughness. They were great with our children, kind, loving and able to set respectful limits. We loved hosting William and… read more
(Excellent)
21 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
Michael stayed with us for around 1 week, unfortunately his trip was cut short. We were very happy to have Michael here. He was enthusiastic, engaged and generous with his time and attention. We would welcome Michael back and would look forward to getting to know him more. Best wishes to you Michael!
(Excellent)
1 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host
Great, authentic workaway experience. Very warm and welcoming family. Very fair too, looking for connection, not for profit. The kids, Torin and Rowan are friendly and engaging, and the baby girl is a little miracle and pleasure to look at. Thank you, Alison and Barry, you are the best, and I feel really lucky to have you as my hosts in… read more
10 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Clément)
Clement stayed with us for 2 months. He helped out with various parts of our building project, completed various household chores, and played with our children and animals. It was very easy for us to host Clement, he is easy going and always ready to do the best job possible. Clement paid great attention to detail when completing his tasks, and… read more
(Excellent)
29 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Clément) for host
Thanks for all Barry and Alison ! During this 2 month, I happened a great time with your family. I learnt many technicals on the house construction. I loved working in the garden too. Your family is higly nice and welcoming and Rowan, Torin and Feile are very attaching. Without forgetting Shampoo !
It was my first funny experience in caravan. Some… read more
It was my first funny experience in caravan. Some… read more
21 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte)
We had the pleasure of Charlotte staying with us in our home for one month in November 2018. During her stay with us she spent good quality time with our 3 children, playing games, doing crafts and forming a really good quality connection with them. Charlotte also helped us around our home, with all the jobs that need to be done in a busy… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte) for host
I was with this family one month in November and it was a wonderful experience. It’s a loving family, they are all very kind, funny and welcoming. After few days, I felt like I was part of the family! Alison and Barry were always careful of my wellbeing, they are very flexible. If you don’t feel comfortable with something, or if you need some time… read more
21 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Emilie)
Emilie stayed with us for 3 weeks in December 2018. We all really enjoyed having Emilie as part of our family, she was great fun; a great help around the house, happy to do any job asked of her; and she was also very independent, taking every opportunity to get out and discover the surrounding area. Emilie was a great mix of easy going and… read more
(Excellent)
7 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Celeste)
Celeste came to stay with us to help out around our home and also to look after our animals while we were on holidays. There are not many people you can leave in charge of your home and animals when you go away but very quickly after meeting Celeste I was completely confident that we were all in good, capable and caring hands. Celeste did a great… read more
(Excellent)
18 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Celeste) for host
I been with Alison and Barry two weeks ago and i loved stayed with them! All the family are beautifull, lovely and very funny.
I took care Shampoo, theirs cats, their chicken and their cavy while they were went on holidays. But i spended five days with they enjoying the irish life! i recomende 100% because they are an amazing family. Thanks a lot… read more
I took care Shampoo, theirs cats, their chicken and their cavy while they were went on holidays. But i spended five days with they enjoying the irish life! i recomende 100% because they are an amazing family. Thanks a lot… read more
7 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Cristina)
Christina stayed with us for about 2 weeks, helping out around our home and playing with our children. Christina was really helpful, easy going and positive, a great influence to have around the house. She was playful with our boys, really meeting them in their energy and was willing to climb, run and generally get stuck-in to what was happening.… read more
(Excellent)
4 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Fernando José) for host
I was with this fantastic and friendly family for a month in July. It was my first workaway experience and actually was amazing I could learn about the life and much more things like gardening, child care or cooking. They accept me with my low English level and my food's requirements (I'm celiac)
Alison`s food is really good!!
The caravan is... so… read more
Alison`s food is really good!!
The caravan is... so… read more
2 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Fernando José)
Fernando stayed with us for one month, helping out around our home and spending time with our children. He was a fantastic person to have with us; relaxed and friendly and also enthusiastic, full of initiative and fun. We really loved having Fernando as part of the family and he fitted in effortlessly. It was such a pleasure to host him and I feel… read more
(Excellent)
11 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Adelin) for host
My first workaway experience was very good. Alison, Barry and their kids are lovely people and very tolerant. I had a very good stay, ate well and slept well in the caravan. They are very accommodating people who accepted my language difficulties. I recommend without hesitation. Thank you again for your hospitality.
Adelin
Adelin
27 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
Again I want to say Thank you! I was about a month with this family. I think you would never feel uncomfortable in this family. Each of them and all as a family radiate so much cordiality. Alison und Barry were always worried about my wellbeing and inquired about how I was donig.
The life in the caravan was a great experience and the food was… read more
The life in the caravan was a great experience and the food was… read more
17 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia)
Julia stayed with us for a month, helping out around our home and spending time with our two boys. It was such a pleasure to have Julia here, and we all really missed her when she left...even our animals! Julia fitted into our family effortlessly and it was a pleasure to spend time with her. She shared her time and attention very generously with… read more
(Excellent)
5 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Elena)
Elena stayed with us for a month. During this time she helped out around our home, with our animals and played and shared time with our two boys. Over the month Elena came to be part of our family and the house would be sparkling clean and tidy without having to ask....how wonderful! Elena was also very loving to our animals and happily fed and… read more
(Excellent)
2 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Elena) for host
I will try to describe all my feelings, although I think it’s so difficult to do that using only a few words. By the time I arrived with the family, I did know I would have a really good time with them. At the end of this experience, I can say that I wasn’t wrong.
From the moment I met them, I felt very welcomed, I had the feeling that I’d… read more
From the moment I met them, I felt very welcomed, I had the feeling that I’d… read more
5 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Evodie)
Evodie stayed with us for 2 weeks in January. During her stay she was everything anyone would want in a helper; punctual, warm and friendly and completed every task with 100 % attention. Our children loved playing with Evodie too and she had the perfect balance of boundaries and fun in her connection with them. We are still playing dobble (a… read more
(Excellent)
24 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host
Better late than never I want to present you my feedback.
Over the last few weeks I was thinking about how to write this feedback. I thought a lot about the family but it is still not really possible for me to put the grandness of my time with them into words.
This family are one of the most caring and open-minded people I have met so far. I… read more
Over the last few weeks I was thinking about how to write this feedback. I thought a lot about the family but it is still not really possible for me to put the grandness of my time with them into words.
This family are one of the most caring and open-minded people I have met so far. I… read more
20 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)
Daniel came to stay with our Family for 2-3 weeks. During this time he helped out with cooking, cleaning, gardening and spending good quality time with our children. Every task Daniel took on he completed with the very best of effort and with great cheer. He was very open to all tasks and really delighted to help out. He engaged brilliantly with… read more
(Excellent)
29 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Katharina) for host
This family are a very loving and caring family, who opened their hearts for me the moments they picked me up and let me become a part of their daily family life. I felt very safe and secure staying with them, so that my little jobs often didn`t even feel like work, but more like support I wanted to give. Their way of communication is really… read more
25 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina)
Katherina stayed with us for 3 weeks, helping out around our home and hanging out with our 2 boys. Having Katherina here was a really wonderful experience for us. She was great with the children providing fun, connection, enthusiasm and love as well as having a great ability to set limits in a loving and respectful way. As an adult in the family I… read more
(Excellent)
1 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Suzan & Julian)
Suzie and Julien stayed with us for about a week. Although the stay was relatively short they both integrated into our family very well. They were both fun for our children and very helpful for us, and our dog loved them too!! They made the most of their time by exploring around and still had lots of energy to offer our family. We wish you well on… read more
(Excellent)
24 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Suzan & Julian) for host
We stayed with this family for a bit more than a week as they took us in very spontaneously. They are a lovely familiy and we couln't have asked for a better place to stay during our travels! We were welcomed warmly into the family and the work was fun. We played with Torin and Rowan, helped with the animals and housework and at the construction… read more
7 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jean-François)
Jean Francois and Katerina stayed with us for a month. Throughout their stay they were always very enthusiastic to work and completed each task with happiness. They were both excellent with our children, providing love, care and excitement in the relationship, even when they had to set limits and provide safety. It was a pleasure to share our home… read more
(Excellent)
4 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Isis) for host
I stayed for nearly two weeks with the family. From the first moment on, I experienced a warm and welcome feeling. I loved the talks with Alison and Barry, I adored taking care of and having fun with the kids and I truly enjoyed the company of Shampoo. The accommodation was great and unique: from the first day on, the caravan felt like home.
This… read more
This… read more
30 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Isis)
Isis stayed with us for nearly 2 weeks, helping out with our daily chores and playing with the children. It was a total pleasure to share our home with Isis, she is fun, responsible and effortlessly picks up on what needs to be done. Isis brought lots of joy, laughter, creativity and care to all of us and we missed her when she left. Thankyou… read more
(Excellent)
1 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Katerina) for host
Jean Francois and I have stayed at Alison's and Barry's for almost one month and it has been a very instructive, fullfilling life experience! They have a beautiful family, with two adorable children full of energy and imagination (be prepared! :) ). It was incredibly interesting and inspiring to see how these two develop, interact and think as… read more
30 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Katerina)
Katerina and Jean Francois stayed with us for a month. Throughout their stay they were always very enthusiastic to work and completed each task with happiness. They were both excellent with our children, providing love, care and excitement in the relationship, even when they had to set limits and provide safety. It was a pleasure to share our home… read more
(Excellent)
22 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Pauline & Quentin) for host
We stay for a Monthe with this family! It's a very good place if you like a tranquiliy. The kids Rowan and Torin it's so funny he like play all game and he's full of energy.
We live a very good expérience with à vegetarian food, but if you don't arrive working without meat Alison and Barry understand this.
The work it's not so hard if you Say… read more
We live a very good expérience with à vegetarian food, but if you don't arrive working without meat Alison and Barry understand this.
The work it's not so hard if you Say… read more
6 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Pauline & Quentin)
Pauline and Quentin stayed with us for a month. They were both really great workers and transformed our land through their hard work and creativity. They were also excellent with our children, creating art projects, building projects and lots of bouncing on the trampoline!!! Everyone loved Pauline and Quentin, even our dog shampoo. They will be… read more
(Excellent)
