Off-grid homestead in the wilderness of County Mayo, Ireland
Last activity
: 28 Apr 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 7 days
Min stay requested: at least 1 month
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 482587479582
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Feedback (11)
Ahhh, there's no words. I felt called to this place, and as soon as I entered the valley and met Cam and David I knew I wanted to stay. What was originally gonna be a one month adventure turned into two and half months of learning and getting inspired. Their vision and passion for the project is admirable, and I can't wait to see what it
… read more becomes!
Volunteering here felt meaningful and I learned incredible new skills. Both Cam and David are super creative and found innovative solutions for living off-grid. There's always a wide variety of jobs to be done, so it never feels repetitive. Plus, they really look out for the volunteers and genuinely want you to have the best experience possible for you. On your free time, you can explore the mountains, hitchhike into town (not hard, as the neighbours are really friendly), go for a dip in the lake, or just relax in your van reading, writing and watching the rain.
I leave with gratitude and with new friends I'll be happy to connect with along the way. Their newborn child is lucky to have them as parents and to grow up in such a special place <3
Wow! What can I say!
A wise Owl sent from the stars to help us finish our home in time for the new arrival of our first child.
Ana Lucia is an intrepid, emboldened selfless being who brings colour, clarity & high definition to this life we share.
Her enthusiasm for life helped me get running again after multiple project related injuries and
… read more fatigue.
Her ability to learn new skills and follow clear instructions made her an ideal volunteer.
Our friendship also grew and will be cherished as we move on from host/volunteer.
Thank you. Please come again.
Left by Workawayer (Enikö) for host
I spent 6 weeks at Cam’s and David’s and had a really nice time. If you want to experience the Irish nature and a stunning view this is definitely the place to go. Living off grid in a van was a really cool experience and I can only recommend it. The work varies and I picked up a few new skills in the month and a half I was there. There are plenty
… read more of hikes around and day trips to do on the weekends. I really enjoyed being part of this project. Thanks again :)Left by host for Workawayer (Enikö)
Enikö is a fun, selfless, confident & courageous individual who works really well in a team and also alone, often taking initiative and guidance with aplomb.
Her handyman abilities during down time were most appreciated repairing furniture & her own camper van accomodation. Also learning to carve spoons, accessing the workshop with safety in
… read more mind.
I would highly recommend as a volunteer & also good company, we thoroughly enjoy having Enikö live with us at our home.
Left by Workawayer (Marco) for host
Where do I begin? Well, from day one, I felt like an active part of the project. I learned many DIY skills and spent a lovely month surrounded by amazing people.
David and Cameo, you have shown me what the word resilience means. No matter the adversities, you just never lose the motivation to keep going towards your goals.
I'm really curious
… read more to see the house done, but I know for sure that there will never be a final result. There is always going to be something new to design and build at Sona House.
I sincerely wish you the best.
See you soon!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Marco)
Marco is a joy to have around the home, with a great positive attitude. Strong, independent often taking the logical choices when idle to progress our project.
We hope to see him again this summer for a friendly visit.
Good luck on your next adventures.
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Ahhh, there's no words. I felt called to this place, and as soon as I entered the valley and met Cam and David I knew I wanted to stay. What was originally gonna be a one month adventure turned into two and half months of learning and getting inspired. Their vision and passion for the project is admirable, and I can't wait to see what it
… read more becomes!
Volunteering here felt meaningful and I learned incredible new skills. Both Cam and David are super creative and found innovative solutions for living off-grid. There's always a wide variety of jobs to be done, so it never feels repetitive. Plus, they really look out for the volunteers and genuinely want you to have the best experience possible for you. On your free time, you can explore the mountains, hitchhike into town (not hard, as the neighbours are really friendly), go for a dip in the lake, or just relax in your van reading, writing and watching the rain.
I leave with gratitude and with new friends I'll be happy to connect with along the way. Their newborn child is lucky to have them as parents and to grow up in such a special place <3
Wow! What can I say!
A wise Owl sent from the stars to help us finish our home in time for the new arrival of our first child.
Ana Lucia is an intrepid, emboldened selfless being who brings colour, clarity & high definition to this life we share.
Her enthusiasm for life helped me get running again after multiple project related injuries and
… read more fatigue.
Her ability to learn new skills and follow clear instructions made her an ideal volunteer.
Our friendship also grew and will be cherished as we move on from host/volunteer.
Thank you. Please come again.
Left by Workawayer (Enikö) for host
I spent 6 weeks at Cam’s and David’s and had a really nice time. If you want to experience the Irish nature and a stunning view this is definitely the place to go. Living off grid in a van was a really cool experience and I can only recommend it. The work varies and I picked up a few new skills in the month and a half I was there. There are plenty
… read more of hikes around and day trips to do on the weekends. I really enjoyed being part of this project. Thanks again :)Left by host for Workawayer (Enikö)
Enikö is a fun, selfless, confident & courageous individual who works really well in a team and also alone, often taking initiative and guidance with aplomb.
Her handyman abilities during down time were most appreciated repairing furniture & her own camper van accomodation. Also learning to carve spoons, accessing the workshop with safety in
… read more mind.
I would highly recommend as a volunteer & also good company, we thoroughly enjoy having Enikö live with us at our home.
Left by Workawayer (Marco) for host
Where do I begin? Well, from day one, I felt like an active part of the project. I learned many DIY skills and spent a lovely month surrounded by amazing people.
David and Cameo, you have shown me what the word resilience means. No matter the adversities, you just never lose the motivation to keep going towards your goals.
I'm really curious
… read more to see the house done, but I know for sure that there will never be a final result. There is always going to be something new to design and build at Sona House.
I sincerely wish you the best.
See you soon!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Marco)
Marco is a joy to have around the home, with a great positive attitude. Strong, independent often taking the logical choices when idle to progress our project.
We hope to see him again this summer for a friendly visit.
Good luck on your next adventures.
Left by Workawayer (Noah Lajer) for host
David and Cam have an amazing place in beautiful surroundings, with lots of opportunities to experience the wild Irish nature. It is very wild so be prepared for Atlantic wind and rain, if you go outside of summer.
They're lovely and generous hosts that are eager to teach all they know from carpentry and construction to gardening and sustainable
… read more energy. It's hard work, but I learned a lot during my stay.
Thank you both so much for hosting us, and I hope to return one day to see a finished house in the middle of paradise!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Noah Lajer)
Noah is a fine gentleman with a lot to offer and great company. His enthusiasm for Woodworking and strength make him an ideal volunteer.
A truly Great Dane.
Thank you amigo. See you again soon.
Left by Workawayer (Léonie) for host
This month spend at David and Cameo was really enriching.
David is a very interesting and fun host to work with, always will give good advices and have a great music taste.
This place is about generosity, nature, working on eco project but also learn more about yourself.... Loved work and help on that, thank you for the knowledge and nice time!
… read more
The camperVan is such a great experience too, maybe in the winter isn't the best time to try but still got a good time in there!
Enjoyed the sounds of the birds, creeks and pure silence.
Good luck for your projects, hope to see you again.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Léonie)
Lèo is a great volunteer who has a hidden talent for Lime Hemp Plastering with her attention to detail & precision.
Forming a sweet bond with Fuji was very helpful in releiving the added pressure of daily walks alongside the off-grid cottage restoration.
Thank you.
Left by host for Workawayer (Dylan)
Dylan was in intelligent inquisitive young man with a passion for permaculture and nature.
His hard work will always be remember well here at Sona. Thank you.
Left by Workawayer (Dylan) for host
Spent almost a month with David, Cam and Fuji in one of the most beautiful natural locations I've ever been to. The project they have going is really something very special, and the intentions they have to promote sustainability and environmental repsonsibility are very admirable. While the work was not always intellectually stimulating (as is the
… read more reality of building a house), David made sure to explain in depth all the ideas/processes/techniques which were taking place, which I found fascinating. Undoubtedly the work can be difficult here, especially in autumn/winter during the cold and wet, but David and Cam's beautiful cooked meals and care for my comfort made it a worthwhile experience. I recommend this experience for those as widly passionate about off grid living as they are, as living the experience is very enlightening.
Thank you again David and Cam :)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Pepe is a top lad with lots of enthusiasm. His strength and initiative was a huge help to us progressing our project. Thank you.
Im typing this in the train back to Dublin and my god, I've fallen in love with Ireland and it's people I think:). I was planning on staying for 3 weeks at Cam and Davids but ended up staying almost 3 months. Couldn't recommend them enough. Such a caring and motivating couple. And what a project they have started, absolutely fantastic. I did tasks
… read more like making a wooden deck on big stones, insulating the walls, plastering the walls, trimming a path to the forest, paving around the house and pointing one of the outside walls. So many cool new skills I learned here.
The van was great! So cool to live in it to see how they designed it, and I'll remember for when I'll make my own. The food they supply is also great.
I'll come back to climb croagh Patrick!
Much love!
PP
Left by Workawayer (Jana) for host
I am so grateful for the time I got to spend at Sona, with David, Cam and Pepe! I felt very welcome even before I arrived there and Cam and David have such open hearts and minds. I felt like I could be myself there and my work was valued. The work was a lot of fun too! Gardening, pointing walls, plastering walls and more, all very grounding, and
… read more seeing the progress with the house and seeing the plants grow in the garden was very inspiring. I hope to do something like this one day too! I spent five weeks there and that time really helped me figure out my next steps and it brought me closer to my artistic side again, just by being in this beautiful environment, surrounded by beautiful people and this brave and amazing project of building/renovating a house with natural materials. I learned a lot and both Cam and David were very encouraging whenever I felt like I couldn't do something (like using a screwdriver...). I really enjoyed all the lunches, conversations, working hours and beach visits we had together. Also, the food is amazing! Both of them are great cooks and they make such an effort to provide good and healthy (and tasty!) food for you. So, to sum it up, all that is left to say is a big and heartfelt thank you!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Jana)
Jana is intelligent, interesting & has a fine eye for detail.
We thoroughly enjoyed her company and wish to see her again soon.
She wanted to learn everything and took on any task with determination and precision. Earthen floors, Hemp plastering, managing the raised beds.
Thank you. X
Left by host for Workawayer (Fabian)
A genuine volunteer who gave everything during his short stay. Every task benign or fascinating was carried out with 110% commitment & sincerity.
A truly top class human, full of intrigue, compassion & curiosity.
I would highly recommend Fabian as a volunteer to anyone.
Come back and see us soon my brother. X
Left by host for Workawayer (Scott )
Scott was a scientific mind delivered from heaven to help us get our heads around living off-grid. He stayed with us through the winter so had to hold onto his hat on more than one occasion.
His knowledge of solar was superb drawing up vast calculations and diagrams. We could not have made such progress without his brilliant mind. He also helped
… read more with some hard graft digging out the old flooring inside the cottage. Not a job for the faint hearted.
Thank you Scott. Your contributions will always be appreciated.
Good luck on your next adventure.
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea)
Andrea my brother,
Thank you.
A selfless, vivacious & compassionate man who wears his heart on his sleeve and his moral compass close to his heart. He will put you before himself and offer his help throughout any moment of any day. Socially inspiring.
A charming tale of friendship and philanthropy payed out over these last 6 weeks in the Irish
… read more wilderness. Your volunteering on our land has been precious and we miss you already. Please come back soon and build a mini cabin in the forest. You are always welcome.
Left by Workawayer (Andrea) for host
The time I spent with Cam, David and Fuji was precious. I stayed on their beautiful mountain for almost two months and I had the chance to learn something new everyday. I'm so grateful our paths have crossed and I feel so enriched after this great experience. Living in a van and in a remote (but astonishing) location can be a challenge but I never
… read more felt lonely or left out.
I just left Mayo this morning and I'm already missing it a lot, the pristine air, the enthusiasm of building together their soon to be home, the beauty of the area, the cold water of the lake, the waves in Achill, the little pubs in Newport, the silence and the sounds of nature are irreplaceable. Cam and David made me feel really part of their project and it's something that I will never forget. I can't wait to come visit you again.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon & Evelyne)
Simon & Eve came at our toughest period and helped immensely with some seriously tough graft. Their enthusiasm was top notch and their constant attention to detail much appreciated.
We hope you find your dream project and we can help you with some digging this time!
Big love to you both. Thank you.
Left by Workawayer (Clara) for host
Mathilde and I spent one month with Cameo David and Fuji in this beautiful place. At first, we choose this workaway especially because we wanted to discover new ways of building like vernacular architecture, passive houses with a sustainable approach. I think that this workaway was the best way to work on this kind of project. We worked on the
… read more sona house most of the time and we learned how to remove the old mortar and then apply lime. We really enjoyed this work because we learned a lot about the renovation of a stone house and it was also very nice thanks to Cam and David who were sharing their knowledges while being very helpful and communicative. Moroever, we designed a sauna and really enjoyed to work on this project. Once again, we learned a lot about how to build a sauna in the right way. The next step for us is to come back to try the sauna !
During our stay, we were never bored of one task thanks to David and Cam who were always very attentive to our remarks and requests. Regarding the landcape it’s so beautiful that you can explore everything you want, you will never be bored. It was so incredible to have this view while waking up in the van every morning, with the changing weather it’s even more beautiful and surprising.
Thank you for your kindness, the communication and all the time you have dedicated to us by making us discover some places. Thank you for everything, it was one of our best experiences and you are an inspiration. We hope to see you soon, we already miss you and Fuji !
Clara & MathildeYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Clara)
Clara & Mathilde were imcredibly pleasant, helpful and a joy to have as volunteers.
I would highly recommend them both.
Good luck with the next chapter in your lives guys. Big love. X
Left by host for Workawayer (Chloé)
Chloé is a wonderfully intuitive young women with a passion for maps, design & toffeefee!
We enjoyed her company immensely, her resilliance, aptitude & drive kept us busy all month.
We consider her a friend and look forward to seeing her again soon. She is welcome to live as a hermit in our woodland one day! X
Left by Workawayer (Chloé) for host
A giant thank you to Cameo and David ( and Fuji). I spent a month with them at the beautiful Sona House. For the first experience, it's not always easy to find the right way to live together, share the daily life, but we got on very well, Cameo and David are easy-going and very comprehensive, the communication between us was really good. Above
… read more all, what i really liked, is their desire to transmit their way of life, opinions, beliefs, to share culture and knowledges. There are always very involved in transmission, they always talked with passion during the various mission we had, never too bored with my numerous questions hehe. It was in that sens a very enriching experience to my eyes. You can learn a lot about Irish History and culture, how to live off-grid, how to design and build wooden structures, how to interact with plants, you can also learn a lot of new english words if you want it eheh. During my stay, we designed and built, among other things, the wooden frame for the outdoor bathroom, very stimulating, they have a lot to teach as designer and interior architect. There are plenty of new tasks to come. After these wonderful caring humans, we have to talk about the landscape, it's simply splendid, you won't believe in it when you'll wake up each morning facing this view. The colors of the mountains and the lake are always different thanks to the irish weather (it's not a legend, but we got tanned so you could be surprised !). There are plenty of hiking trails nearby, so if you are a hiking freak as i am, you will be pleased, and if you like sheep, you will be pleased as well. I really want to come back to this super place as soon as I can, i miss it. I'll never forget our complicity, the delicious meals we had, Fuji's joy with her toys in the garden, deep talks with sheep and the lovely neighbours ! Thank you for everything, I hope i didn't use to much superlatives but yes, this experience means a lot to me. See you soon David, Cameo and Fuji !You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Non-profit educational project near Bantry in West Cork, Ireland
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