Help us reclaim the garden near Cork city. Ireland.

Ireland

Favourited 155 times

Host rating
Feedback
24
Last activity
29/07/2020
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Availability

2020

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Details

Description
We are made up of two friendly grown ups two very friendly children, two enthusiastic dogs and two cats Kitty and Cat. We live about two miles outside the Georgian town Of Doneraile . There is a large historic house, Doneraile Court set in a beautiful parkland. This offers wonderful walks swans and deer. Doneraile is about 30 miles from Cork city and there is a bus daily. A regular bus to Limerick and Galway goes through the next village and from Mallow one can go to Killarney
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Animal Care
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
They live as part of the family and come with us if we go places. Their english will improve and as we live in a small town they will get to know neighbours and people in the town they will learn how to cook some Irish meals
Help
We have spent quite a few years renovating a cottage and we now need to reclaim the garden, mainly the ditches,cutting back the brambles, mowing the lawn, making some veg patches and gardening. If there is no work going on in the garden then we require some assistance with housekeeping, cooking etc
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have one spare bedroom so we can accommodate a couple or two friends who would not mind sharing.
We also have a very comfortable caravan that is rigged up to electricity. We use it to go on holiday and it's really cosy
What else ...
Our diet is mainly vegetarian but the odd steak gets in for the meat eaters. We do not mind smokers as long as they don't mind smoking outside. We like walking reading chess comedy and art.
We are at least 2km from the nearest village but we do have bikes you need to be self motivated and able to work on your own.please tell us if you have special dietary requirements we will try and accommodate your needs and welcome .from experience our guests start at 10 am stop for lunch and then continue at 2 pm.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours max / 5 days a week

Photos

me and the three

Feedback left by and about host (24)

14/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Sandra & Arnaud)

Arnaud and Sandra were such lovely workawayers to have in our house. they were both really relaxed and great fun. Cooking was delicious and they left a recipe for chocolate cake that is the most delicious cake ever. we hope taht ifthey come to Ireland again they will call to us

(Excellent )

22/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Blake & Max) for host

Max and I stayed with Mary and her family for a little over two weeks and it was the most amazing experience the two of us have had. It was our first Workaway and Mary and Gordon took us into their family. With this Workaway, you become ingrained into family life. We worked in the garden a lot a played with their pups, Ginny and Kumar. We will… read more

(Excellent )

14/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Louise) for host

I spent two weeks with Mary and her lovely family and I already miss that place. They made me feel like a part of the family since the first day. It was a real pleasure to help them and in echange they enabled me to live a great adventure with wonderful conversations, laughs and meetings. Mary and Gordon were very flexible with the work, thank to… read more

(Excellent )

11/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Sara & Alessandro)

These two people where fantastic, we loved them straight away. they are both funny, respectful, hardworking and to top it off fantastic cooks. Both of them kept on top of cleaning which helped a lot as I was working much of the time. Ale has transformed the garden in such a short time, I had to tell him to stop many times as he would have just… read more

(Excellent )

08/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sara & Alessandro) for host

My girlfriend and I were guests of Mary and her wonderful family for two weeks. As soon as they arrived home they immediately made us feel part of the family. Mary is a very prepared and patient woman, she has always been very kind to us, she always made herself understood and helped us to improve our English. Gordon, her husband was always very… read more

(Excellent )

07/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Anna & Matthew) for host

We had a lovely time at Mary and Gordon's home. We helped with chores outside in the garden. We got to spend some time in donerails amazing park. We highly recommend this if you have a chance. Such a beautiful place to spend some time. There dogs ginny and Kumar are amazing so well behaved. George and Henry their sons are awesome kids so chatty… read more

(Excellent )

24/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Ivona) for host

We had a wonderful time with Mary, Gordon, Hanry and George. They made us feel like a part of the family from the first day. They helped us with our english, gave us advices about our stay in Ireland and also lifted us with the car if we needed. Mary showed us around Donerile and took us to see a castle and a wildlife park with the kids. The help… read more

(Excellent )

24/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Ivona)

Both Ivona and Marta were great to have to stay. they are both good fun, friendly and will turn their hand to anything including a bit of modelling when required. they got on well with the boys, walked the dogs, did weeding, Ironing, tidying ( which was a challenge) the girls fitted in so well that we were really sad when it was time for them to… read more

(Excellent )

09/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host

I had two and a half great weeks with Mary, Gordon, George, Henri, Saffo, Ginny, Kumar and Kitty! This family is really friendly and you feel welcomed from the first day you arrive. The work was not too hard and they always try to make you feel comfortable. It was my first Workaway experience and it made me want to renew the experience.
Thanks… read more

(Excellent )

07/06/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Raphaël)

Raphael was a great person to have with us. he worked really hard and fitted in right away. He got on well with our boys and put up with our mad dogs. Raphael has a good sense of humour and an all round good guy. he is welcome back any time

(Excellent )

26/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Caspar & Ulrike) for host

From the first day on we became part of this lovely family. Mary is one of the most cordial women we meet so far in Ireland. She always gave us a good feeling, even when she got a bad day. Her husband Gordon was very friendly and funny in his own way (we never understood his jokes) :D The two boys made us laugh very often and together with the… read more

(Excellent )

15/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Caspar & Ulrike)

Ulrike and Casper are wonderful to have as workawayers. They are both very committed to any project, willing to try anything are very diligent and responsible, work hard with a great attitude. They are really really good people with a good sense of humour. They were both fantastic with the children who are very fond of them. We will miss them a… read more

(Excellent )

15/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Christopher)

Chris was wonderful, great sense of humour, super responsible and a really nice person. He immediately fitted in and we felt really comfortable with him around. Chris looked after our house and animals while we were away for a week which he did with no problem! He fixed computers, cooked meals, gardened and lots more. He will always try new… read more

(Excellent )

15/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Paolo) for host

This family is a marvel! Unfortunately I spent only ten days with Mary, Gordon, George and Henry, but I have enough to feel at home. I remember with pleasure all the games that I did with George (a big chess champion) and Henry (a friend with infinite energy), all the walks, the movies and the great lunches! But what surely I will never forget is… read more

(Excellent )

27/07/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Paolo)

Paolo and Christian were wonderful guests, family orientated they were really good with the children, Great cooks and really interested in learning new things, They did a wonderful job on the garden. Both boys were a real pleasure to have and are more then welcome to come back

(Excellent )

26/09/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Conny)

Connie was absolutely brilliant,becoming part of the family straight away. Connie's cooking was fab specially the cinnamon whirls!! Connie worked really well, brilliant with the kids and the animals. We were very lucky that Connie stayed for an extra week! Connie will try any thing,is a wonderfully positive and cheerful person ad we really miss… read more

(Excellent )

23/09/2015

Left by Workawayer (Conny) for host

I had a wonderful time with Mary, Gordon and the whole family! They are great parents and made me feel like a part of the family :) I was so lucky to stay with them a little longer than I had planned (thanks again!).
Mary is such a kind and loving person, Gordon always made me laugh, but also taught me a lot of things. The kids are fun as well,… read more

(Excellent )

17/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)

Hannah was a wonderful addition to our family. She was very helpful in the house and did a great job in the garden! Hannah can work on her own initiative and is consistent and diligent. She has a great sense of humour and very good with the kids and animals, we will miss her lots.

(Excellent )

25/10/2014

Left by Workawayer (Anthony & Stacey) for host

There's only good to say about Gordon and Mary. Myself and my girlfriend were in a tough situation in Dublin and Mary rescued us. We felt at home right from day one and enjoyed their company very much. Gordon was hilarious and a very smart man who will keep you thinking. Mary is not without her humor as well and was always very thankful for help… read more

(Excellent )

11/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Matthew) for host

Well, this took me a sec so sorry for the delay, I had the best time on this charming little piece of land in the country side outside of cork. Mary's family is great, I had lots of fun with the boys, Henry and George were loads of fun, ( Henry I will be getting you that video soon k) Mary and Gordon are great parents and excellent… read more

(Excellent )

18/02/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Jördis & Hendrik)

What a great couple. Were so very helpful and friendly.Always willing to get dug in. Can work so well with no direction, attention to detail was extraordinary. Very kind to the kids and creatures, Jack says HI!. wonderful sense of humour, when are you coming back?

(Excellent )

06/09/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Alessandro)

(Excellent )

25/08/2013

Left by Workawayer (Alessandro) for host

I really had a wonderful time here in this family. I really felt part of the family, because Mary and Godron are so kind and I really learn lot of things speaking with them. Their children are also very nice, and I'm happy because I really enjoyed playing with them, and very quicly we became friends.
I don't know how to say thanks to all of you,… read more

(Excellent )

22/07/2013

Left by Workawayer (Mélanie & Mickael) for host

This experience was the best experience that we could have in Ireland ! We have passed one month with them and it was like we have passed just one week!
Mary's family is such an adorable family, they were always here for us.
They allowed us to integrate in the Irish culture and in the same way, we have shared with them our French culture, which… read more

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 515457613834

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