Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
30 Jul 2025
Reply rate
96.4 %
Usually responds within 6 days
Feedback
51
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Hi. I live in old farmhouse in county Kilkenny, work for an international NGO based here in Ireland and lecture in a Dublin university. I also work in tourism in the summer. I'm biased but if you don't know Kilkenny, this really is a lovely part of Ireland.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I spent much of my adult life working and living abroad and I'm an accredited tour guide here in Ireland. Visitors enjoy the cultural exchange of staying here, interacting with myself as well as locals. I speak some French and Spanish (in an earlier life I taught English).
Help
I have a vegetable garden and polytunnel I need help maintaining, and general outdoor help around the farmhouse. I have stone outbuildings which I hope to make habitable. Bonus if you're creative or have some experience with interior design.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
It is a comfortable, renovated cottage with wood-burning stove. You will have your own bedroom and shared bathroom. I enjoy food and can offer three meals a day - and am happy to try your cuisine!
What else ...
There are lovely walks and cycling along quiet country roads, with woods nearby and small villages. I'm fortunate to have friendly neighbours too. Nearest village and public transport is fifteen minutes walk, although I'm happy to collect/drop you. The medieval town of Kilkenny is not too far, with the charming village of Abbeyleix in the other direction.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Good broadband wifi.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 619528159839
Feedback (20)
24 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Valentina)
It was a pleasure to host Valentina. Always keen to help, diligent and self motivated, she was a real help around the place. Valentina has fluent English, but still wants to polish her language skills. She's great company, witty, well informed and can have a conversation on most any subject. She is a thoughtful and considerate guest, always… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Riley)
If you have the opportunity to have Riley visit you'll be fortunate. Innovative, self-motivated, wide experience with various handyman and construction skills. And a great presence to have around the place - respectful of my home, always a cheerful presence, constantly curious and keen to chat about absolutely any subject, on which he's invariably… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Cassandra)
Cassy and her partner Jens stayed with me a week and were a great help. Both of them are hard workers and got stuck into garden clearance work, making a huge difference to the place. They were very considerate and respectful of my home, and I'd have no hesitation in recommending them to other hosts.
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
24 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Valentina)
It was a pleasure to host Valentina. Always keen to help, diligent and self motivated, she was a real help around the place. Valentina has fluent English, but still wants to polish her language skills. She's great company, witty, well informed and can have a conversation on most any subject. She is a thoughtful and considerate guest, always… read more
(Excellent)
4 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Riley)
If you have the opportunity to have Riley visit you'll be fortunate. Innovative, self-motivated, wide experience with various handyman and construction skills. And a great presence to have around the place - respectful of my home, always a cheerful presence, constantly curious and keen to chat about absolutely any subject, on which he's invariably… read more
(Excellent)
29 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Cassandra)
Cassy and her partner Jens stayed with me a week and were a great help. Both of them are hard workers and got stuck into garden clearance work, making a huge difference to the place. They were very considerate and respectful of my home, and I'd have no hesitation in recommending them to other hosts.
(Excellent)
4 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Zenda) for host
lt was a pleasure to help Hugh develop his ideas for his renovation plans and leave him with a clear plan.
l enjoyed my short stay with Hugh.He will welcome you into his Irish farm house where you will expirence rural living.
l was always asked if l needed anything and made feel at home. Hugh is very knowledgeable about local and Irish history as… read more
l enjoyed my short stay with Hugh.He will welcome you into his Irish farm house where you will expirence rural living.
l was always asked if l needed anything and made feel at home. Hugh is very knowledgeable about local and Irish history as… read more
4 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Zenda)
I was fortunate to have Zenda stay for four days, between other commitments. She brings with her a wide range of skills in renovating older houses. My gratitude for helping me visualise my renovation project here with an old stone farmhouse. She was able to understand what I'm aiming for, was sympathetic to the vision I have regarding community,… read more
(Excellent)
16 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Argila) for host
I had a great time with Hugh and the lovely Lulu. Hugh is a nice person who takes care of his guests. The work there was fulfilling and varied, usually in the garden around the house. So I appreciate having spent some days in such environment. I highly recommend this experience. I really got a very good impression of that country as well as the… read more
27 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Argila)
Argila was a pleasure to host: hardworking, diligent, always helpful. Her English is good. She enjoyed the opportunity to explore the surrounding area on foot, and was also a positive presence around my house with her good humour. I would have no hesitation in recommending her as a Workaway.
(Excellent)
29 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Hikaru) for host
I stayed in a quiet and peaceful area with an amazing host, Hugh and a talkative nice other Workawayer. I stayed there for ten days in August and felt like I took a break from my life there. That's how relaxing it was.
My main job was removing a ton of weeds from his garden and greenhouse. And I cleaned and organized in the kitchen on the rainy… read more
My main job was removing a ton of weeds from his garden and greenhouse. And I cleaned and organized in the kitchen on the rainy… read more
27 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hikaru)
Lulu spent over a week with me and was a positive, gentle presence in the house. Quiet, respectful and always wanting to help. Any tasks she did were with care and attention. She would be welcome back here anytime.
(Excellent)
5 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Naïs) for host
My feedback comes a little bit late.
Hugh was a great host, i stayed with him and Hinako (another workawayer) for a few days. Althought my stay wasn't long, it was a great experience : the place is nice, lost in the countryside. :)
Thanks again !
Hugh was a great host, i stayed with him and Hinako (another workawayer) for a few days. Althought my stay wasn't long, it was a great experience : the place is nice, lost in the countryside. :)
Thanks again !
22 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Naïs)
Nais stayed with me a few days before going to help another family member in Wexford. She was a lovely presence in the house, with intelligent and interesting conversation. In that time she helped outdoors in the garden. She is self motivated, and her English is fluent. I found Nais diligent, hard working and very capable and would recommend her… read more
(Excellent)
22 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hinako)
Hinako stayed with me six days and was a lovely presence in the house. She helped mainly outdoors weeding and was diligent, hard working and always willing. We also had the benefit of her delicious Japanese cooking. I would recommend her as a Workaway.
(Excellent)
6 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Paolo) for host
Hi Hugh, thanks a lot for your feedback.
the 3 weeks I spent in your house were fantastic!!.
The help was a lot but together Laura (spanish girl) it was very easy and funny and the result was GREAT!
Hugh is a good cook and Kind person always ready to help you if you need. We enjoied all together and have a lot of funny specialy when Laura and me… read more
the 3 weeks I spent in your house were fantastic!!.
The help was a lot but together Laura (spanish girl) it was very easy and funny and the result was GREAT!
Hugh is a good cook and Kind person always ready to help you if you need. We enjoied all together and have a lot of funny specialy when Laura and me… read more
29 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Paolo)
Paulo stayed with me in my rural farmhouse for about three weeks. My experience was very positive, he got through a huge amount of work, was always willing and keen to find more to do, very capable, self motivated and always in good form. He was joined after the first week by Laura from Catalunya and together they made a great team, achieving so… read more
(Excellent)
14 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
Laura stayed with me two weeks and was a great workawayer, clearing the land and helping around the place. She was self motivated and hard working, always in good humour and was good company. Thank you Laura for all the work. Any host would be fortunate to have Laura visit. She's welcome back here anytime.
(Excellent)
6 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Manon)
Manon was very pleasant company to have around the place. She was diligent, hard working and used her initiative. Her English is fluent. I would recommend her to anyone as a workawayer.
(Excellent)
26 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Manon) for host
This was my first workaway experience and it has been very rewarding and satisfying. I was in charge of different tasks outdoor including weeding and indoor when the forecast required it. The environment was quiete, peaceful and picturesque. Hugh is someone fair, attentive to the well being of his workawayers, providing clear instructions and with… read more
13 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Margot ) for host
I spent a week with hugh in his pretty, typical house in the middle of the Irish countryside.
The time passed very quickly, and the work consisted of working in the garden. It was very interesting work and I learnt a lot.
Hugh is someone who has travelled everywhere, so it's very interesting to talk to him.
I had a very good stay
The time passed very quickly, and the work consisted of working in the garden. It was very interesting work and I learnt a lot.
Hugh is someone who has travelled everywhere, so it's very interesting to talk to him.
I had a very good stay
6 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Margot )
Margot stayed with me a week and was a pleasure to host. She worked in the garden, mainly weeding vegetable patch as well as more physical work. She was hard working, positive and keen to learn. I have no hesitation in recommending Margot to prospective hosts.
(Excellent)
8 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Petra) for host
I had a wonderful time at this place! Hugh is great host. I worked mostly in the garden, but also had some time for trips around. It was fantastic experience! Thank you so much! :)
6 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Petra)
Petra stayed with me for four days and was a great help in the garden. Generally weeding vegetables, as well as some more physical work, she was always positive, willing, and hard working. Her English is great! I have no hesitation in recommending Petra to other hosts.
(Excellent)
8 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Chloé) for host
Hugh is a fantastic host. I stayed for a week and I had a great time. He's an amazing cook and has a million stories to tell. The work in itself is easy - garden work mostly. He's very flexible as well and very knowledgeable about Ireland. Thanks again for hosting me !
2 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Chloé)
Chloe stayed in Kilkenny about a week and helped outside with various tasks in the garden and also volunteered to do some deep cleaning in the house which was much appreciated. I also got the benefit of Chloe's knowledge of house plants. A pleasure to host, she is good humoured, hard working and self-directed. I have no hesitation in recommending… read more
(Excellent)
17 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucia)
Lucia and Paulina stayed with me nearly two weeks, were easy company and would be welcome back. They helped me prepare the garden for planting potatoes and other veg, and were always willing. They had good initiative, spending time exploring the area.
(Excellent)
11 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Camille) for host
We (Louise and Camille) waited the end of our Irish journey to write down a review.
We stayed for about one week at Hugh's and it was so great ! The house is really cosy, next to the fireplace especially, and you have all you need 😁
Our mission was to pick apples to store them for winter and then press them for apple juice at an organic farm, we… read more
We stayed for about one week at Hugh's and it was so great ! The house is really cosy, next to the fireplace especially, and you have all you need 😁
Our mission was to pick apples to store them for winter and then press them for apple juice at an organic farm, we… read more
30 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Louise)
The Breton 'apple girls', Louise and Camille stayed here 10 days. They were a pleasure to host, good fun, friendly, curious and interested in the culture. Great workers, they are diligent and use their own initiative. They picked, sorted and washed apples from the orchard which produced about 80 litres of juice. Thank you! And we had so many… read more
(Excellent)
30 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Rocío)
Rocio is a great volunteer, diligent, hard working, uses her own initiative. She is 'undemanding' company while sociable, independent, and looks after herself. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Rocio as a workaway.
(Excellent)
2 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Mirjam)
Although Mirjam stayed just a few days she was a great help in the garden - diligent, hardworking and always willing to help. I'd have no hesitation in recommending Mirjam as a workawayer.
(Excellent)
1 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mirjam) for host
I spent two days at Hughs place and I had a wonderful time there. He is a very gentle and friendly person and he really is a very good cook! :) He also picked me up from the next village when I came to him and when I continued my journey two days later he dropped me off at Kilkenny. He is really very generous - I totally recommend him as a host to… read more
24 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Rob) for host
My partner and I stayed with Hugh for ten days in December and had a really great time. Hugh is a fascinating man that I cannot recommend the company of enough. We did various small jobs; digging up potatoes, weeding, planting tulips, clearing gutters and I also got to dismantle a collapsing shed which I enjoyed very much. It is a beautiful place… read more
21 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lia & Reem)
Lia was a pleasure to host, good company, interesting, interested, considerate, always ready to help. I'd have no hesitation in recommending Lia to future hosts.
(Excellent)
5 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lia & Reem) for host
Dream Workaway: I had a phenomenal experience at Hugh's! He is a truly incredible person full of knowledge and hospitality. His home is warm and comfortable, with your own bedroom and a shared bathroom. I spent a little less than a week on the property and I wish I could have stayed longer. Some projects I worked on: Weeding in the "hoop house",… read more
26 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
It was a pleasure to host Marie. Always cheerful, helpful and hard working, she could turn her hand to any task. I'd have no hesitation in recommending Marie to other hosts.
(Excellent)
14 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Caroline) for host
I had a wonderful week at Hugh's place. I worked on removing ivy from a structure, did some weeding in the garden, and transferred compost to a new cozy spot on the property. Some of my highlights were exploring the surrounding area using hand-drawn maps by Hugh, eating delicious meals with vegetables fresh from the garden, and getting to work… read more
12 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Caroline)
Caroline spent a week here doing various physical tasks - she is not afraid of hard work! Conscientious, considerate, warm hearted, always helpful, it was a privilege to host her. And most of all, a lovely presence around the place. You would be welcome back here anytime Caroline :)
(Excellent)
12 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Alessandro)
Alessandro was a positive presence here, hard working, willing to help at anything, very sociable and very funny! His English is amazingly good for such a short time learning. And you might be lucky enough to experience Alessandro's delicious Italian cooking! Thanks again Alessandro for the work.
(Excellent)
25 May 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Adeline)
Adeline was a pleasure to host, always in good form, helpful, willing and hard working. She speaks English well and was easy company the five days she was here. Adeline would be welcome to return anytime, and I have no hesitation in recommending her as a workaway.
(Excellent)
25 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Adeline) for host
My experience at Hugh was magical. I loved the tasks he gave me like working in his garden, moving the earth, planting vegetables, etc. And this stay was not just about work. Doing a workaway with Hugh also means having the chance to discover an intelligent, interesting and respectful man. I will not forget those evenings by the fireside… read more
9 May 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Monika)
Monika is a hibernophile, and has visited Ireland a number of times. Fluent in English, she is very chatty and can hold a conversation on almost any topic. She stayed with me for a week and was very helpful, working in the garden and also inside. She is considerate, always offering to help, works hard, and is easy company - I would recommend… read more
(Excellent)
9 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Monika) for host
You cannot ask for a better workaway experience. I got to spend time with a brilliant person, my host, talking and working. I did sensible and enjoyable work, had a chance to listen to really grand stories, was given great, home-made food and a comfortable room in a beautiful place in Ireland. I was taken care of and offered lifts, tips and… read more
27 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole)
Nicole was a pleasure to host. A great help using her own initiative, and easy company, her English is very good and she's keen to learn. You might even be lucky enough to experience her hand-picked porcini mushroom risotto! I'd recommend Nicole as a workawayer, she is welcome back here anytime.
(Excellent)
26 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nicole) for host
My first experience as a workaway at Hugh's place was something that I won't forget! He can make you really comfortable in his house. We organised together what needed to be done, i was able to help with deep cleaning inside the house and collecting sticks outside in the garden.
Hugh is a great communicator, and a real gentleman. With his good… read more
Hugh is a great communicator, and a real gentleman. With his good… read more
27 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Clemency) for host
Hugh was a wonderful host, delightful company and an excellent cook! We got to do a variety of jobs including gardening, bulb planting and some good old-fashioned shed destroying. A beautiful part of Ireland to stay in and a wonderful man to stay with.
23 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Clemency)
Rob and Clemency stayed with me for 10 days and were a great help, as well as good company. They were hardworking, reliable and used their own initiative. I'd have no hesitation in welcoming them back anytime.
(Excellent)
13 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Kelly)
Kelly was great company, lively, energetic and willing to help. Great outlook on life. I look forward to welcoming her back after the present public health situation settles.
(Excellent)
7 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Antonella) for host
It was a pleasure to be hosted by Hugh. He's friendly and hospitable. Excellent the organic food from the vegan garden. thanks for all
29 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Antonella)
It was a pleasure to have Antonella visit. She has a lovely, calm presence and keen to help around the place. If you're lucky she may even cook you an Italian meal!
(Excellent)
29 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
It was a pleasure to host Laura. She is keen to work, very helpful and respectful. I would recommend her as a workaway.
(Excellent)
7 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Sylvia) for host
In this wonderfully idyllic setting, the host was friendly and helpful, ready to answer questions or give guidance. Lots of odd jobs to keep you busy with plenty of good fresh produce from his garden to keep you well fed.
Absolutely recommend this workaway.
Absolutely recommend this workaway.
21 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Sylvia)
Sylvia was a pleasure to host, great company, bubbly personality and interesting stories from her professional life in classical music. She is constantly busy and can turn her hand to virtually any task - from preparing a flower bed to replacing a toilet seat! She is absolutely reliable, diligent and very respectful of someone else's home. You… read more
(Excellent)
13 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Conor is a quiet chap who likes to keep to himself. My experience with Conor was positive - he was respectful, tidy, diligent, and really hard-working. I consider myself fortunate to have got the benefit of his contribution.
(Very good)
