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Host rating
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Last replied
25 Sep 2026
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Min stay requested: at least a week
Details
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Description
Regenerative Smallholding & Syntropic Agroforestry Project (Co. Kilkenny, Ireland)
Located in rural County Kilkenny, this 10-acre smallholding operates under agroecological, permaculture, and syntropic agroforestry principles.
The primary focus is non-commercial food production for self-sufficiency, ecological restoration, soil rehabilitation, and knowledge-sharing. By employing zero chemical inputs ("beyond organic"), the system relies on ecological design and natural plant succession to improve soil biology, optimize crop health, and enhance pest resilience.
Project Scope & Ecological Framework
Initiated in Winter 2023 following a comprehensive ecological and land topography survey, the smallholding has systematically implemented water retention and soil-building systems.
Water Management & Habitats: Two wildlife retention ponds were constructed to capture rainfall, mitigate downstream flooding risks on neighboring land, create microclimates for crops, and establish natural pest predator habitats.
Syntropic Orchard (2 Acres): The orchard features a high-density, multi-strata planting scheme designed across dynamic succession phases. It incorporates over 100 fruit and nut trees—including Walnut, Cobnut, Sweet Chestnut, Cherry, Apple, Pear, and Plum—intercropped with ever increasing planting of soft fruits, Perennial Vegetables, medicinal Herbs and flowers (Honeyberry, Jostaberry, Worcester Berry, Blackcurrant, Gooseberry, Raspberry, Blackberry, Strawberry, Rhubarb, horseradish, jureseleum artichoke, kale, borage, comfry, sweet pea, Yarrow, Fennel, Garlic, nasturciums, Dahlias, Narcissi, fever few, mints, Clovers etc.....).
Biomass & Support Species: Fast-growing native and support trees—such as Willow, Alder, Hazel, and Birch—are integrated into crop rows to generate dynamic biomass through periodic management (chop-and-drop pruning).
Biodiversity Woodland: Partnering with the organisation such as 100 Million Trees Foundation, The Hare’s Corner, Trees on the Land, and Free Trees Ireland, over 5,400 native Irish trees have been planted to establish a long-term native woodland belt and hedgerows.
Structural Habitats: Traditional drystone walls and dead hedging have been built throughout the property to create micro-habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife.
The four Phases & Methodology in use with The Syntropic Agroforesty in Temperate Climate are:
1. Placenta
2. Placenta 1
3. Accumulation
4. Abundance
The smallholding is currently transitioning from the Placenta phase into Placenta 1, focusing on system establishment, biomass accumulation, and root network development. Reaching full system abundance (Phase 4) is a multi-year ecological succession process.
Soil & Food Production: A vegetable garden and greenhouse/polytunnel produce staple crops including potatoes, garlic, onions, tomatoes, carrots, strawberries, and herbs using living-soil methodologies.
Regional Context & Location
Castlecomer (10 km / 10 minutes): A historic former coal-mining town featuring the 80-acre Castlecomer Discovery Park (woodland trails, adventure activities, and coal mining museum), a local craft yard (ceramics, jewelry, fine art), and core amenities.
Kilkenny City (30 minutes): A historic medieval city known for its preserved cathedrals, 12th-century castle, and vibrant arts and cultural festivals.
Accessibility: Situated in a rural area with limited public transit; local pickup and drop-off services connect to regional bus and rail networks in Castlecomer and Kilkenny City. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
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Interests
Pets
Music
Art & design
History
Beach
Hiking
Outdoor activities
LGBTQ
Technology
Culture
Sustainability
Movies & TV
Farming
Plant care
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Gardening
Photography
Carpentry
Animals
Nature
Cycling -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learn about Irish language and old Irish Traditions and cooking.
We love having Workaways who like cooking and We can learn new recipes from their country and share our love and knowledge of Cooking together.
We are not vegetarian so prefer for ease of cooking people who eat meat, fish ,eggs. -
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
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Help
We are looking for help on our 2 acre Syntropic Agroforestry Smallholding. ( 10 Acres of land in total )
Lite weeding, planting and general help around the Garden and Land. Food preparation.
General maintenance and upkeep.
We are using Agro Ecology principles and Regenerative farm practices.
We are starting out on this Journey and would enjoy sharing and learning together with other like minded individuals.
Suit 2 friends or a couple.
Minimum stay 1 week. -
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
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Accommodation
Peaceful and Private Location Full use of Small Cottage with Double bed.
With Your own Kitchen and Bathroom.
Broadband and TV.
Meals included. -
A little more information
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
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My animals / pets
Penny (4 years)
Penny is everyone friend loves attention and pettings. She is Busy and playful, knows loads of tricks.
Chloe (12 years)
Husky
Older Dog very quite and easy going, Likes to keep You company around the Garden.
