Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
17 Feb 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
32
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
An unexpected free spot !!
MY DETAILS: I am the vegetarian founder of the Irish Green Party, and I fell in love with Bloomville House where I live, about 100 km west of Dublin, as soon as I saw its surroundings. (I don’t say that the house itself didn’t need a lot of repairs but those are done now.)
WHAT YOU NEED: A willingness to enjoy a vegetarian lifestyle while in the house; a delight in the company of two friendly cats, and a thrill to know that the house is full of books of all kinds. Also, because I am rather deaf, you will need to be a fluent English speaker.
There are all kinds of work to be done, but I see no point in asking people to do work that they are not happy to do; only lazy folk don’t enjoy themselves here! We have a meal together in the early evening; ingredients are provided for you to feed yourselves at other times of the day.
Are you a tree-lover? You will love it here. I have thousands of them, and only three Sitka Spruce: these are destined never to be cut down, to show what beautiful creatures they can become! There are beeches, several kinds of oak, two very old chestnuts, and beautiful lesser-known trees like parrotia, liquidambar and tulip trees.
We are not growing as much food of our own as we would like, but this is a registered organic farm, with several acres of fruit trees.
We don’t accept Workawayers for less than three weeks at a time because we want you to have enough time to get to know the place; and some people choose to stay for much longer. One family has been back three times!
But remember: no meat, no fish, no smokers; oh, and no dogs.
Final note: l believe in answering promptly!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I have a large library of all sorts of books, fiction, environmental studies, biographies, etc., and many books for children of all ages.
For families there are adventure trails, trees to climb, places for hide-and-seek and running around, and the possibility for children to build their own dens.
There are musical instruments and various board games.
And two delightful cats, Comfrey and Yarrow.
Help
Some useful skills are general gardening
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Shared rooms by request only.
Washing machine is free for you to use but we enjoy washing-up dishes by hand.
Several bicycles available.
Nearest train station has regular trains from Dublin and Galway.
What else ...
All our gardening is organic, and we compost everything we can. Where that is not possible we carefully recycle wherever possible.
We are not just vegetarians but also do our best to respect other forms of life.
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
Host ref number: 763284111711
Feedback (17)
14 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Jiri)
Jiri was a wonderful worker, and a very skilled one. He was also, in his quiet way, very good company. He may also be a good cook, but my house is full of them! Thank you, Jiri!
(Excellent
)
5 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Jiri) for host
A wonderful old house surrounded by a beautiful park. Thank you Christopher for the opportunity to spend a few weeks here. Everyone I met at this place were amazing people. See you next time
14 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Nathan)
2025
Nathan arrived fresh from school but nevertheless fitted in perfectly. No work was too challenging for him although he, very reasonably, sometimes needed advice on methods. And he was never at a loss on what to with his free time, because he not only loved books, he also enjoyed reading them and discussing their contents. Such a splendid… read more
Nathan arrived fresh from school but nevertheless fitted in perfectly. No work was too challenging for him although he, very reasonably, sometimes needed advice on methods. And he was never at a loss on what to with his free time, because he not only loved books, he also enjoyed reading them and discussing their contents. Such a splendid… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Nathan) for host
I was going to spend about 2 weeks with Christopher and I ended up staying almost 2 months! A truly amazing time!
If you like books this is the perfect opportunity. The reading room is filled with lots of books for anyone that loves reading. The work is always interesting, either in the garden or cleaning indoors.
Overall a great, and very… read more
If you like books this is the perfect opportunity. The reading room is filled with lots of books for anyone that loves reading. The work is always interesting, either in the garden or cleaning indoors.
Overall a great, and very… read more
21 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)
Danny was good company and a very competent driver.
It was his first experience in this sort of terrain, but once he understood the work and the tools necessary he did a lot of good work.
His being a vegan was no problem.
If he is able to visit Ireland again, I hope for another visit!
It was his first experience in this sort of terrain, but once he understood the work and the tools necessary he did a lot of good work.
His being a vegan was no problem.
If he is able to visit Ireland again, I hope for another visit!
(Excellent
)
20 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host
What else could be written about Bloomville house which hasn't been written already?
THANK YOU CHRISTOPHER for hosting me for these last two and a half months! The Lord knows only a few brave people in this world would've hosted me for that long...
Thank you for letting me stay at your little piece of Heaven in Ireland. The work wasn't that bad… read more
THANK YOU CHRISTOPHER for hosting me for these last two and a half months! The Lord knows only a few brave people in this world would've hosted me for that long...
Thank you for letting me stay at your little piece of Heaven in Ireland. The work wasn't that bad… read more
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:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
14 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Jiri)
Jiri was a wonderful worker, and a very skilled one. He was also, in his quiet way, very good company. He may also be a good cook, but my house is full of them! Thank you, Jiri!
(Excellent)
5 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Jiri) for host
A wonderful old house surrounded by a beautiful park. Thank you Christopher for the opportunity to spend a few weeks here. Everyone I met at this place were amazing people. See you next time
14 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Nathan)
2025
Nathan arrived fresh from school but nevertheless fitted in perfectly. No work was too challenging for him although he, very reasonably, sometimes needed advice on methods. And he was never at a loss on what to with his free time, because he not only loved books, he also enjoyed reading them and discussing their contents. Such a splendid… read more
Nathan arrived fresh from school but nevertheless fitted in perfectly. No work was too challenging for him although he, very reasonably, sometimes needed advice on methods. And he was never at a loss on what to with his free time, because he not only loved books, he also enjoyed reading them and discussing their contents. Such a splendid… read more
(Excellent)
11 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Nathan) for host
I was going to spend about 2 weeks with Christopher and I ended up staying almost 2 months! A truly amazing time!
If you like books this is the perfect opportunity. The reading room is filled with lots of books for anyone that loves reading. The work is always interesting, either in the garden or cleaning indoors.
Overall a great, and very… read more
If you like books this is the perfect opportunity. The reading room is filled with lots of books for anyone that loves reading. The work is always interesting, either in the garden or cleaning indoors.
Overall a great, and very… read more
21 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)
Danny was good company and a very competent driver.
It was his first experience in this sort of terrain, but once he understood the work and the tools necessary he did a lot of good work.
His being a vegan was no problem.
If he is able to visit Ireland again, I hope for another visit!
It was his first experience in this sort of terrain, but once he understood the work and the tools necessary he did a lot of good work.
His being a vegan was no problem.
If he is able to visit Ireland again, I hope for another visit!
(Excellent)
20 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host
What else could be written about Bloomville house which hasn't been written already?
THANK YOU CHRISTOPHER for hosting me for these last two and a half months! The Lord knows only a few brave people in this world would've hosted me for that long...
Thank you for letting me stay at your little piece of Heaven in Ireland. The work wasn't that bad… read more
THANK YOU CHRISTOPHER for hosting me for these last two and a half months! The Lord knows only a few brave people in this world would've hosted me for that long...
Thank you for letting me stay at your little piece of Heaven in Ireland. The work wasn't that bad… read more
4 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jitka)
Jitka and her family have visited me three times. Hers is not the only one I have had here, and all have been good; but hers has been totally wonderful. No kind of work has been too difficult or too much for them, and everything has been accomplished so cheerfully. And from the children there has never been a tear or a grumble; and if my cats were… read more
(Excellent)
20 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
I couldn't have asked for a better experience for my first workaway. I spent two months at Bloomville and I enjoyed my quality time with Christopher.
The tasks were always clear and easy. The work expected of me was completely reasonable: I could learn how to use some gardening items that I had never tried to use before.
I felt right at home for… read more
The tasks were always clear and easy. The work expected of me was completely reasonable: I could learn how to use some gardening items that I had never tried to use before.
I felt right at home for… read more
2 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma was a wonderful help right from the very start. This included learning to drive on the left, which she did with great skill. Her English was modest at first but very competent by the end of her stay. She was happy to undertake all sorts of work, and when it came to gardening she listened carefully to instructions and made good use of my… read more
(Excellent)
17 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Judith ) for host
I spent 3 weeks at Christopher's lovely property, mostly doing tasks around the house, sheds and gardens, and driving the host to nearby towns for shopping.
Christopher is a generous host and this was a pleasant experience for my first "official" workaway assignment. There was an interesting array of friends, guests and other volunteers during my… read more
Christopher is a generous host and this was a pleasant experience for my first "official" workaway assignment. There was an interesting array of friends, guests and other volunteers during my… read more
14 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Judith )
Jude was only for me for a short time, chiefly because she enjoys being on the move; but in that time she did a lot of marvellous work both organising inside the house, and doing tough work outside as well as enjoying a lot of gardening. She was very much in the right place at the right time.
(Excellent)
17 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Madeleine)
I have just spent a long time saying what a marvellous guest Madeleine was in my house; but the whole thing has disappeared without my asking it to? How do I know that anything I write now is not going to disappear in the same way? Workaway must make sure that reviews will not be deleted unless the host has specifically asked for this. What will… read more
(Excellent)
13 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Madeleine) for host
I had a lovely time at Christopher's house, Bloomville. Christopher is a very kind host, always ensuring you are happy, providing delicious vegetarian and organic food to cook with, and sharing his interests (and things relevant to yours) with you. Christopher is supportive of your learning about gardening by showing you relevant books in his… read more
23 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Katharina & Anna) for host
We stayed for three weeks in Bloomville and we had a really great time there. Christopher was a lovely host and it was always fun to chat with him and play Chinese Checkers. The work in the garden was varied and we learnd a lot of new skills. In our free time we read a lot of books in the cozy reading room or were exploring the secret paths of… read more
17 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina & Anna)
Anna and Kathie were marvellous young people to have here.
They were always cheerful and hardworking and never bored.
They undertook all sorts of tasks which they had never done before, but always with great efficiency. I continue to look around me at the work they accomplished on my estate with great pleasure, and hope they will one day… read more
They were always cheerful and hardworking and never bored.
They undertook all sorts of tasks which they had never done before, but always with great efficiency. I continue to look around me at the work they accomplished on my estate with great pleasure, and hope they will one day… read more
(Excellent)
10 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachael)
Rachael arrived full of good cheer and remained that way throughout her entire stay. And what a worker! Nothing seemed to tire her, and whatever she was asked yto do, she understood almost immediately. There were delicious vegan meals too, if not quite enough to permanently change my vegetarian diet! The though that she may return one day is a… read more
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Rachael) for host
I spent two weeks at Christopher’s place and wish I could have stayed longer. Christopher is a big-hearted and professorly host who always has an interesting book or story to share. Stella is a funny and kind co-host and helped us understand our tasks and feel at home (I miss her apple cake already).
I loved working outside to help with the… read more
I loved working outside to help with the… read more
10 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Joanne)
Joanna looked a wee bit fierce when she arrived, but once she was confronted with work she was a delight; and it didn’t seemed to matter what kind of work it was: pruning hawthorn trees, planting bulbs, clearing brambles, and then coming to bake a sourdough loaf and prepare a delicious meal: all were done with the same good cheer. Irony she could… read more
(Excellent)
26 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Joanne) for host
I spent two weeks with Christopher and Stella for my first Workaway, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The daily routine was varied and fun; in the mornings we gathered together for breakfast then headed out to work on the large property, clearing brambles, strimming, raking, and pruning trees. Food was plentiful, delicious, and… read more
29 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Johanna) for host
I had an excellent stay at this project. Christopher and Stella are really nice and welcoming persons. It was lovely to be engaged in conversations. The garden is organic, large and the area is rural and quiet. Christopfer is an excellent Chinese checkers player. The house is charming and full of adventures. I loved the different jobs at the farm… read more
1 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Claudia)
Claudia was only here briefly, but in that time she did a splendid job on digging a very weed-filled vegetable garden, cooking some good meals and making herself at home. Maybe I’ll have the pleasure of seeing her again!
(Very good)
27 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Claudia) for host
Thank you, Christopher, for opening up your home for me and for your warm hospitality. It has been a Joy to listen to your stories, expanding on my vocabulary and learning sayings, playing games, having a movie night, dinners together and just to share some laughter and a peaceful atmosphere.
Silence in the reading room, a flickering fire to hear… read more
Silence in the reading room, a flickering fire to hear… read more
7 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
Once Hannah had got going, sometimes rather late in the day, she worked tirelessly and with great intelligence. When work was over, sometimes quite late, she would enjoy any meal provided and then settle down to read lengthy historical novels with my cat on her lap: they clearly loved each other! But do not ask her to cook without giving… read more
(Very good)
13 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
My time with Christopher was very enjoyable. He is a very kind, caring, knowledgeable person with many interesting stories to tell.
He has lots of amazing books and so I spent many hours in the Reading Room reading one of the books Christopher recommended with Toga, his cat, on my lap. I haven’t read that much for a long while and I loved having… read more
He has lots of amazing books and so I spent many hours in the Reading Room reading one of the books Christopher recommended with Toga, his cat, on my lap. I haven’t read that much for a long while and I loved having… read more
27 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (MIN) for host
I stay with Christopher for 3 weeks. He is very kind and friendly to me, always ask me if there is anything I need, and I can have a lot of different tasks to do, which make me feel interested. He has a big forest, so that I can explore with another helper during free time. Actually, the task is not very hard, sometimes is a little bit tired, but… read more
6 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Santiago)
Santiago arrived on time, full of enthusiasm, and willing to learn.
He was willing to work at all tasks offered, sometimes after training. In his free time he was very willing to red books in English and make a fuss of my cat!
I hope he will come this way again.
Best wishes from Christopher
He was willing to work at all tasks offered, sometimes after training. In his free time he was very willing to red books in English and make a fuss of my cat!
I hope he will come this way again.
Best wishes from Christopher
(Excellent)
9 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Santiago) for host
I stayed at Christopher’s beautiful property for almost one week, as my very first Workaway experience and it was an excellent one.
He's a very serious, interesting, knowledgeable and wise person, easy to follow any conversation on any subject.
When I arrived, he went to pick me up at the station, and the same when leaving, which was very kind of… read more
He's a very serious, interesting, knowledgeable and wise person, easy to follow any conversation on any subject.
When I arrived, he went to pick me up at the station, and the same when leaving, which was very kind of… read more
28 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Andreas)
It was very pleasant having Andreas here. His English is very good, and he was alway willing to undertake new tasks, as long as they were carefully explained. He has had vey little cooking experience, but as I enjoy cooking myself, this did not matter.
I hope he will pass this way again.
I hope he will pass this way again.
(Very good)
20 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Andreas) for host
I can highly recommend a stay at Christophers!
I spent two weeks there, and I loved every minute of it. Christopher is kind, has good taste, and a good sense of humor. As other reviews have mentioned, the house and location is fantastic if you're looking for a rural get-away in quaint settings.
The work was fulfilling and could even be fun.… read more
I spent two weeks there, and I loved every minute of it. Christopher is kind, has good taste, and a good sense of humor. As other reviews have mentioned, the house and location is fantastic if you're looking for a rural get-away in quaint settings.
The work was fulfilling and could even be fun.… read more
3 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Monika)
Monika arived with, seemingly, very little English, but perhaps it was just shyness. But very soon she was communicating adequately, and she was doing splendid work once I had explained what was to be done. Thus, by the end, I was completely happy to have her here, and should she ever decide to visit again, she will be made most welcome.
(Very good)
4 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Monika) for host
I spend one week in house of Christopher. It was amazing time and also it was for me first experience with workaway. I liked eat meals together. Christopher and Frances are excellent cookers. Dishes was always very tasty I really liked. I learned some new words in English language – thank you for teaching me. Christopher and Frances had a lot of… read more
12 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Maria de Lourdes ) for host
I spent an incredible time in the company of Christopher, a very gentle, respectful and very good manners, Francis incredible hostess who facilitated at all times my stay, including his wonderful and very affectionate cat Turga! a quiet place, very beautiful in an environment of almost magical nature, transports you to another time, shelves full… read more
