Experience life with a warm family, beautiful nature, and a loving community in Mountshannon, Ireland
Last activity
: 18 Apr 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 14 days
Min stay requested: 1 month or more
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 798928699894
Website Safety
Feedback (11)
Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host
It is not easy to put my experience into words because it has been such an intensive time due to the circumstances. But the two months of staying with Mieke, Alan, Sophie and Nina have been full of new experiences for me and I am so grateful that I was able to stay at theirs. Everyone was so welcoming and kind and I immediately felt comfortable in
… read more their house and in their company. I have many memories now that I happily look back on – from hearing Alan’s band play in the pub, going to Yoga with Sophie, going to “The Burren” and Lahinch or just cooking together. Also meeting so many family members was so lovely and I very much look forward to coming back to Mountshannon! Thank you so much for this time, it will always have a special place in my heart.
It was a real pleasure to have Mallaury stay with us. She was sensitive and caring and approached every task with enthusiasm. She fitted naturally into our busy household and took part in every aspect with humour and laughter. We were sad to say goodbye but look forward to seeing her again sometime in the future
Left by host for Workawayer (Shalom)
Shalom is a wonderful person to have around, she is observant, warm and happy to jump in with any task at hand, but also working out what is needed by herself. She very quickly became part of our family, her calm way of being helping us recover from a very busy and stressful summer. Originally she arrived here to help with Ina and in the house,
… read more but she was quickly picked up by our daughter Sophie (who lives on our land) to help her renovate her mobile home. She is a very hard worker and at times needs to be protected from herself as she finds it hard to take breaks, she just keeps going and going!!
The words from Sophie: "Shalom is was a Rock Star, not only does she know her stuff, she transformed a mobile into a lovely cosy home for myself and my 2yr old Daughter, while also teaching me about building and how to use power tools. Shalom really listened to me and my wants and never said no to a task but rather worked out a way to make it happen, this was such a breath of fresh air.
Furthermore, Shalom is kind and caring with a vast knowledge about healing and personal growth. She became very loved by my little daughter, who would follow Shalom around with a pencil in her hand taking measurements of everything."
Shalom will always be welcome back in our home, we wish her well on her further travels!
Left by Workawayer (Shalom) for host
Staying and working with Mieke, Ina, Sophie and Alan was an experience far beyond what I could have hoped for. The moment that I stepped into their lovely home I was met with a flurry of friendly faces and playful banter and the energy of a space well alive and well loved. I found my space primarily working on the mobile with Sophie and the ever
… read more helpful and master imitator little Nina. Getting to work with and eat the fresh fruits and veggies from the garden was absolutely delightful and as someone who hasn't had access to home grown goods in a long time it was such a treat. I loved spending time and chatting with Ina and occasionally getting in a short dance when a good song was on! Learning about foraging and herbalism and astrology with Mieke was absolutely fascinating and right up my lane. Sophie and I went on quite a few adventures together, including a beautiful hike, saunas, and many fun trips to the hardware stores trying to figure out the Irish equivalent of whatever American tool or material we needed next! By the end of my stay Nina had also become a contractor in her own right with a pencil in her mouth and a tape measure at the ready, she made sure that we were doing things the right way. Sophie and Mieke both made sure I didn't work too hard and there was always plenty of laughter and great conversation. I didn't get too much time with Alan but when he was home we had fascinating conversations and beautiful music. I honestly could go on for awhile and there are so many other amazing parts of my stay here like seeing the northern lights with Noah, fun chats with Cassie and watching Bilbo fly through the bog and forest at astounding rates. But all of it to say I left feeling like family, grateful to have found this incredible family and excited to have good friends now in Ireland. I hope to get to come back someday in the not too far future, but until then if you are thinking about staying with them it is definitely not a decision you will regret. Thank you again for inviting me into your home and teaching me so much! See you all soon!Photos
At our little harbour - Ina with Alan and Mieke and Bebhinn, Alan's daughter who is also a carer for Ina in the mornings
Ina at Christmas at the lightening of the Christmas candles in our village
Bringing Ina camping with the family
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host
It is not easy to put my experience into words because it has been such an intensive time due to the circumstances. But the two months of staying with Mieke, Alan, Sophie and Nina have been full of new experiences for me and I am so grateful that I was able to stay at theirs. Everyone was so welcoming and kind and I immediately felt comfortable in
… read more their house and in their company. I have many memories now that I happily look back on – from hearing Alan’s band play in the pub, going to Yoga with Sophie, going to “The Burren” and Lahinch or just cooking together. Also meeting so many family members was so lovely and I very much look forward to coming back to Mountshannon! Thank you so much for this time, it will always have a special place in my heart.
It was a real pleasure to have Mallaury stay with us. She was sensitive and caring and approached every task with enthusiasm. She fitted naturally into our busy household and took part in every aspect with humour and laughter. We were sad to say goodbye but look forward to seeing her again sometime in the future
Left by host for Workawayer (Shalom)
Shalom is a wonderful person to have around, she is observant, warm and happy to jump in with any task at hand, but also working out what is needed by herself. She very quickly became part of our family, her calm way of being helping us recover from a very busy and stressful summer. Originally she arrived here to help with Ina and in the house,
… read more but she was quickly picked up by our daughter Sophie (who lives on our land) to help her renovate her mobile home. She is a very hard worker and at times needs to be protected from herself as she finds it hard to take breaks, she just keeps going and going!!
The words from Sophie: "Shalom is was a Rock Star, not only does she know her stuff, she transformed a mobile into a lovely cosy home for myself and my 2yr old Daughter, while also teaching me about building and how to use power tools. Shalom really listened to me and my wants and never said no to a task but rather worked out a way to make it happen, this was such a breath of fresh air.
Furthermore, Shalom is kind and caring with a vast knowledge about healing and personal growth. She became very loved by my little daughter, who would follow Shalom around with a pencil in her hand taking measurements of everything."
Shalom will always be welcome back in our home, we wish her well on her further travels!
Left by Workawayer (Shalom) for host
Staying and working with Mieke, Ina, Sophie and Alan was an experience far beyond what I could have hoped for. The moment that I stepped into their lovely home I was met with a flurry of friendly faces and playful banter and the energy of a space well alive and well loved. I found my space primarily working on the mobile with Sophie and the ever
… read more helpful and master imitator little Nina. Getting to work with and eat the fresh fruits and veggies from the garden was absolutely delightful and as someone who hasn't had access to home grown goods in a long time it was such a treat. I loved spending time and chatting with Ina and occasionally getting in a short dance when a good song was on! Learning about foraging and herbalism and astrology with Mieke was absolutely fascinating and right up my lane. Sophie and I went on quite a few adventures together, including a beautiful hike, saunas, and many fun trips to the hardware stores trying to figure out the Irish equivalent of whatever American tool or material we needed next! By the end of my stay Nina had also become a contractor in her own right with a pencil in her mouth and a tape measure at the ready, she made sure that we were doing things the right way. Sophie and Mieke both made sure I didn't work too hard and there was always plenty of laughter and great conversation. I didn't get too much time with Alan but when he was home we had fascinating conversations and beautiful music. I honestly could go on for awhile and there are so many other amazing parts of my stay here like seeing the northern lights with Noah, fun chats with Cassie and watching Bilbo fly through the bog and forest at astounding rates. But all of it to say I left feeling like family, grateful to have found this incredible family and excited to have good friends now in Ireland. I hope to get to come back someday in the not too far future, but until then if you are thinking about staying with them it is definitely not a decision you will regret. Thank you again for inviting me into your home and teaching me so much! See you all soon!
Left by Workawayer (Iris) for host
After staying there for such a long time, I can easily say, that this was the best experience in my life. A family, so heartwarming, always full of people and never boring! From the first day on, they gave me the feeling of being part of them. In those months, I had the opportunity to learn so much about myself and to grow in lots of different
… read more aspects. Also my knowledge about herbs, gardening, cooking, nature, and general elderly-care increased millions.
Tasks: I cared a lot for Ina, did household things, gardening, outside work, helped with cooking,etc... Also a thing I really liked was that the tasks will always be tailored to you, and your talents. So don't worry, if you're bad at something, they'll bring the best out of you!
Soooooo, if you're searching for a very special family, who can teach you lots in life and all that, with a huge heart, then you're more than right here:) From workaway to family <3You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Iris)
Iris
Iris has finished her workaway stay with us after many months, we are so sad to see her go, she has become part of our family!
I can recommend iris, without doubt, for any workaway position. Iris is adaptable, able and very caring. She sees what needs to be done and takes initiative to get it done. New tasks are embraced and (most) always
… read more with a smile - even if the task is challenging.
She brought smiles to our house… smiles, interest and care.
Our household can be, and often is a very busy one. Iris embraced it all and dived right in, becoming a solid and trusted support for Ina and the household in general.
Left by host for Workawayer (Muriel)
It was wonderful to have Muriel stay here in our home. She was extremely caring for Ina and always gave 100%. As Mieke needed to be away for several weeks, due to the birth of our son's baby, Muriel stepped in and kept the household running smoothly. We could not have done without her as Alan was extremely busy with work during that period. Muriel
… read more spoilt all of us with her love for baking and preparing creative meals and especially deserts. She was so conscientious about her tasks that we needed to remind her to take time out for herself. Muriel is a very sweet lady, is interested in almost everything, enjoys meeting people, speaks very good English and enjoys humour, music and dance. We were very lucky to have her as a workaway.
Left by Workawayer (Muriel) for host
I spent 7 happy weeks with Mieke, Alan and Ina. I first arrived for a month, but I ended up staying until my next workaway. It was my first workaway experience, and I am very grateful to them for giving me my first chance. I was very happy to meet their children and friends and share their family life, even Christmas time. As soon as I walked in,
… read more I felt part of the family and I felt accepted. I am happy that I had the opportunity to learn a bit of Dutch with Ina. The two of us had great time having snacks, by the fire, and even listening to Alan playing the guitar. I got the opportunity to see him play with his band at the pub. I never felt I was working. I was just helping this loving and caring family in the best way I could. Apart from taking care of Ina, I was mostly doing what has to be done in a house, like cleaning, laundry, dishwasher, cooking, a bit of gardening to help around...They will always have a place in my heart :)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (ManuelaSu)
We cannot speak more highly of Manuela, she arrived during a very busy time, with lots of people coming and going… It was wonderful how she fitted right in and to have her join our busy family. She figured out very quickly how she could help out and did so in great spirit - at times we had to "tell" her to stop working, as she went at every task
… read more with great energy! She connected with everyone in the family and it was lovely treat for Ina to be taken on outings where she managed to show Manuela places of beauty in our surroundings.
Over a number of years our experience with those coming through Workaway have been nothing less than positive, Manuela has once again highlighted this with her gentle spirit and willingness to share and have fun together. Although her stay was relatively short, nevertheless we shared quality time together and parted as friends, hoping that we may meet again somewhere down the road.
Left by Workawayer (ManuelaSu) for host
I stayed with this lovely family for 3 weeks and enjoyed every day. Mieke and Alan are wonderful hosts who make it easy to find a place in their lively family. They are always concerned that you are well and comfortable. You live with the family and do your part - it doesn't feel like "work".
My main task was to support Ina. I enjoyed spending
… read more time with her. Since I was there by car, we were able to go on little trips, she showed me her favourite places in the area and we enjoyed chocolate ice cream by the lake. She is a lovely and humorous woman who makes it easy to support her in everyday life. I also helped with light housework, weeding and painting windows.
Mieke has a large vegetable garden. With her wide knowledge of herbs and healthy eating, it was a pleasure to learn from her cooking skills, spending time together, talking and laughing. We discovered some things in common and talked about our favourite hiking and nights under the open sky. Alan always kept things interesting with his stories and conversations, his guitar playing and his boules game. He often works from home and creates a relaxed atmosphere with his easy-going manner. During my stay, their daughter Sophie was visiting with her baby. Like the whole family, she is an easy-going, humorous and helpful person.
It was a great time. I will have fond memories of the trips to the lake and the sea with the big family and thank them very much for having me!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna )
Anna is a wonderful person to host... she is full of (positive) energy and willing to throw herself at anything. She is a kind, patient, and very responsible carer but at the same time she is happy to immerse herself in a physical job and work hard at it. Anna is genuinely interested in people and animals, and is a deeply caring person.
She is
… read more able and willing to help you find solutions for problems, coming up with helpful suggestions. On top of all that, she is a wonderful cook!
Anna will always be welcome in our house, actually, we would love to see her again sometime in the future!
Left by Workawayer (Anna ) for host
I stayed with Ina, Mieke, Alan and the rest of their lovely family for 3 weeks and I truely enjoyed it and thank them so much for having me! My main task was to help Ina in her everyday life and give her some company and assistance. She is a very sweet and cheeky lady and I really miss her. We got along quite well and our favourite time of the day
… read more was our daily dose of Netflix in the evenings.
While staying in Mountshannon, you become a part of the family and don’t feel like a workawayer anymore because everybody welcomes you and wants to make sure you have a good time. Alan loves to tell you some stories and everybody is just interested in who are and what you are doing. They are very flexible with the work and most of the time you can help with whatever you prefer to do, in my case Mieke generously gave me free-hand in the kitchen so I could cook and bake a lot which was highly appreciated but I also did a bit of cleaning and painting.
The house and especially the yoga shed are very spiritual places with bright and warm energy and there is a deep understanding for everything and everybody. If you are a person who needs a lot of time for yourself, you can always go out for a walk, do some yoga or read a book. Mieke even took me to some places and activities and always made sure that I was feeling comfortable. I still feel very honoured that I was invited by Mieke and Cassie to join them in two of their ceremonies. Thank you so much for everything!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Tiffany)
It was a real joy to have Tiffany stay here with us. From the get-go she was enthusiastic, observant and proactive in any task that she involved herself with. We also enjoyed engaging in conversations and sharing laughter together. Tiffany came to us as a workaway and left as a friend. Her company and support has been much appreciated.
Left by Workawayer (Tiffany) for host
I spent 3 months with Alan, Mieke and Ina. I had great times with them. Alan is a very good storyteller, plays the guitar I had the opportunity to see him play with his group it was a very good time. Mieke is a good cooker, and we exchanged interesting conversations. Ina is adorable, we laughed a lot, she loves eating ice cream in front of a good
… read more movie.
If you are looking for nature, peace, encounters, this place is the place for you. The house is comfortable and pleasant.
I also met other members of the family, all as nice as each other.
They are now part of my life. I will never forget this stay.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Chisa) for host
I had a great time with Mieke, Alan and Ina for 3 weeks. I helped Ina and Alan’s outdoor project. Mieke and Alan took me many places around Mountshannon.
Alan is good at singing and playing the guitar. He invited me to the pub to listen to his band. It was so cool.
Mieke is an excellent cook. And she always helped me how to take a trip from
… read more Mountshannon.
Ina is a lovely person. She taught me about Holland and her family. We often watched drama and had lunch together.
My English wasn’t well but they always tried to understand me.
I was glad to do my first workaway in their place.
When I go back to Ireland, I’ll definitely visit them.
Thank you for everything. I’m looking forward to seeing you guys again:)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Romane) for host
Before landing in Mountshannon, I was supposed to go somewhere else in Ireland but my first host had to cancel, and Ina, Mieke and Alan welcomed me very last minute, which was very nice.
If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings, their home is the place to go because Mountshannon is basically Hobbiton and their house Bilbo's house. Both them and their
… read more house are so very welcoming and warm, and Ina, Mieke and Alan are truly good-hearted.
I helped taking care of Ina, who is, despite her painful and serious back injury, so lovely and funny and I really enjoyed my time with her. I helped with her day to day life, and with taking care of the household and the cooking.
The nature in Mountshannon is amazing, you'll love a walk by the lake and music nights in the local pub. If you're lucky and if she's still there, you'll also get to meet Barbora, a wonderful workawayer from Czech Republic, who fell in love with the place and stayed there.
In short, if you're looking for a nature-cosy-funny-irishy retreat, Mieke's and Alan's place is the place to go :)
xxxxYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Romane)
It was really lovely having Romane stay here with us. She has been a wonderful support for Ina, which helped us immensely during a very difficult period when Ina was very poorly. Now thankfully Ina is making good progress, and the care needed is not as intense, but Romane really helped us through this period as she was so attentive and sweet with
… read more ina. She is very creative and easy to live with, she loves cooking, baking and cares for animals. She also made a wonderful video of an event in the village we attended, which will be a great memory for years to come.
Left by Workawayer (Barbora) for host
Staying with Alan, Mieke and Ina was (and still is) the most beautiful experience I have ever had. From the first moment I came they were incredibly nice, helpful, caring, supporting, patient and it never changed. I am lucky I could come and be part of this family!
Alan and Mieke are lovely couple who always made me feel at home. We had so much
… read more fun together!
Before Ina´s fall we used to play the flutes every Wednesday together, go to the chorus, harbour or just chilled out. Nowadays after Ina´s injury she needs someone to look after her, spend some time with and help her with basic daily activities. Ina is very sweet and hearted person. She loves listening music, singing and is very happy if you can share these hobbies with her.
This family became my family and I can not imagine life without them anymore.
.. Not sure I will ever move out from your mobile.. :D No.. don´t worry, I will … one day.. :D xxxYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Roos)
Roos came to us in May 2018 and stayed with us for about 5 months. We feel lucky to have had her stay with us, she is a wonderful person, full of care and very dedicated to working with Ina, showing initiative and trying to find the best solutions when needed.
She is able to work independently and willing to learn new skills when this is
… read more required.
Roos is a gentle and sweet person who loves music and has a good sense of humour. We hope to meet with Roos again sometime in the future.
Left by Workawayer (Roos) for host
I had a lovely time with Ina, Mieke, Alan, and the Mountshannon community. I learned a lot here and they gave me space to develop myself. If you are willing to learn and you like long funny stories (Alan would love to tell you all his lovely funny jokes and stories) then this family is a perfect place for you. I also had a adorable time with Ina,
… read more she is now my Dutch/Irish grandma. I really loved to sing with her and we had nice walks with the dogs. I am definetly going to visit this family again! xxYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Help our family with daily life in Newtown Mount Kennedy, North Wicklow, Ireland
Learning and sharing skills with our family near Clonakilty, Ireland
We've noticed that there's less than 3 photos uploaded to your profile. With the new host profile layout this we would highly recommend having more than 3 photos so your profile stands out visually.
Please take a few moments to choose some images that show off your place or area:
Please log in to your Workawayer account to contact this host, or
sign up here!
Important information about visiting: Ireland
If you are not an Irish Resident, EU Citizen or UK Citizen and planning to visit Ireland to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.
Gardening
Help around the house
Sustainability
Pets
Plant care
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Gardening
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Dancing
Hiking
