Profile information
Host rating
Not yet rated
Feedback
-
ID verified
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
The place is at the very end of a small country road, tucked into a quiet patch of the West of Ireland (East Co. Mayo), with lots of natural habitat, birdsong, and open space all around. It’s about a 7-minute drive to town (and the train station), but feels peaceful and remote, with a beautiful view of our small lake.
I’m retired and looking to host someone to practise Spanish with (learning the language is a big personal goal of mine) and help out around the place. If you’re a native speaker or fluent and happy to chat, that’s a huge bonus.
I’m a former WWOOF host, but these days it’s not a productive farm, it’s more about keeping things in order. I still grow a few vegetables and have some apple trees, there’s one cat and a horse who needs a bit of attention.
I live alone and enjoy a fairly quiet life, but I do like to go on outings — day trips around the West, hikes, local sights. I play tennis a lot and would be happy to play with you if you’re interested — or show you the basics if you’re just curious to give it a try.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Pets
Farming
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Animals
Nature
Hiking
Fitness
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This is a quiet place, so it’s a good fit for anyone looking to take a break from the usual rush. Life here tends to follow the weather and the rhythm of the day, it’s simple, calm, and surrounded by nature.
If you’re looking to improve your English or German, I’d be happy to help. German is my native language, and I speak fluent English as well.
We’d likely share some meals, and I enjoy cooking, usually with a focus on low-carb or keto-friendly food (though I’m not strict about it).
If you’re interested in exploring, I go on day trips to places like Sligo, Galway, and sights along the Wild Atlantic Way. There are beautiful spots to see here, from beaches along the coast to Croagh Patrick or the cliffs out in Achill.
I play tennis regularly and would be glad to bring you along to my local club, which has an indoor and four outdoor courts. There’s also a handball alley nearby where we can hit against the wall for practice.
Help
The main thing I’m looking for is someone I can speak Spanish with, that’s really the heart of this exchange for me. I’m an absolute beginner, so I’m hoping for someone who’s happy to chat slowly, help me learn a few phrases, and be patient along the way. You don’t need to be a teacher or anything formal.
Beyond that, I appreciate help with everyday things, like keeping the place clean, sharing basic household chores, and the occasional small task around the property (like helping mend a fence or tidying up the garden). Nothing heavy or high-pressure, just the kind of work that naturally comes up when looking after a home and a bit of land.
If you have real horse experience, there’s also the option to work a bit with mine. He’s 17 and spent many years as a companion horse, so he’s a bit out of practice and would really benefit from some kind, consistent retraining. That part’s optional, though.
There’s also the possibility of doing a bit of house- and pet-sitting during your stay — for example, if I happen to be away for a few days or a week. It’s not a requirement at all, just something that might work out depending on timing and comfort level.
The rhythm of things here is pretty relaxed and flexible. There’s not a strict schedule, the help just sort of fits into the flow of the day.
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
You’ll have your own bedroom and bathroom, the living room and kitchen are shared. The house is quite spacious.
Food is provided, and we’ll likely end up cooking together. Not required, but that’s how it worked with volunteers in the past. There’s no strict meal routine. I tend to eat low-carb myself, but you’re very welcome to add whatever extras you like (bread, pasta, rice, etc.).
There’s good Wi-Fi throughout the house, and the space should suit someone who enjoys a mix of quiet time and shared, day-to-day living.
Bicycles available.
What else ...
The nearest town is just a 7-minute drive away and has a train station with a good connection to Dublin, so getting here is easy. You don’t need your own transport — I’ll pick you up from the station and we can sort out any errands or outings together during your stay.
I usually take volunteers along for grocery shopping, tennis or sightseeing trips, so you won’t be stuck at the house unless you want to be.
It’s a non-smoking household, and I host year-round.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Kenko (16 years)
Captain (17 years)
Gelding, Irish Draft Connemara mix
Photos
