Join me for a cultural exchange with plenty to see and do in Castlewellan, Northern Ireland

United Kingdom

updated Last minute

Favourited 297 times

Host rating
Feedback
32
Last activity
27/11/2020
Nº of Facebook friends
1869
Reply rate
98.6 %
Average reply time:
within 2 days
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This listing is a Last minute host. They have let us know that they are looking for help immediately as well as at other times of the year.

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Availability

2020

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Details

Description
I live on the site of an old horse riding center. The house will shortly be demolished to make way for 19 new homes,
In the past 3 years I have farmed worms, grown veg, raised chickens, turkeys and sheep, restored motor cycles and recycled furniture.
Now though I sell help to pack up my life and move on to me next adventure.
The site is close to the coast , a nature reserve, as well as being at the foot of the Mourne mountains.
I have a small yacht with a Chinese (junk) rig thats in the water insummer .
I enjoy music and riding motorcycles, day trips, home cooking, and the occasional walk in the mountains.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
If you have poor English im not put off by that and am happy to take time to help you if you so wish
There are a lot of local bars where live music happens a couple of times a week.( Newcastle)
The nature and surrounding area is particularly scenic and classed as an area of outstanding beauty.we also have 2 beautiful country park one of which is a ""game of throne " filming location
A short walk will take you to the main road with bus service to Belfast ,Newry and Dublin
Help
Currently i need help with clearing me cleaning outbuildings, seting up some workshops, maintaining the live stock and the home.
Some of the property needs paint. (almost completed)
My current needs are mostly yo do with setting up a fox proof place to raise chickens, and establishing some permaculture to produce healthy food. I have some things to be disposed from the property and need help.
I'm also needing someone who knows about working with fiberglass and can help me repair my boats as well as some plastics on my motorbikes.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
Please contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Bedroom in farm house with wash small sink, bathroom down stairs.
Access to kitchen, living room, extensive parking, should you be traveling by motorbike, car or camper van, secure parking places are abundant.
Converted stone hay loft recently repainted and cleaned.
What else ...
Close to many outdoor based activities, archery, places to cycle, horse riding, coast, sailing trips (with me) in the summer, Mountains. Night life.
I have some bicycles you can use,I love music and play tinwhistle .
Musicians particularly welcome.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
Snakes spiders dragons wider beast
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Photos

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Feedback left by and about host (32)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)

Cultural exchange:
(4.5)

Communication:
(4.7)

29/10/2020

Left by Workawayer (Luca) for host

I stayed at Johnny's place for two weeks in October. I arrived by foot at his house and since he was at work I have been welcomed by another volunteer which was an interesting alternative way of starting a volunteering placement.
I appreciated the flexibility of Johnny's place. He works a lot (from 7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. most of the days) so you… read more

(Very good )

07/10/2020

Left by Workawayer (Chase & Kyle) for host

Our stay at Johnny’s was one that we will never forget. Most of the job duties were helping with the chickens, working on motorcycles & boats, keeping the house clean, weeding, & making sure Mat the cat was well fed! Johnny was a great host & we had some great laughs over dinner every night. His friends were a delight to be around as well. He went… read more

(Excellent )

25/09/2020

Left by Workawayer (Bill) for host

I had 10 days at Johnnys place in August and it was a nice stay in good company. Johnny works off site during the day so I did not see alot of him but when he was home he was (and as they say in Ireland) good 'craic'! There were five other Workawayers staying when I was there and they were all nice people and good company. The group meals in the… read more

(Very good )

20/08/2020

Left by Workawayer (Youna) for host

We stayed with my boyfriend for 3 weeks at Johnny's house. It was a very nice experience.
Johnny is a nice person and he helps you if your english level is not perfect.

The worktimes are very flexible. In fact we think he needs workawayers more for the compagny than the work. You are free to work on many project like fix a boat or a… read more

(Very good )

10/04/2020

Left by Workawayer (Johanna Karin) for host

I stayed at Jonny’s farm for 2 amazing weeks. It really was a great time! He has welcomed me warmly and he was always very nice.

The work was really diversified and it was always fun. I have learned a lot of useful things for example how to fix a fence (it's not as easy as it looks). We also often cooked together and the food was always very… read more

(Excellent )

26/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host

It was my first workaway at Johnny's place ! He was verry well welcoming! I was stay 2 weeks in october. And I felt directly like at home !
positive point:
-Johnny is verry welcoming, attentive and fun !
- the food is verry good, and from the garden
- a lot of time for us, for explore
- a lot of place in the house, it's big and the room is… read more

(Very good )

15/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Fabrizio & Maddalena Roberta) for host

We stayed almost 3 weeks with Johnny and it was a wonderful experience! Johnny is a fantastic host, friendly and helpful! He helped us to improve our English and we all visited many places together near Newcastle. The work is very autonomous: Maddy took care of the work inside the house (cooking, cleaning etc) and Fabri worked on projects outside… read more

(Excellent )

16/11/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (TATIANA)

From the moment Tatiana arrived it was obvious she would be Enthusiastic and energetic. With out Exception this was indeed the case, duren her time here, she joyfully helped with me many tasks around my home and her experience as a sailing instructor made it really fun and posable to sail in October in Ireland, What a day, what an adventure.
My… read more

(Excellent )

13/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (TATIANA) for host

I have spent two weeks at Johnny's house. It was my first workaway experience, and thanks to his kindness was an easy beginning. Johnny is very patient and he always helped me to improve my English.

You can organize your work as you want. There are a lot of things to do at his house. Johnny needs hands to maintain the home. I took care of his… read more

(Very good )

30/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)

Danny was an easy going guy and a pleasure to have around. He worked hard, was honest, reliable and trustworthy. He is quite self sufficient and doesn't require much attention or looking after. I would recommend him to others.
See you in Mexico

(Excellent )

15/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host

This experience was very good, Johnny is a very cool guy and a excellent host, I was glad that I could help with some things and specially with motorcycles, He was always available to provide his guest with what you we and to enjoy our experience. The city has some awesome locations and landscapes. I was kind of sad when I leave, but at the same… read more

(Excellent )

06/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Julia & Vanessa) for host

Our time with Johnny and in northern Ireland was perfect. Johnny is a perfect host, very welcoming, patient, happy to help anyway that he can and ready to show you the beautiful landscape around. We had a lot of fun and there is always something to do to help, laundry, cleaning the house, cooking, gardening, taking of the lambs...
We wish we… read more

(Excellent )

19/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Solène)

Solene arrived with me last minite with her friend Yasmine, i gladly welcomed them and we had a great time together with 3 other work away volenteers who were already here.
In her time here Solene brought much laughter to my home, and completed some jobs including helping to organise my woodwork tools, helping me with my motorcycle tidying and… read more

(Excellent )

05/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Giorgia) for host

I arrived at Johnny's place after the mid of December and I stay there for Christmas and New Year's Eve, leaving around the mid of January.
My almost month in Northern Ireland, thanks to Johnny, was full of laughs and fun.
Johnny is a great host, joyful, attentive and funny. I enjoyed listening to music and discovering the beautiful places near… read more

(Excellent )

04/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Giorgia)

When Giorgia arrive within, an hour I knew her stay would be filled with laughter and joy, her stay was in late December and early January in this time not only did she cook beautiful food for me,(and with me) but also she painted my kitchen and made a beautiful job.
My mother had 10 people for Christmas dinner and when I asked if she could help… read more

(Excellent )

04/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Aristide)

Aristide, was a fabulous work away volunteer who enthusiastically embraced challenges.
My home went through a lot of changes in and around his time staying and I thank his patience for living through the disruption and aiding in its demise.
I recommend him to anyone and wish him the best and I'm ready to welcome him should he chance to return

(Excellent )

05/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Aristide) for host

It was my first workaway and I had a great time there with Johnny and the other workawayers. Johnny is a really kind and friendly person and he helped me at improving my english. If you have trouble for understanding english for now don't worry, Johnny makes a lot of efforts to speak slowly and to be clear ;)
The work consisted in cleaning the… read more

(Very good )

04/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Anna & Laia)

Two sweet girls, who put a lot of effort in to cooking beautiful meals, painting some pictures, trending my chickens and designed me a logo, we took a bike ride also which was a lot of fun. They were full of surprises (yellow steps) lol and brought extra fun and colour to my place. They can both return any time.

(Excellent )

16/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Anna & Laia) for host

It has been our first experience as a workaway, and it has really been incredible. From the first day we felt at home, Johnny is a charming person, hardworking and with a sense of humor. In the house also lives Mat, the friendliest cat that we had previously known. The house has a lot of charm, and there is always work to do. Respect for work… read more

(Excellent )

04/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Christine)

Christine arrived at my home, bringing with her 3 tons of custom built caravan, and many practical silks, we had some very fun times, modifying my home built tractor, her welding skills are much better than mine. Great company and interesting experiences. Welcome to return.

(Excellent )

02/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Christine) for host

I'm missing a sixth star to give to Johnny. My skills got in a very good use, as Johnny has a lot of different jobs to do. He just asked me about my skills and then gave me jobs I love doing. And he was also open to my ideas, when I proposed something I could do. So time passed too quickly.
We had a lot of good laugh, just ask him about the guy… read more

(Excellent )

04/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (adrien)

Adrien stayed at my home for 10 days, and he was helpful and polite, he used initiative and took on some jobs without my asking, which I really like. Very positive experience, with he luck and happy traveling.

(Excellent )

30/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (adrien) for host

I stayed 10days in Northern Ireland, in the Johnny's house.
This is a big house with a lotvof jobs to do even if Johnny doesn't tell anything: you can build, tidy, clean, gardening, paint
He's really friendly and he loves to show his country to people, he likes talking and joking.
I advice Johnny in a workawayer host if you want to stay in… read more

(Excellent )

04/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Magnus & Hanna)

Magnus and hanna are a friendly hard working efficient couple who I highly recommend to anyone, Magnus has s lot of practical silks in wood working and both he and Hanna are very well organised and self motivated.
Welcome to return.
One week passed much too fast.

(Excellent )

27/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Magnus & Hanna) for host

We spent a week at Johnnys place and it was really interesting. He lives in a big old farm with lots of rooms filled with interesting projects. One can choose to do whatever task feels right for them and the only limitation is your own imagination. Johnny has many great ideas and everyone got some kind of skill to help him to achieve his… read more

(Excellent )

04/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Enara)

Enara, is a delight to host, she is always ready to help and can cook some really impressive vegetarian/vegan food.
We were able to have some interesting conversations, and share ideas with other, I would host enara another time for sure

(Excellent )

23/02/2019

Left by Workawayer (Enara) for host

It was my first experience with workaway and I couldn't ask for more! I had a wonderful time at Johnny's place. He and his lovely cat Matt made me feel at home rightaway. The work was easy and flexible. I helped around the house cooking, cleaning and organising stuff. On my free time Johnny took me on his car and show me the beautiful landscapes… read more

(Excellent )

30/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Sonja & Thomas)

Such a friendly and fun couple Sonja and Thomas are, the instantly fitted into a house hold that was already buzzing with the high revving excitment felt only by the presence of workaway volenteers from throught the world.
Just before their arrival we were a little behind on the preporations of their accomadation however they gladly accepted their… read more

(Excellent )

02/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sonja & Thomas) for host

Johnny is very easy to talke to, is funny and has a lot of ideas. We stayed one week at his place and enjoyed his company as well as the company of five other friendly and lovley "workawayers".
During this time we cooked, cleaned the house and the loft (in which we were sleeping), picked blackberrys, went with Johnny grocery shopping and did some… read more

(Very good )

30/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Guillaume & Rémi)

There two Gentle men from france were an absolute hoot to host.
If you have any work to be done with a hammer Guillaume ( THOR ) as he became known, is your man, a high spirited individual with a rainbow in his heart.
Remi is a motovated worker and a great influence on his close friend, when it comes to study and matters importance.
I consider… read more

(Excellent )

18/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Guillaume & Rémi) for host

We stayed a month at Johnny's house and it was an amazing experience.
Johnny is a wonderfull host. He is very generous, he always made sure we had everything we needed and was ready to help us with wathever we wanted to do. Moreover he is really funny! We had a lot of fun with him and the other workawayers and there always was a nice atmosphere in… read more

(Excellent )

14/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Amandine) for host

My stay at the Johnny’s house deserves at leat 6 stars to correspond to my experience over there. It was a real delight to live in Maghera for 5 weeks which was even too short.

If you’re not afraid by the fact to be autonomous and independant, this is the best place for you. You’re very free to build all the projects you want : gardening, DIY,… read more

(Excellent )

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