An elderly couple stands at the entrance of a pink house, surrounded by potted plants and greenery, smiling warmly under a porch light on a rainy day.
A pebble beach leads to the sea under a clear blue sky. People are swimming and relaxing in the water, enjoying a sunny, peaceful day.
A bright sunroom with large windows overlooks a garden. Features a round table with four chairs, an armchair, two lamps, tiled floor, and floral curtains.
A pottery studio with a yellow pottery wheel, green seat, shelves holding buckets of materials, various tools, brushes, and supplies scattered on tables and shelves.
1 / 4
new host  

Welcoming garden helpers with an interest in pottery in Dundalk, Ireland

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least 1 month

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Details

  • Description

    Description

    I have a ceramic studio situated in my parents garden in Castlebellingham, Co. Louth. The studio is currently idle and is not a business. I am currently studying full time. My parents garden is getting a bit overgrown and could use some help and energy to keep it maintained. This involves weeding, composting, pruning and restoration of garden paths. The village of Castlebellingham is a 50 minute drive north of Dublin in a coastal village with some beautiful scenery and coastal walks. Nearby towns are Dundalk, Drogheda and Carlingford , all accessible on public transport. If you have an interest in gardens and plants, my parents, Donal and Theresa are a wealth of plant knowledge and would be keen to share their enthusiasm for gardens with a suitable person or couple. If you had an interest in working with clay you could avail of access to the pottery studio during your stay and I could teach you some of the basics of pottery, both hand building and wheel throwing.

    You would have your own independent apartment which is fully equipped and next door to Donal and Theresa. This could suit a mature individual or couple who have an interest in gardening and pottery, who don't mind catering for themselves but also are happy to socialize and dine with family members occasionally.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Gardening
  • Interests

    Interests

    Nature
    Mountain
    Beach
    Hiking
    Culture
    Sustainability
    Events & social
    Architecture
    Gardening
    Art & design
    Books
    DIY & crafts
    History
    Music
    Plant care
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    There is a local ukelele band that meets in PJ Byrnes pub (a short walk away) every second Thursday. Everyone is welcome. You could join in with this very inclusive and friendly group which would introduce you to some locals in a fun, friendly environment.
    Trips and hikes can be arranged in the locality, Carlingford nearby has some beautiful mountain walks, and there is are some lovely swimming and coastal hikes nearby also. Salterstown is a very popular local swimming place and there is a mobile sauna there on weekends.
    There are some garden and pottery experts on hand to help with any questions you may have.
    Donal was a botanist in his professional life and is keen to chat about plants with any plant enthusiasts.
    Pottery lessons will be provided to anyone interested in learning hand-building or wheel throwing or you are welcome to experiment and explore clay in the studio which is right beside your accommodation.
    We are open to learning about other peoples cultural traditions, sharing stories and music would be very welcome also.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    We would like help (about 3 hours per day) with garden upkeep and maintainance. Helping Donal in the garden with the raking, pruning and weeding. Donal and Theresa are very knowledgeable plants people and are happy to share their expertise if desired. I would be happy to organize pottery lessons for anyone interested in working with clay. This might suit an easy going person or couple who is independent and sociable. Depending on your interest we could organise outings at weekends.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    French: Intermediate
    Irish: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    We all have a small amount of school french, fluent english and Irish but would be happy to offer a language exchange to anyone who wishes to improve their English during their stay.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    You will have a separate, comfortable apartment in the garden which is fully equipped for self catering but you would be welcome to join the family during family gatherings. Groceries will be purchased for you, a short drive away, with your assistance to ensure you get what you need. The apartment consists of a bedroom, bathroom and living/dining area. It opens out onto the garden and is right next-door to the main house, should you have any queries or concerns.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Regular buses travel from the village to the major towns nearby and Dublin which is an hour away.
    No specific house rules but it is a quiet location and being mindful of the fact that you would be living next-door to a couple in their 80s is appreciated.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 968485836369

Website Safety

Photos

A pebble beach leads to the sea under a clear blue sky. People are swimming and relaxing in the water, enjoying a sunny, peaceful day.
A bright sunroom with large windows overlooks a garden. Features a round table with four chairs, an armchair, two lamps, tiled floor, and floral curtains.
An elderly couple stands at the entrance of a pink house, surrounded by potted plants and greenery, smiling warmly under a porch light on a rainy day.
A pottery studio with a yellow pottery wheel, green seat, shelves holding buckets of materials, various tools, brushes, and supplies scattered on tables and shelves.

Feedback

Learn about Irish culture in a historical mill and art studio in Kilmeaden, Ireland
Learn new skills with our family in Galway, Ireland