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Coming to Clare Island as a Wwoofer (volunteer)
There are
3 farms on Clare Island who welcome "Wwoofers" (Willing Workers on Organic Farms).
Woofers (or helpers, as we sometimes call them) work on the farm in
exchange for their room and board. Wwofing is an excellent way to pick
up new skills, as all woofing hosts are happy to share their know how
with their helpers. Is is also a good way to participate in island life and meet local people.
- Bernie Winter, Kill, Clare Island, Co Mayo. Tel: 098.26997
Bernie runs a 35 acres lowland farm (with 50 additional acres of
commonage). He grows his own potatoes, oats and hay and has a small
vegetable and herb garden. He keeps 3 cows, which he milks by hand to
makes his own butter. He also has a working donkey
(used to bring turf from the bog and sea weed for the garden) and about
100 sheep (so if you come at the right time, you can learn shearing the
old way). He fishes from the rock and makes straw bowls and mats. Bernie's holding is a great place to learn traditional
skills and discover a lifestyle that has now almost disappeared.
Vegetarians can be catered for. Woofers have their own bedroom in Bernie's old
cottage.
Click to enlarge.
- Billy Gallagher, Lecarrow, Clare Island, Co Mayo. Tel: 098.26745
Billy runs a 42 acres holding on the West side of the island. There he
keeps sheep, a Connemara brood mare, and a donkey brood mare. He
also has a small polytunnel, and grows some of his own vegetables.
Billy is an excellent traditional musician (accordion) and anyone with
an interest in music, particularly traditional Irish music, is
particularly welcome.
Cannot cater for vegetarians.
Click to enlarge.
-
Maccala farm, Ballytoohey, Clare Island, Co Mayo. Tel:
098.25412
Sometimes welcome long term woofers (minimum stay two weeks). Food is
strictly vegetarian.
See their website for
more detailsRecommended accommodation for woofers and
backpackers in Westport
The old mill hostel
Abbeywood house
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