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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 additionnal 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, makes straw bowls and mats, and cut his own turf. Bernie's holding is a great place to learn traditional skills and discover a lifestyle that has now almost disapeared.
        Vegetarians can be catered for. Woofers have their own bedroom in Bernie's old cottge.


    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, a donkey brood mare, and a cow. He also has a small polytunnel, and grows some of his own vegetables.
        Billy is an excellent traditionnal musician (accordion) and anyone with an interest in music, particularly traditionnal Irish music, is particularly welcome.
        Cannot cater for vegetarians.


    Click to enlarge.

  • Christophe and Ciara, Clare Island retreat centre and Macalla farm, Ballytoohey, Clare Island, Co Mayo. Tel: 098.25412
     Christophe and Ciara run a 240 acres farm (some of it planted with trees) on the North side of the island.  They have sheep, horses (for breeding, working and riding), hens and a flock of ducks, as well as the usual cats and dogs. They have a keen interest in sustainable living and self sufficiency, and grow some of their vegetables and fruit in their gardens and polytunnels. They also run a successful yoga and meditation retreat centre. They are always looking for people to help us with gardening, farm work, house maintenance, minding their 2 young childen, cleaning, cooking, any ongoing building projects, and the general running of the farm and of the retreat centre. Non smokers only, preferably people with an interest in organic / biodynamic food production, sustainable living, yoga, meditation or horses. 6 days hard work / week (about 6 hours / day). Outside the summer season, accommodation is in a house shared with other helpers.  Non smokers only.
    Food is strictly vegetarian.
    Please see their website for more details


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