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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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