Ireland – Sustainable Farming and Heritage Conservation

Ireland is a European island, located off the western coast of England. Ireland’s tourism is growing, and the welcoming attitude from its inhabitants and their abundant hospitality play a large role in this. Ireland is also well-known for its lush, green landscape.

Cork is a historically rich, cosmopolitan city in the south that locals often refer to as Ireland’s “real capital city.” Others refer to this city as the “foodie capital” of Ireland. Artsy cafes can be found on every block, along with bundles of young, friendly people. It is the second largest city in the country and is a fantastic travel destination.

The farm is part of a large historical property which dates from the 18th century, in a beautiful area just 45 minutes from Cork. Their property has a  250-year-old Georgian house surrounded by beautiful gardens, fields and woodlands, including a historical Victorian wall garden. The project strives to maintain its unique Irish heritage while using farming and gardening methods that sustain the natural environment.

Volunteers on this program will lend a hand at the farm and learn techniques that are sustainable for the natural environment. Volunteer tasks range from hands-on farming work and farm maintenance to selling fresh produce at a farmer’s market. Volunteers will work around 35 hours per week and the schedule is flexible from day to day.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Gardening
• Feeding farm animals
• Making yogurt
• General farm maintenance
• Selling produce at farmers markets
• Household chores

Internet: WiFi is available at the volunteer house, but the connection is not always reliable.

Laundry: There is a washing machine available for use at the volunteer house.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in a hostel on the first night, in a shared, mixed-gender room with three to seven other people. Volunteers will stay in shared, same-gender rooms of two to four people at an on-site volunteer house.

Food: There is a communal kitchen and volunteers are responsible for preparing their own meals. Ingredients (many from the farm!) are provided by the project for three meals daily. Shopping is done once a week for commodities that cannot be provided by the farm.

Please take note of this program’s minimum requirements:

• Minimum age of 18
• Intermediate level of English
• Mature, flexible and adaptable personality
• Eligibility to obtain a visa to enter Ireland
• Fully vaccinated for covid and PCR test 72 hours after arrival in Ireland

The city of Cork is filled with touristy things to see – from a butter museum to various art galleries and countless historical structures. As for things to do, Cork is seaside city, so you can enjoy a nighttime kayak adventure or even go whale watching, depending on the season.

Some of the country’s most well-known destinations are easily accessible, and only about three hours away. Highlights include the sea cliffs of Moher, the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, the wildflowers of the Burren and more! The local field team can assist volunteers in planning fun things to do and see.