My name is Christina, and I welcome those looking to volunteer in an Irish country house to join me in maintaining my historic Victorian home and its beautiful garden. Nestled in the charming village of Kinnitty, in the heart of Ireland, the house sits close to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, offering a peaceful and scenic retreat. For the past 25 years, I have been restoring and improving this lovely stone-built property, which requires ongoing care and attention. When I’m not working on the house or running my part-time B&B in the summer, I enjoy playing traditional Irish fiddle, photography, walking, and spending time in nature.
Volunteer in an Irish Country House: Tasks & Roles
Help is needed both inside and outside the house, with a particular focus on the garden, which requires regular attention. Tasks include hedge trimming, weeding, watering window boxes, and general landscaping to keep the space well-maintained and inviting. Within the house, assistance is required for routine household chores such as cleaning, ironing, and general upkeep.
During the summer, the B&B is open part-time, primarily catering to walkers and mountain bikers exploring the nearby trails. The busiest days are weekends, when extra help is needed to prepare guest bedrooms and keep the house in order. The B&B closes from November to the end of March, allowing more time to focus on maintenance projects such as painting, repairs, and larger-scale improvements.
Volunteer in an Irish Country House: Living & Getting There
Accommodation is provided in a converted coach house separate from the main building. The room, which has twin beds, is suitable for two friends travelling together. It comes with a spacious adjoining area and a private toilet, while shower facilities are located in the main house. Free unlimited WiFi is available, and all meals are provided. The food is typically Irish, but if you have specific dietary needs, you may need to make your own arrangements. Cooking duties are shared, and you should be comfortable preparing your own meals when I am unavailable.
Public transport runs five times daily between Portlaoise and Birr, providing easy access to the surrounding areas. From Portlaoise, trains and buses connect to destinations across Ireland, making onward travel convenient. Information on schedules can be found on the websites for Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, and Local Link Laois Offaly.
Volunteer in an Irish Country House: What Else
Help is typically needed for five hours a day, five days a week, with working hours arranged to suit both your schedule and the tasks at hand. If you are looking for an opportunity to experience life in a traditional Irish country house, enjoy gardening, or want to immerse yourself in the peaceful countryside, this could be the perfect place for you. I can host up to two people at a time, but only if they are travelling together.
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