Trekking on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Tina and her family welcome helpers to experience traditional farming life on Ireland’s spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. Their sheep farm is set in a beautiful coastal location, close to the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches and scenic walking routes. The nearby seaside village has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere throughout the year and becomes a lively destination during the summer months.

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The farm offers a genuine hands-on experience, with opportunities to help care for sheep throughout the year and get involved with the family’s horse stables and trekking centre during the summer. Tina and her family enjoy sharing their knowledge and are particularly interested in welcoming people with some previous practical or farming experience.

Tasks & Roles

Farm activities change with the seasons, so there is always something to get involved in. Everyday responsibilities include bringing sheep in for health checks, helping with general animal care and supporting their welfare.

Spring is a particularly busy period, as the ewes begin lambing in April. Helpers can assist with monitoring the animals and providing support when needed. During May and June, there is also peat harvesting for winter fuel, offering plenty of outdoor activity and fresh air.

Summer brings sheep shearing, which is carried out by hand using traditional shearing tools. Helpers can assist with gathering the sheep, collecting and bagging the fleeces and administering treatments. Those interested in learning to shear will have the opportunity to develop this skill with guidance from the family, although becoming proficient takes time and practice.

During the summer months, the family also operates a horse stables and trekking centre for visitors. Tasks include helping care for the horses and assisting with the day-to-day needs of tourists taking part in riding and trekking activities.

There is plenty happening on the farm through autumn and into winter, with sheep management continuing right up to Christmas. Helpers should be comfortable with physical outdoor work, able to use their initiative and willing to get involved in practical tasks.

Living & Getting There

Helpers stay in an independent accommodation unit beside the family farmhouse. It has two bedrooms, a sitting room with an open fire, a bathroom with a shower and toilet, and a kitchen equipped with an oven, fridge and other everyday appliances. The accommodation is close to the seaside, offering a lovely setting to relax after a day on the farm.

The family provides the food, while helpers are responsible for preparing their own meals.

The nearest major international airport is Dublin Airport (DUB). From Dublin, the usual route is to take an airport bus to Heuston Station, followed by a train to Westport. From Westport, a connecting bus runs to Achill.

What else

The farm’s coastal location offers plenty to enjoy outside working hours, including beautiful beaches, scenic walks and the fresh Atlantic sea air. The nearby village provides a taste of traditional Irish coastal life, with a particularly lively atmosphere during the summer tourist season.

Whether visiting in spring for lambing, summer for shearing and horse trekking or during the quieter months, helpers can experience the changing rhythms of rural life on the west coast of Ireland.