Achill Seaside Farmstay & School
We provide short stay volunteering opportunities for internships, training periods, student placements, work experience, casual working holidays, for those looking to learn in an immersive farm experience and to improve their comprehensive knowledge and practical skills of farming. We especially provide an excellent teaching & learning environment for trainee vets at all levels and those hoping to be admitted to vet school and those studying Agronomy and Agriculture.
Very briefly, we have an extensive farming system with mountain sheep and ponies and sheep dogs.
We also have a small fully compliant abattoir on our farm where the vet visits for ante mortem and post mortem examinations which also provides high value learning opportunities for students. First to apply gets the places first and we can’t take everyone.
A Unique Opportunity to Learn and Live Farming
Surrounded by sea, lakes, and mountains, Achill Seaside Farmstay & School offers an immersive experience in nature, perfectly in sync with the seasons. We provide high-value training opportunities all year long for novices, improvers, and students in fields such as Veterinary, Agriculture, Agronomy, Butchery, Food Processing, and other related disciplines.
Farming in Harmony with Nature
On our busy sheep farm, mountain sheep live outdoors year-round, grazing freely from the mountain tops to the seashore. With mares, foals, young stock, and working sheepdogs, our daily farming activities create excellent opportunities for teaching and learning. Tasks include:
- Herding sheep with sheepdogs for health checks, dosing, and mineral administration.
- Shearing fleece in the summer.
- Conducting detailed pre-mating inspections.
- Managing lambing season from late April to June.
Our on-farm abattoir, fully compliant with regulations, offers hands-on training in butchery and food processing.
To participate in on-farm training a minimum of one month stay is required and the stay may be extended pending availability. A one week trial period at the outset ensures both sides are happy. We are a warm Irish family living in a small village community with lots of craic and characters. Expert knowledge and skills can be learned here, and perfecting your English is an added bonus with a one hour English class each week.
Seasonal Activities
Training at Achill Seaside Farmstay & School reflects the rhythm of the seasons:
- Spring & Summer: Learn about lambing, shearing, and harvesting turf for fire fuel.
- Autumn & Winter: Focus on animal care, fencing, and farm maintenance.
- Year-Round: Work with sheep, lambs, ponies, and sheepdogs, gaining real-life experience on a working farm.
Enrich Your Training Experience
In addition to farming, we offer seasonal training in gardening, making jams, chutneys, and ice creams, home baking, and butchery. These activities vary depending on demand, time of year, and tutor availability.
Expect hands-on, physical work outdoors, often in varying weather conditions. This is the authentic farming experience at Achill Seaside Farmstay & School.
Cultural and Educational Benefits
Trainees enjoy the rich cultural and natural heritage of Achill Island, including:
- Accommodation and food provided, with utilities covered.
- Weekly English classes taught by a qualified teacher.
- Opportunities to explore archaeological sites, friendly pubs, and 3 miles of beach on the doorstep.
Our beachside location, combined with expert trainers, offers a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience for anyone passionate about farming and rural life.
Certification and Assessment
Participants will be assessed through:
- Ongoing practical evaluations.
- Completion of a record book.
- A 2,000-word written review assignment.
Successful trainees will receive a Certificate of Achievement or Participation with Distinction, Merit, or Pass grades.
How to Apply
To join Achill Seaside Farmstay & School, a minimum one-month stay is required, beginning with a one-week trial period. Food and self-contained accommodation are provided, or you may arrange local lodging.
We would love to hear from you please click on this link to apply for a Training Stay. Cheers & Good Luck! Thank you!
