Helping (woofing) at Macalla farm

We have been running the farm and the yoga centre so far with the generous help of a number of people who have worked enthusiastically and diligently alongside us in exchange for food and accommodation. A huge thanks to them!  From the feedback we have received, for most helpers, their time on Clare Island has has been a very positive and unique experience.

During the late spring and summer season, when we are running large yoga courses, we have room for two helpers (a couple or two friends sharing seems to work best), who can commit to either the entire period or a substantial portion of this time (minimum six weeks). The work usually consists of helping out in the kitchen (a great opportunity to learn vegetarian cooking) and house cleaning, as well as some gardening and work on the land. It is usually possible for helpers to attend some of the yoga classes, but this cannot be guaranteed for all courses.  In exchange for their help with the running of the farm and the yoga centre, helpers receive all food and accommodation as well as occasional yoga tuition.  When courses are running, helpers have their meals with the yoga students, a great opportunity to meet interesting people from all over the world.  There is always one day off every week.

When no course is running, there is usually an eco-buidling project, as well as house maintenance chores, gardening, farm work, house maintenance, minding our 7 years old son and our 4 year old daughter, cleaning, cooking, and the general running of the farm and  retreat centre. Unless you have been here before or have a very specific skill (organic gardening, experience working with horses, eco-building, etc.) that is relevant to us, we ask you to commit to a minimum stay of 2 weeks. and preference is given to those who would like to come for longer periods of time.
Starting in February, we will be taking on a large tree planting project, and again, we will need a large team. 
Please note that the work can be physically demanding (like carrying heavy things, digging the garden, or moving manure around in a wheel barrow), and usually involves spending a lot of time outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather. So far more important than an interest in yoga or meditation is the ability to work hard!  Some previous experience of gardening, farm or building work is recommended. Work is usually 6 to 7 hours / day, with one day off per week.   Helpers stay in a confortable house completely independent from, but nearby, our home, and at times will self-cater (we provide the ingredients), or will have meals taken in common with us at the centre.

Please note, that during the off-season, the island is very quiet. A high degree of independence and self-reliance is necessary to be able to truly enjoy living the type of lifestyle it offers. There can be periods of very bad weather when outside work is next to impossible, and sitting by the fire reading is the only option, (there is no television, but we have a large and varied library...) followed by days of intense work when the weather improves. Some people like this kind of unpredictability as well as the relatively slow pace of life, for others it can be very unsettling. 

In all cases, whether someone is interested in coming during the peak or off-season, it is important to understand that the work here can be hard, and the hours can be long. From our experience with different helpers, from various backgrounds and cultures, the happiest outcomes are with those people who are truly interested in the sort of place we are running, (organic food production, island life, sustainable living, self sufficiency, etc) and who are not afraid of working hard. If what you are looking for is a cheap holiday, or if  you are the sort of person who will be looking at your watch, waiting for the time to knock off work, or who needs a very active nightlife, etc, our centre is  not the place for you. While we ask people to commit for a specific period of time, if the working/living relationship between a helper and ourselves is not working out, we may ask them to leave ahead of schedule. From our experience, this is a better option than sticking to a situation which is not working out for one or both parties.
 
If you are interested in coming as a helper to our centre, please read the guidelines for helpers and if you are still interested, write to christophe(at)ecofarm.ie with details of your relevant experience (if any), your reasons for wanting to come, and the dates you would be available.