Set in the Mournes, Lackan Cottage Farm offers wonderful views of the mountains and woodland in Northern Ireland. Some of the most stunning countryside in the country is on your doorstep, as is the seaside town of Newcastle. The Mourne Mountains, Tollymore and Castlewellan forest parks, Newcastle beach and stunning Silent Valley are just a short drive away.

About the work exchange & volunteer program

Lackan Cottage Farm offers work exchange opportunites each year for those who are truly interested in organic food production, sustainable living, self sufficiency or horses—and who are not afraid of working hard. Work at the farm 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. 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, this farm is probably not your place to stay.

In exchange for your hard work you will be offered in exchange comfortable accommodation, delicious organic food and a very special experience. Accommodation is in a little caravan, which is well equipped and has it’s own kitchen, shower room, and heater, as well as power points. It is just in reach of the wifi too.  There’s plenty of time to read (helpers can borrow books from the farm’s large library), write, or explore the area, but note that there is no TV. Wifi internet access is available, but you will be asked to use it sensibly.

Program rules

• Keep the accommodation clean and tidy, as you might be sharing the truck with other helpers, and many others will follow after you.
  This includes washing up regularly after meals and putting dishes away, sweeping the floor, emptying the truck toilet on a very regular basis, i.e before it becomes full. Make sure that your personal belongings are kept in your own room and not in the common areas, etc.
• Help with the washing up if you are having meals with the host. (Please note that these two items above are not considered ‘work’, but part of living in a larger community of people.)
• Put anything you use, particularly tools back in their place immediately after use, so that the next person that needs them can find them easily, and leave the tools you used and the working area clean and tidy. This is part of working in a larger community of people.
• Not invite anyone to stay in the accommodation without checking with the host first.
• Be flexible as regards meal arrangements. Depending on the number of helpers, meals might be taken with the host communally (in which case they do the cooking, though sometimes welcome help from people who would like to learn to cook), or helpers make their own meals with ingredients which the host supplies.
• The farm is strictly non smoking, so you will be asked not to smoke on the property (even outside). Please also note that although there is no strict no-alcohol policy, heavy drinking and drug usage will not be tolerated.
• Be equipped to work outdoors (proper clothing and waterproof boots). If you don’t then you might have to do without. Make sure you bring your own torch (mainly for the off-season) . The farm will provide working gloves, but again , it might be better for you to bring your own rather than have to use old/sweaty/dirty ones.
• Not to be clock watching as regards when to finish work. The working day is not a set 9 to 5. On average, you can expect to work about 6 hours every day (with two days off every week), but if there is bad weather, or if there is a specific job or project that has to be finished that day, the working day could be much shorter or longer.
• Be aware of your energy consumption. Please switch off lights, don’t fill a kettle to the limit and then only use half a cup, etc, and use appliances sparingly in the truck. Unplug anything that isn not in use. Please be mindful of the amount of fuel you use to heat the truck.

If you are interested in coming as a helper, please contact the farm with details of your relevant experience (if any), the reasons why you’re choosing the place, and the dates you would be available. If you can, also send a photo (or a link to one on the Internet).  Please, use “TRUCKDWELLER” in your email when you write to the host as a proof that you’ve read all the important rules above.

Video

Map

Accomodation offer

You might need to book a cheap accommodation on your way to Northern Ireland. If you book your stay through our website, you support hopperjobs.com to list more great and free job opportunities worldwide. Click here for booking!

Flight offer

You’ll probaly need to book a cheap flight to Northern Ireland also. If you book your flight through our website, you support hopperjobs.com to list more great and free job opportunities worldwide. Click here for booking!