from 1,795€

Perfect 4.6rating (15)

Eco-Centre: help and work towards sustainability

location
6 - 20 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Immersion in an a dynamic Eco-Centre project in rural Ireland
  • Living within a group of international volunteers
  • Highly experienced staff members
  • Diversity of activities and learning opportunities
  • Visit the wild west of Ireland with its natural wonders during your free time

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples

About the program

Support a non-profit Eco-Centre within a team of international volunteers and immerse yourself in the magical West of Ireland. A unique way to experience Ireland!

CTL collaborates with two Eco-Centre located in the West of Ireland

FIRST ECO CENTRE

The Eco-Centre is a non-profit organisation and registered charity focusing on ecology and sustainability. It located in a rural area surrounded by green hills and near a large lake in a beautiful region in the North ...

About the program

CTL collaborates with two Eco-Centre located in the West of Ireland

FIRST ECO CENTRE

The Eco-Centre is a non-profit organisation and registered charity focusing on ecology and sustainability. It located in a rural area surrounded by green hills and near a large lake in a beautiful region in the North West of the country. The aim of the centre is to provide training and education, information and demonstration of organic gardening, growing and sustainable living. The centre provides courses on various topics such as gardening, food production, healthy cooking and renewable energy. The centre also welcomes educational tours for schools, community groups, and garden clubs.The centre includes:

-        kitchen gardens and polytunnels of various sizes with vegetables and flowers

-        A compost display area, showing different methods of composting and recycling.

-        An orchard with 50 varieties of apples suited to the Irish climate and a soft fruit area, testing hardy varieties.

-        A native woodland 

-        A play area for children of visiting families

-        A café and an Eco-shop selling organic seeds, tools, books, herb plants, seasonal vegetables and a range of organic food

The volunteer work

There are around 3 to 5 volunteers at the project who support a team of nearly 20 staff members (not all full-time).  Volunteer work hours can be expected to average out at approximately 5 to 7 hours per day, 5 days a week. Volunteers get two days off per week, not necessarily the weekends.  

During the first week, volunteers will be introduced to the different aspects of the project and the different types of volunteer work available. Where possible the work will then be matched to individual preferences, skills and abilities, however everyone will be expected to be flexible and adapt to the project’s needs.

Example of tasks:

- Gardening/vegetable growing

- Maintenance work

- Help in the shop and café

- Administration assistance

- Assist with organisation of educational activities

Volunteers should be prepared to carry out tasks that might be repetitive, tedious and monotonous.

Placements will normally be of a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 20 weeks


Accommodation and meals

Volunteers are living in small houses located within 2-10km from the project. Houses have 2 to 4 bedrooms, kitchen, shared bathroom and living room. Bed linen are provided, volunteers should bring their own towels. Wi-fi is accessible at the project but not in the accommodation. Generally volunteers access the internet through the mobile network with their mobile phone. The accommodation will be shared with other volunteers or with students attending the long-term courses from the Centre.  Volunteers might have their own bedrooms, but should be prepared to share their bedroom with another volunteer if required. Volunteers generally cycle to the project or get lifts (by car) to and from the projects from either staff member or students that have a car. Participants make their own food shopping. They receive a small stipend that covers modest spending and also the cost the electricity (light and heating). Volunteers cook their own food at the accommodation, they sometimes eat the food served in the project (café). Please note that the Organic Centre is located very close to the boarder with Northen Ireland (2.5km) and some of the accomodation for volunteers are located the other side of the border, in Northen Ireland.


SECOND ECO-CENTRE

This centre is a non-profit organisation focusing on ecology and sustainability. It is a residential venue for events such as workshops, courses, conferences and for individual/group retreats and holidays. The centre includes 2 halls for workshop, accommodation (small dormitories, vegetarian kitchen and dinging area, large and cosy living room), an organic vegetable and fruit gardens, a nature trail, a wildlife pond, two rush labyrinths, a chicken coop, an orchard and recently planted native woodland areas.  It is located in 50 acres of land 

The centre’s mantra is reduce, reuse, recycle and its ethos is based on creating an environmentally sustainable activity having a minimal impact on the earth.

Guests are varied and include:

Visiting tutors with groups of workshop participants

Visiting individuals both hostellers and Bed and Breakfast guests

Individuals attending the centre's own organised events, tours, retreats and workshops including traditional Irish music

Community groups, school groups and local community workshops/events

Workshop activities are wide ranging usually linked to music and healing and include yoga, meditation, dancing, Tai Chi, djembi drumming, music workshops, singing, sweat lodges, retreats, parties, weddings, concerts, training sessions, meetings, conferences etc. 

The Centre endeavours to create a community atmosphere and encourages and relies on volunteer throughout the year.  At any one time there may be up to 11 volunteers. Volunteers are expected to work together as a team. 

Volunteer work hours can be expected to average out at approximately 25 hours per week. This will often incorporate weekend work. Where possible the work will be matched to individual skills and abilities, however everyone will be expected to be flexible depending on the weather and the work required. At quiet times there is the opportunity to take days off for touring. Flexibility and negotiation on both sides is encouraged.

Work will be outdoors in the Centre grounds or kitchen garden and indoor jobs linked to catering for guests. There are more opportunities to do outside work in the spring and summer month with a strong emphasis on gardening in March, April and May.

Outside work may involve:

Gardening  - both heavy digging and light weeding 

Planting – trees and vegetables 

Composting 

Land clearing 

Ditch digging and clearing

Fencing

Tending to chickens 

Path laying

Stacking and preparing wood for the boiler

Building natural structures

Tidying and general ground maintenance

Inside work may involve:

Cooking (vegetable preparation)

Dish washing

Cleaning

Maintenance

Recycling

Laundry

Accommodation and meals

Volunteers will be provided with a hostel bed and bedding. Usually you will be expected to share your room with other volunteers. Sometimes during off peak seasons volunteers will be able to have their privacy, however this may involve switching rooms every so often.

The centre operates a vegetarian kitchen providing meals whenever there are paying guests staying – usually at weekends and full weeks over the summer months. When the kitchen is catering for guests you will be expected to help with some vegetable preparation and washing up depending on your skills and interests and meals will be made for you. At other times volunteer are expected to cater for themselves either on a work-share or help themselves basis using whatever ingredients are available in the kitchen and garden. Cooking and eating together is encouraged whenever possible. So volunteers should bring some recipes!



Typical day

Subject to change:

8.30 Breakfast

9.30 Volunteer work starts (hours are flexible)

13.00 Lunch break

14.00 Volunteer work continues

16.30 Volunteer ends

Free time with other international volunteers (walks, games, chat, reading etc.)

Dinner

Typical day

Subject to change:

8.30 Breakfast

9.30 Volunteer work starts (hours are flexible)

13.00 Lunch break

14.00 Volunteer work continues

16.30 Volunteer ends

Free time with other international volunteers (walks, games, chat, reading etc.)

Dinner


Free-time activities

Volunteers have two days off per week (not necessarily on weekends). During their free time, volunteers can discover the Wild West of Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way.
Volunteers may also have the opportunity to attend some courses run at the center (this is subject to availability).

Free-time activities

Volunteers have two days off per week (not necessarily on weekends). During their free time, volunteers can discover the Wild West of Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way.
Volunteers may also have the opportunity to attend some courses run at the center (this is subject to availability).

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV, motivation letter, medical certificate and participants need a valid passport (that will stay valid for the duration of their stay) criminal background check

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Volunteers are required to be adaptable, flexible people. The must be over 18 when the project starts. They will join a group of volunteers comprised of people from different backgrounds, countries and cultures. They need to be able to partake in teamwork, maturity and responsibility are very important. Volunteers should enjoy physical outdoor work and rural living, and be prepared for challenging weather conditions. Volunteers must have at least an intermediate level of spoken English.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 09:30 - 16:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by CTL Ireland

Cost Includes:

  • Pick up on arrival
  • 1st night in hostel shared accommodation in Cork city
  • Orientation day with CTL Ireland staff
  • Transfer to project
  • Accommodation at project
  • Food (in first Eco Centre: small stipend from project to cover cost of simple food and energy)
  • Ongoing support from project mentor
  • Assistance and back up support from CTL Ireland staff
  • 24/7 emergency support
Return transfer not included.

Airport Pickup at Cork Airport

Pick up is included for participants arriving in Cork airport. Participants arriving in another airport will be provided with all necessary information and will be picked up on arrival in Cork city.

Accommodation

The accommodation depends on which Eco Centre the volunteer will be placed. In the first Eco-Centre, volunteers live in a shared house located a few km form the centre. In the second Eco Centre, volunteers live on site. See above for more details.

Food & Beverages

In the first Eco-Centre participants make their own food shopping and cook for themselves (cost of basic food is covered by project), in the second Eco Centre, food is bought by the project and there is a communal kitchen for staff and volunteers. See above for more details

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Cork Airport (ORK) in Cork. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ireland. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ireland provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Ireland you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ireland. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2025 start dates (arrival dates)

January 6th

January  27th

February 17th

March 10th

April 7th  

April 28th

May 19th

June 9th

June 30th

July 7th

July 28th

September 8th

October 6th

November 3rd




Arrival in Cork airport:

Participants are picked up by a driver who will be waiting with a sign displaying the participants’ name. Participants are transferred to a hostel, located in Cork city centre.


Arrival at different airport

Volunteers who arrived at a different airport (Dublin, Shannon, Kerry, Waterford) need to make their own way to Cork. It is very easy to join Cork city from Dublin airport as there are buses from just outside the arrival terminal in Dublin that go directly to Cork city centre. Detailed information on transfers to Cork will be provided by CTL Ireland.


First day and Overnight in Cork city 

Volunteers stay at a pre-booked hostel for their first night in Cork city. The hostel is located in the city centre, a very short walk from all the shops and attractions of the city. After checking in, participants have some free time to rest and to discover Cork city. A welcome dinner is generally organised on the first night.


Second Day: Orientation

On the morning of their second day, participants will take part in a comprehensive orientation workshop which lasts 3 to 4 hours followed by a walking tour. 


Third day: Transfer to Host Community

Participants are transferred to their project by public transportation (bus or train)


Please note: The information on arrival and orientation is subject to change as we might modify the programme to follow public health guidelines.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

6 weeks (min. stay) 1,795€
7 weeks 1,920€
8 weeks 2,045€
9 weeks 2,170€
10 weeks 2,295€
11 weeks 2,420€
12 weeks 2,545€
13 weeks 2,670€
14 weeks 2,795€
15 weeks 2,920€
16 weeks 3,045€
17 weeks 3,170€
18 weeks 3,295€
19 weeks 3,420€
20 weeks (max. stay) 3,545€
Average fees 238€/week

Program fees

238€ per week 6 - 20 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

6 - 20 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with CTL Ireland during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

CTL Ireland

Perfect 4.6 rating (15 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2017

Verified by Volunteer World

  Below average response rate

Coordinated by

Mallory

Spoken languages: English

About the project

CTL Ireland is an Irish based organisation committed to promote responsible volunteering in local projects in Ireland.

Meet your organization

Who we are & what we do

 CTL Ireland – the Center for Travel and Learning - is an Irish based organisation committed to promote responsible volunteering in Irish communities. Our staff has years of experience supporting international volunteers and placing them in local projects. We are driven to provide a positive and sustainable impact alongside our local partners. Our volunteer programs involve an immersion within local communities and the Irish culture. The programs allow participants contribute their skills and energy to support local projects in achieving their goals. Programs are also designed to encourage participants to learn and reflect on their experience. We support individuals and groups all throughout their program, from the orientation workshop until the final evaluation. All volunteers start their program in friendly and vibrant city of Cork before joining their host project.

 Why volunteering in Ireland?

  • Safe
  • Friendly
  • English speaking
  • Strong sense of community
  • Huge social & environmental challenges despite the economic growth
  • Rich and diverse culture
  • Wonderful landscapes
  • Attractive excursions and activities during free time
  • Easy access through air travel
  • Youngest population in Europe

Ireland is a wonderful country; it is safe, friendly, English speaking, rich in heritage, history and culture. From vibrant, exciting cities to spectacular countryside – it’s a magical place to visit. It’s also a wonderful place to stay and immerse yourself. The best part of an experience in Ireland is probably connecting with local people. Visitors find Irish people friendly, welcoming and very supportive. As an Irish saying goes: “there are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t yet met.” We are proud to promote Ireland abroad as the exciting, beautiful and welcoming country that it is.

Ireland may be a “developed” country but the country is also facing huge social and environmental challenges. Despite the economic recovery, Ireland remains a hugely unequal society. There is in Ireland a strong sense of community with many inspiring initiatives taking place at local level. CTL Ireland selects very specific community based projects where participants can have an authentic and worthwhile experience.

 Meaningful local projects

 We have carefully selected a number of host projects which provide participants with worthwhile and challenging volunteer work programmes. Our projects are focused on making a positive impact in local communities. Projects include:

  • Centres for people with disabilities
  • Farms promoting sustainable food production
  • Charities supporting the most vulnerable people
  • Women empowerment projects
  • Summer camps with children
  • Homework clubs with refugee children
  • Arts Centres promoting the Arts and creativity in the community

Our commitments

  • Selection of projects which positively impact the community
  • Worthwhile volunteer work programme
  • Comprehensive orientation on arrival
  • Ongoing support from project mentor
  • Back-up support from CTL Ireland staff
  • 24/7 emergency support
  • Risk Management and Emergency Procedures in place
  • Affordable fees including pick up in Cork Airport, transfer to project, accommodation and food

 Who are we looking for?

 Immersing yourself in a new culture and volunteering in a local project is a challenging experience! We are looking for people with the following characteristics:

  • Willingness to adapt to a different culture
  • Hard working
  • Genuine desire to contribute to positive change
  • Flexible and patient
  • At least an Intermediate level of English
  • Participants must be over 18 years old when programme starts

15 reviews · rating4.6

A great experience with CTL Ireland. A very good welcome on my arrival in Ireland, with a day to prepare for the 3 months of living in a foreign country. CTL was always on hand to check up on my stay. As for the centre where I volunteered, it was 3 months of fun with a great team. I was made very ...
I had a really amazing experience! I met nice people and really enjoyed the volunteer work.I came at the end of the year so carrying wheelbarrows was essential. Even though I am not very muscular, I did it, so no problem! I learned a lot about myself, about gardening, about Irish culture and about ...
Marco Fornai rating4.6

2024 at Charity Shop Helper

The organization with CTL Ireland worked really well, i found the welcome and the orientation workshop very interesting and useful to understand the meaning of the volunteering activity. I worked in Sue Ryder Charity Shop in Clonmel, it has been an excellent experience; inside the shop i had the ...
Jules Sabahi rating5

2023 at Charity Shop Helper

I think I changed a lot there and I became more independent and sure of what I was worth. Irish people are all very nice and enjoyable because it changes a lot with other European countries. Moreover, there are such outstanding touristic places in Ireland that deserve to be visited. Finally, ...
Laure Kaspar rating5

2023 at Helping People with Special Needs

Highly recommended . The staff are open, supporting and very flexible. All residents UNIQUE with different modes of communication. If you like nature and welcoming people Ireland is definitely a country to visit. Laure Kaspar from ...
Simon Hackelsberger rating4.6

2023 at Helping People with Special Needs

If you are looking for some enjoyable and wholesome experiences with welcoming and loving people this is it! Where I was the accommodations allowed for privacy and the staff was very supportive, trying to make everything possible for ...

Location

Europe > Northern Europe > Ireland > Carrick on Shannon

You might also be interested in

Contact Mallory
  Below average response rate
English

Most volunteers ask about


Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Mallory
Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy