Irlanda (Italian for “Ireland”). The Plan ... Take Two!

It's funny how this has all worked out. Ireland was a last-minute decision and so far it has proven to be a lucky one! I have my three months booked with fabulous hosts that are all involved in food & beverage or hospitality/tourism. Who knows if all will go according to plan, but any way it happens, I am so excited to be here and learn and experience another side of the industry. 

April 9^th- May 10^th

The Valley House Holiday Hostel & Bar

Achill Island
Co. Mayo, Ireland

http://valley-house.com

This is an old farm house turned into a hostel with a pub attached. It is located on Ireland’s largest island in the far west of the Republic of Ireland. I will be helping with guest rooms, cleaning, checking guests in and breakfast. Not glamorous but the island is a beautiful place to enjoy hiking, beaches, and biking.

May 10^th- May 16^th

The Delaney Family (Joe, Laura, Maia & Evan)

Riverdale House

Lyrath

Dublin Road

Kilkenny, Ireland

These are my cousins! Laura and I will spend our birthdays together. I turn 31 on May 11^th and she turns 40 on May 13^th! We will celebrate our birthday extravaganza with an Italian feast cooked by yours truly (wish me luck!). If you want to send any mail to me, this is the place to send it at any time.  My birthday is coming up ya know!

May 16^th – June 4^th

The Gallic Kitchen

Main Street

Abbyleix

Co. Laois, Ireland

http://www.laois.gallickitchen.com/

This is a café/coffee shop that also has a farm that produces produce for local farmers markets and other specialist outlets. They have two shops, one in Laois and one in Dublin and they also do catering.  I will be helping in the coffee shop, prep cooking and at the markets. Can’t wait to learn new recipes! 

June 4^th- June 17^th

West Cork Sailing and Powerboating Center

The Boat House

Adrigole

Beara

Co. Cork, Ireland

http://www.westcorksailing.com/

This sailing and boating center is located in the sunny southern part of Ireland, on the Beara Peninsula. I will be helping guests with sea kayak rentals, showing them where the seals are located and helping guests enter and exit the water. Sounds like a lot of fun on the water and warmer weather!

June 17^th- July 6^th

Heron Gallery- Organic Café & Garden

Rossnacaheragh

Ahakista

Bantry

Co. Cork, Republic of Ireland

http://www.herongallery.net

This is an art gallery/craft shop that also has an organic café in the summer. They grow salads and herbs for the café. I will be helping to cook in the café and take care of the garden.  Living accommodations are a hut in the garden, or if that is occupied then a room in the house. I am hoping for the garden hut!

July 6^th- July 8^th

Dublin

Will couch surf for two days and explore the city before I head back to northern Italy! A tour of the Guinness and Jameson factories will definitely happen here. As well as a few authentic pub visits. 

My only goal while in Ireland is to consume as much dairy as I possibly can and enjoy the infamous Irish hospitality!