FAQ's
General FAQs
Do I have to sign legal documents to become a WWOOF Ireland member?
When you become a WWOOF Ireland member you’ll be asked to sign 4 documents. These include the T&Cs, WWOOF Principles, Commitments and Criteria.
The T&Cs are the legal document stating who is and who is not responsible for particular events and circumstances. They detail responsibilities for WWOOF Ireland to adhear to and include responsibilities for WWOOF Ireland members to adhear to.
The WWOOF Principles outline WWOOF Ireland’s ethos with 10 principles we follow.
The Commitments are a series of statements. They confirm that as a WWOOF Ireland Host you are committed to practicing organic ways of farming and sustainable living or, as a WWOOF Ireland WWOOFer you are interested in learning more about organic farming and sustainable ways of living.
The Criteria is what you must meet before signing up which entails a tick the box list of statements ranging from confirming you follow organic pinciples of farming, live a sustainable liststyle and have a genuine interest in passing on your knowledge and participating in a cultural and educational exchange.
What Memberships does WWOOF Ireland Offer?
There are four types of WWOOF Ireland membership – WWOOFER Individual € 28, WWOOFER Dual € 50, WWOOFER Family € 50, WWOOF Host € 40. All memberships are valid for 12 months.
I am a member of FOWO, can I WWOOF in Ireland?
I am a member of WWOOF in another country, can I WWOOF in Ireland using that account?
What is The Learning Guide?
The Learning guide is an educational tool, unique to WWOOF Ireland and is mandatory for any visit over 2 weeks. WWOOFers can choose subjects they would like to learn about on Host farms ranging from growing methods, basic skills, compost making, sustainability, growing plants, animals and lots more.
Once subjects have been completed through the Learning Guide and through interactive participation on the Host farm, the WWOOFer will be awarded a digital badge showing the skills they have learned.
The digital badge will automatically be added to the WWOOF profile and is downloadable for people to use on personal accounts like social media, blogs or resumes.
(https://learningguide.wwoofireland.ie/book-page/learning-guide-topics )
Does WWOOF Ireland welcome families?
Family memberships are available through WWOOF Ireland. This includes two adults and three children (under the age of 18). At least one of the adults must be the legal guardian of the child(ren). This membership allows the adults to WWOOF, with the children accompanying them, but does not permit the children to WWOOF. There are limited Host farms in Ireland that welcome families so please plan your visit in plenty of time.
The under 18s must be under the care and supervision of their parent/legal guardian and by no means is the Host farm responsible for their safety, wellbeing or entertainment.
Who is responsible for children on Family Memberships?
The adults must take full responsibility and for the children at all times. At least one of the adults must be the legal guardian of the child(ren). If the adults wish for the children to participate in farm activities they must take responsibility for their safety and care. They must also discuss this with the Host farm.
Will children be fed by the Host farm?
Host Farm FAQs
Am I obligated to provide a "Letter of Invitation" for foreign visitors?
No. WWOOFers are responsible for arranging their own travel requirements. Hosts are not required to assist a WWOOFer with any documentation for their visa applications, and WWOOFers are encouraged to secure their visas before joining as a member.
How do I become a host?
Firstly, become a member of WWOOF Ireland and register as a Host via the website. Pay the 40 membership fee and build your profile. As you build your profile there will be documents to read and sign, videos to watch and information to help you along the way. Your profile will take 5-10 days to be approved and once approved you can begin to connect with WWOOFers. Once you find the right WWOOFer/WWOOFers, you can then open your doors and begin to host.
What can I expect when I become a Host?
As a Host you can expect;
- To share your knowledge about organic farming and sustainable living practices with visitors who are motivated to learn.
- To connect with other members of the WWOOF Ireland community and around the world. People travel from all over the world to join the WWOOF community in Ireland.
- When you become a Host you will be able to connect with WWOOFers, communicate with them and arrange visits. It’s important that all communication is conducted using the website.
How many hours can WWOOFers participate?
WWOOFers are not employees and do not have specific hours a day to complete. In advance of WWOOFers visiting your farm you can discuss the farm activities you’d like to share with them and give them a rough idea of the time they take. It’s important to highlight if you have animals that need feeding or looking after that this may involve early morning feeds.
Am I going to get a visit from the WWOOF Ireland team?
Will WWOOFers speak my language?
I live in the Gaelteach, can I communicate through my native language?
WWOOFer FAQs
Is WWOOF Ireland a vacation, a job, an internship or English language school?
What age do I have to be to WWOOF in Ireland?
You must be over the age of 18 at the time of joining the platform.
How do I become a WWOOFer in Ireland?
Firstly, become a member of WWOOF Ireland and register as a WWOOFer via the website (link to website). Pay the membership fee and build your profile. As you build your profile there will be documents to read and sign, videos to watch and information to help you along the way. Your profile will be live once you have paid the fee and signed the documentation.
Once you have created your WWOOFer profile you will be able to connect with Host farms in Ireland.
Once you find the right Host farm and you agree dates for your visit you’ll be able to make your way there and begin WWOOFing.
What do I need to go WWOOFing in Ireland?
Here are some key things you need for a smooth WWOOFing experience:
- A genuine interest in organic farming, enthusiasm and sense of adventure.
- Travel or medical insurance.
- Transportation to and from the host property, unless otherwise arranged with a host.
- Travel funds to get you to and from the host, and to insure you are financially independent during your visit.
- Work boots, farming clothes, sun and rain protection, hat, etc. Ask your host about any other suggestions.
- Ask hosts about any specific items you may need for your visit with them.
Do I need experience to be a WWOOFer in Ireland?
Will my Host have internet access?
Will I be paid?
Do I need a visa to WWOOF in Ireland?
Will food and accommodation be provided?
Yes. This is part of the WWOOFing agreement. Each host is unique so please discuss these arrangements with hosts prior to arrival, especially if you have any particular needs. Some hosts may prepare meals for/with you, while others may supply a kitchen for you to prepare your own meals with provided food and cooking supplies. As a visitor to the Host Farm it’s important to contribute and help with meal prep and washing up.
Each Host Farm is unique and will offer different types of accomodation, some farms have yurts, mobile homes, spare bedrooms, camping facilities so please discuss this before aranging a visit.
How long in advance should I organise my WWOOFing Ireland experience?
Give yourself as much time as possible. We recommend starting at least one month in advance or 3-6 months if you’re planning to WWOOF during Summer months. You will need time to connect with Host farms keeping in mind that they are very busy and might not respond to your message or request to visit for up to 7 days.
How long can I stay with a Host?
Will hosts speak my language?
Can I write my profile in my native language?
All communication through WWOOF Ireland must be in English. If you write your profile in your native language, it is your responsibility to translate the information into English so the Hosts can read it. Some WWOOF Ireland Hosts are in Gaelic (Irish) speaking areas, but will also translate their profiles into English.
Can I bring my pet?
Are travel costs reimbursed?
Is there an age limit for WWOOFing?
Can I bring my children?
Yes, it is possible to go WWOOFing with children. The Family membership is €50.
Children under 18 do not need a WWOOF membership, when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. People under 18 are not permitted to WWOOF, only accompany their parent or legal guardian who must take full responsibility for their wellbeing and safety, their food and entertainment.
Please refer to the Family section on FAQs for further guidelines and always communicate directly with Host farms before bringing children to their farm.
Are Host Farms accessible to WWOOFers with disabilities?
WWOOF advocates for a life without barriers, including educational experiences in agriculture. WWOOF recognizes that some hosts are better suited to providing specialised support for some disabilities.
A WWOOFer who has a disability or a special need should communicate this to a host farm directly in their visit request. This could include any physical limitations that impact the type of activities they can be involved in on the farm, any medications they take regularly, or if they have a mental illness that requires special conditions or treatment.
A host can then assess their farm’s offerings to determine with the WWOOFer if their site and educational opportunities are a good fit for both parties. Hosts may not be aware of the barriers that exist for a WWOOFer, or know how accessible their farm already is.
Many host farms are already equipped to provide specialized opportunities, like tasks that can be done while seated at a table, having a quiet room available for a WWOOFer, or providing accommodations that are on a single level without stairs, for example.
If you’re a host, please share in your profile if you’re able to provide specialized support for WWOOFers with disabilities, to make it easier to find you.
Open conversations with WWOOFers about their needs can facilitate a positive experience for everyone involved in the visit. WWOOF is grateful for every member that works with us to make WWOOF an inclusive, open and welcoming place.
What do Hosts expect from WWOOFers?
Firstly, hosts expect you to want to learn, be helpful and enthusiastic about the organic movement and help to create a healthier planet. Here are some tips to remember when you visit a host:
- Show up when expected: your host prepared for your arrival and probably turned away other WWOOFers’ requests to hold your spot. It is important to inform them as much in advance as possible if your plans change.
- Adapt to your host’s lifestyle: it may be challenging at first but it is part of the WWOOF experience to discover and learn how to live a bit differently.
- Participate in activities and show your willingness to learn about organic farming.
- Participate in farming activities as agreed upon.
- Take part in daily chores (such as cooking and washing dishes).
- Be respectful of the place and of the people welcoming you.
- If asked to leave early, it is your responsibility to do so. Likewise you may choose to leave early if the situation is not working out. Make sure to let your host know if you are leaving so as not to worry them.