Sleep on a Farm in Ireland: Authentic Rural Tourism with Local Experiences
- Robbie McGrane
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Discover authentic Ireland with Eddie Joe Dooney and Little Gem Tours’ farm stay experience Ireland West Farmstay
Are you looking for an authentic rural tourism experience in Ireland? Sleeping on a farm in Ireland offers travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional Irish farm life and explore the Irish countryside beyond the usual tourist paths.
Why Choose a Farm Stay in Ireland? Benefits of Rural Tourism
Ireland’s lush green landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant cities attract millions every year, but for those who truly want to know the country’s heartbeat, rural tourism offers an unmatched experience. Staying on a working farm is more than just a place to rest your head — it’s a deep dive into Irish culture, history, and lifestyle.
What makes a farm stay so special?
Authentic Irish hospitality: Instead of anonymous hotel rooms, you are welcomed into a family home where you become part of the daily rhythm.
Hands-on cultural experiences: Learn traditional crafts, farming techniques, and folklore firsthand from locals who live and breathe these customs.
Tranquil natural surroundings: Escape noise and crowds to enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills, ancient bogs, and wildlife.
Slow travel and digital detox: Take a break from screens and schedules, and enjoy meaningful moments with loved ones and the environment.
Farm stays offer travelers an insider’s perspective on Ireland, allowing you to connect with its people, landscape, and heritage in ways no guidebook can capture.
Meet Eddie Joe Dooney: Farmer, Storyteller, and Keeper of Tradition
Born and raised in the small village of Coollooney, County Roscommon, Eddie Joe Dooney comes from a family of farmers who have worked this land for centuries. His passion for the countryside and Irish heritage runs deep.
Why is Eddie Joe Dooney so special?
Master of the bog: Eddie is an expert in the ancient Irish peat bogs, where turf has been cut for generations.
Storyteller extraordinaire: He shares captivating tales of rural life, folklore, and history during guided walks and fireside chats.
Craftsman and teacher: Eddie welcomes guests to learn traditional skills like turf-cutting and basket weaving — not just as demonstrations, but as hands-on activities.
Ambassador for rural Ireland: Through his farm stay and tours, Eddie preserves and promotes Ireland’s rich cultural landscape.
He has carefully restored his ancestral stone cottage in County Mayo, turning it into a warm and inviting boutique farm stay, where visitors can experience the magic of the Irish countryside with the comfort of modern amenities.
What to Expect During Your Ireland West Farm Stay?
Your visit to Ireland West Farm Stay is designed to be immersive and memorable, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.
Traditional Turf-Cutting
Discover the centuries-old tradition of cutting turf — the peat harvested from bogs that was once the primary fuel source for Irish homes. Eddie will guide you through this ancient practice, explaining its cultural significance while you try your hand at cutting and stacking turf.
Basket Weaving Workshops
Using natural materials harvested from the land, learn the intricate art of basket weaving. This skill was vital to rural communities, used for carrying turf, food, and farm tools, and today represents an important link to Ireland’s past.
Farm Chores and Animal Care
Participate in daily farm life — feeding sheep, collecting eggs, and tending to the land. These activities connect you to the agricultural heritage that shapes Ireland’s identity and landscape.
Evening Fireside Gatherings
As the sun sets, gather around the hearth for home-cooked Irish meals, traditional music, and storytelling sessions. These moments create lasting memories and a deep sense of community.
The Farmhouse: Rustic Charm Meets Comfort
The farmhouse where you’ll stay is an authentic reflection of rural Irish life. Completely renovated, it retains original features such as stone walls, wooden beams, and a turf-burning fireplace — all while providing the comfort and convenience modern travelers expect.
Details of the accommodation:
Fully equipped kitchen with local produce available
Wood-burning stove for cozy evenings
Stunning views of rolling Mayo countryside and ancient bogs
Peaceful, secluded location ideal for rest and reflection
WiFi available if you want to stay connected
Unlike generic hotels, this farm stay offers a unique, homey atmosphere where guests truly feel part of the place.
Location: County Mayo, Ireland
Ireland West Farmstay: Located in Charlestown, County Mayo, the farm stay is easily accessible from Ireland West Airport Knock, making it a perfect stop on your Irish adventure.
County Mayo is one of the country’s best-kept secrets — a region bursting with unspoiled nature, rich cultural traditions, and welcoming communities. Here, you’ll find miles of dramatic coastline, rugged mountains, and ancient boglands steeped in history.
Experience the Ireland West Farm Stay as Part of Our Tours
You can enjoy this authentic farm stay experience exclusively as part of Little Gem Tours’ carefully crafted itineraries, such as our popular 8-Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour.
On this tour, you’ll immerse yourself in Ireland’s breathtaking west coast landscapes and enjoy a special overnight stay at Eddie Joe Dooney’s boutique farm. It’s a unique chance to meet Eddie, learn traditional skills, and connect with the local community — all within the comfort of a small, intimate group.
Explore the countryside with us, share genuine moments with locals, and create memories that will stay with you forever — all as part of our thoughtfully designed tours.
What Our Guests Say About the Irish Farm Stay Experience
One of the most powerful ways to understand the magic of staying on a traditional Irish farm is by hearing from those who have lived it. Here's what our past guests had to say about their Ireland farm stay experience with Eddie Joe Dooney and Little Gem Tours:
We started planning this trip with Little Gem Tours for March 2020, but due to the pandemic and some family illnesses, we couldn't do it until now. Rosie and Robbie were amazingly supportive, responsive, flexible, and honest with us through this whole process as we changed dates, itineraries, and number of travelers several times. We took the Western Ireland 3-Day tour and were able to personalize it with some family genealogy stops. Each morning, Trudy, our wonderful guide and driver, gave us options for places to stop, which allowed us to work around the weather as well as our energy levels. Her knowledge and warm personality made the experience extra special.
While we loved the famous tourist stops like the Cliffs of Mohr and Ashford Castle, we really appreciated the unique experiences. For example, the Farmstead stay was my absolute favorite part, with an evening of live music, storytelling, and homemade Irish sodabread cooked near the woodburning hearth. Eddie was a wonderful host and tour guide around the farm and bog. We met the farm animals, learned about farming in Ireland, and even had a turn at harvesting peet. Of course, being able to play with Bonnie, Eddie's herding dog, was also very fun! Needless to say, I highly recommend Little Gem Tours! Can't wait to go back to see a different part of the country with them!
Aug 2023 • Family
Capture Your Irish Farm Stay Memories
Don’t forget your camera! Expect stunning photos of:
Misty Irish bogs and rolling hills
Eddie teaching turf-cutting and basket weaving
The cozy stone farmhouse surrounded by wildflowers
Evening gatherings with traditional music and food
Contact us now to book your
private family tour of Ireland 2026 !!
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