Housesitting in Ireland – Favourite sits by the Travelling Housesitters

Meet Jayden and Brittany a housesitting couple

We are Jayden & Brittnay, a New Zealand & Aussie couple. We met in the Australian Alps and quickly discovered each other’s passion for travel, read this blog to learn about our housesitting in Ireland. We were eyeing off South America as our next trip. However, one snowy Sunday afternoon we came across flights to London for $300 AUD ($220 USD). The next thing we knew we were booked and were applying for our UK work visas.

After two quick years in London, we decided to head off to Dublin.We were looking at a minimum of $1500 per month for a room in a share house. We had previously done some house sitting in London, however, this time we stepped it up. We learnt everything you could and even took animal first aid courses. This prepared us for housesitting in Ireland in some great places.

Then three months later and four house sits done and dusted we managed to save over $5000. We have pieced together some of our most memorable moments. We have also included some tips from our guide  how to become a housesitter.

You will also see that house sitting is not only about the money you can save, it’s the locals you meet, the knowledge you gain and the relationships you build.

Here are of our Favourite House Sits:-

Housesitting in Ireland – a favourite spot

We had somehow ended up in the most affluent suburb of Dublin next. While we were still in London, we had a Skype conversation with a lovely Australian couple who were off to France for three weeks. The couple needed someone to look after their elderly lab Roxy and eight-bedroom mansion. When we arrived and ushered through the big gates. We meet Roxy, the most relaxed dog in Dublin, who only required a walk up and down the driveway every second day.

With castles, beautiful harbours and beaches Dalkey was a lovely area to live, and housesitting in Ireland was a treat! We weren’t surprised when we learnt that Bono and Enya also lived there!

The Home in Killiney

The home in Killiney was even more luxurious than the one Dalkey, and reconfirmed our love of housesitting in ireland. This house had been the winner of Ireland’s most beautiful home the previous year.

Here we looked after two of loveliest two long-haired chihuahuas, Bruno & Lance. We also looked after her parent’s dogs, Nori, a Chinese Hairless Crested and Dodo an elderly Whippet. We were quite a sight on our daily walks with this quirky crew. The homeowner was even kind enough to put us on her insurance so we could drive her zippy little yellow Mini around town. The dogs loved a walk on the beach which was only 5 minutes away.

To date, housesitting in Ireland and this one in particular remains our favourite house sit. We have remained great friends with the homeowner. We recently spent the evening out for her birthday. We also managed to squeeze in a cuddle with Bruno and Lance before we headed out for the night.

Home in Country of Enfield

We had chosen to do some house sitting before immersing ourselves in Dublin. An hour west of the big city, down a quiet country lane, it where we found our next sit. It was a complete change from the hustle and bustle of London, however, we were delighted. The Dutch couple had built themselves a stunning hidden cottage with no neighbours or busy roads for miles. It had a gorgeous Scandinavian aesthetic, sleek and modern yet snug.

We looked after their two Siamese cats, two Scottish terriers & two chickens. The dogs warmed to us right away and were happy to cuddle with us on the sofa of an evening. The cats took a day or two however, once we realise that they loved to play fetch with a small toy rat, we were all best friends. Only being one week it was over too quickly and we were off to the big city for our next adventure.

Some of Our Top Tips For House Sitting

Getting Started

The hardest part is getting that all important first good review. The more good reviews you have the more likely someone is to hire you. If you don’t have any house sitting references you might need to get creative. Use Airbnb references, a character reference from a boss or even a professional reference. Every little bit helps!

Police Checks

Police checks are the ultimate peace of mind for homeowners. If you have never obtained a police check before they are usually free and really easy to get your hands on – just get in touch with your local police or countries Justice Department. This could also push you towards the top of the pile and gives your homeowners some piece of mind.  HouseSitMatch offer subsidized background checking to UK residents and an online direct access to ONFIDO for any other international background checks. They make it easy for you to secure a check while you’re on the road.

Don’t Be Picky

You need to be open to all types of different locations, pets and homes. You are never going to find a house sit if you limit yourself to specific pets, locations or homes.

Apply, Apply, Apply!

Once you have signed up, start applying for houses sits in your desired area.  You need to be prompt and stand out with your applications. Don’t send a generic copy and paste application. Show the homeowner you have read their listing and you really understand their needs.

Get Accredited

For the most part, you will be looking for someone’s pride and joy. We recommend attending a pet first aid course. It can help to ensure you are prepared for any situations. Generally, they are a one day course and only cost around $50. It can also give you an edge when you are amongst 25 other applicants for that housesit at a beachfront villa in Bali.

Details, details, details

Much sure the homeowner lists out all the information about the animals and the house. No matter how small or irrelevant they might think they detail is.

Find out the little quirks of the house, from when the postman comes to the names and numbers of neighbours and close family. HouseSitMatch offer members access to guidelines and documents that can help you formalise your agreements so you have reassurance and the details you need.

We cared for a cat that had a tendency to throw up in the lounge room at night. The owner had mentioned this to us only because it happened during the handover. Most owners become accustomed to some behaviours and may not pass on this critical information. Without knowing what this cats lounge room habits, we would have been in quite a panic.

As you can see housesitting in Ireland has provided us with a wonderful lifestyle and an amazing connection to that country. We have firm friendships and discovered places we would have never had the opportunity to stay. As the Travelling Housesitters we would recommend house sitting to anyone who is looking to save some money, up for an adventure or would just love an animal to snuggle up with in the evenings.

To find your petsitters through our trusted network register with HouseSitMatch as a homeowner

To register as a Homeowner follow this link

If you have pet care and homecare experience and want to travel and experience a new location why not register as on HouseSitMatch as a housesitter

To register as a House-sitter or Petsitter follow this link

 

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