About us
Our Common Knowledge Centre in County Clare – home to ERC Field Good Fridays – is a place people come together to share basic skills, create useful resources and connect as a community, with the aim bringing more affordable, sustainable and joyful homes into all of our lives. They are welcoming applications for their 2026 Resident Volunteer Programme.
What the position entails
When joining us as a long term volunteer, you’ll team up with our staff in undertaking a wide range of tasks on site and on the grounds. A typical day includes varied activities, but volunteers will help with the following:
- Hospitality & Grounds – The guesthouse and communal spaces at Common Knowledge are gateways to our larger mission of skill-sharing and community-building. By assisting with the housekeeping and hospitality teams, you’ll help reset event spaces, accommodation, and communal areas to ensure they remain beautiful, nurturing, and reflective of the Common Knowledge ethos
- Gardening & Eco- Restoration – Gaining hands-on experience in food growing, permaculture design, and nature-based systems. The garden is a living example of sustainability, and the food we grow feeds directly into the meals prepared by our incredible chef—nourishing both guests and team members.
- Beyond the garden, you’ll have the opportunity to work on the wider 50-acre site, helping to explore, experiment with, and maintain the land. Tasks may include maintaining walking trails, clearing overgrowth, and supporting re-wilding or land care projects.
- Community Events – Community is at the heart of everything we do at Common Knowledge. Throughout the year, we host a range of events designed to bring people together, foster meaningful connections, and engage visitors with our mission. These events are made possible by the work done in hospitality and the garden—clean spaces, nourishing food, and inspiring surroundings all enable the building of community. As a volunteer, you may assist with event planning, administration, or as part of the event crew on the day. You’ll also have opportunities to get involved in talks, tours, and other activities. Your work helps make these moments possible, and in return, we want you to feel part of this community you’re helping to create.
And other duties as required.
What skills are required?
Our Common Knowledge welcomes individuals who are committed to spending time in nature, working with an enthusiastic and creative team, learning new skills through doing and feeling the reward of doing meaningful work in a natural environment.
How it works
Volunteers are welcomed for stays of 1-3 months and asked to contribute a total of 25 hours per week, spread across 5 days of 5 hour shifts with your schedule arranged between Monday and Sunday. Shifts are from 10am to 4pm with one hour for lunch. This ensures flexibility to align with the flow of activities at Common Knowledge while maintaining balance for everyone involved.
What you’ll do in your free time
You’ll be staying on a beautiful wild site in the heart of the Burren, and we encourage you to enjoy your breaks and 2 free days weekly to immerse yourself in this special place. You’ll have access to bikes to travel to nearby towns.
Where will you stay?
Common Knowledge will provide you with a private room with shared bathroom/shower facilities. Common Knowledge also provides groceries for a simple breakfast, and communal staff meal in the middle of the day made by volunteers or our catering chefs. Basic groceries are provided for making dinner. We operate as a team on a leave no trace basis, so everyone helps clean up after both communal and individual meals. A volunteer kitchen is available for use.
How to apply
If you’re interested in joining us, go here to apply.
Learn more about Our Common Knowledge and ERC Field Good Fridays
