Looking to get away from it all? A remote island in Ireland is hiring two people to manage four guest cottages and a coffee shop between April and October 2021. Great Blasket Island is located off the coast of Dingle in County Kerry, Ireland.
The picturesque island was abandoned in 1954 and is home to stunning ocean views. The cottages and coffee shop are owned by Billy O’Connor and Alice Hayes. The chosen caretakers will receive free room and board as well as a wage, which will be discussed when you apply.
If you think this sounds like a dream gig, keep in mind that you’ll be in for some rustic living. There is no electricity or running water on the island. However, it’s still a popular tourist destination, having been visited by more than 400 people per day during the summer months in 2019.
People from all over the world are welcome to apply, as long as they can obtain a work visa and speak English fluently.
Great Blasket Island tweeted the unique job opportunity on Jan. 15:
** Job Application **
The form for the Island Caretaker position is now live on our website. A little different this year, we created a Frequently Asked Question page followed by an application form. Make sure you read all the questions and tick the check box to proceed. pic.twitter.com/dZLsENDwEo— Great Blasket Island (@gbisland) January 15, 2021
“The form for the island caretaker position is now live on our website,” reads the tweet. “A little different this year, we created a Frequently Asked Questions page followed by an application form. Make sure you read all the questions and tick the check box to proceed.”
In 2020, Dublin couple Annie Birney and Eoin Boyle snagged the coveted positions. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, they had to delay their move to the island from April to June. They still managed to make the most of it, though. Job duties included preparing cottages for guests and obtaining essential items for them at the pier. The coffee shop was closed due to pandemic restrictions. During their down time, they enjoyed hiking, swimming and just relaxing while taking in the incredible scenery.
Check out these photos, shared on Twitter by island visitor @brainybrendan:
One of the bucket list achieved with a wonderful visit to The Great Blasket Island. I felt I had been there before through the eyes of Peig Sayers, Tómas Ó Criomhtháin + Muiris Ó Súileabháin. A large seal colony on Trá Bán! @gbisland @wildatlanticway pic.twitter.com/ExatIIdF0b
— Brainy Brendan (@brainybrendan) August 26, 2020
Last year, more than 45,000 people applied for the job, causing O’Connor and Hayes to put a cap on the number of applications they’ll take this year. The deadline for applications is Jan. 22. Although the coronavirus is still a concern, they’re optimistic that it will still be the perfect opportunity for a lucky pair.
“We would like a duo of friends or a couple from abroad to get the jobs eventually as they would have a different perspective to bring, but with concerns around Covid-19, that will limit foreign applications, I would think,” O’Connor told The Irish Post. “But maybe they would feel safer on the island as it is very remote.”
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories.
