For those dreaming of an island getaway unlike any other and the chance to get far away from it all, Tourism Ireland has just announced the perfect job vacancy for one very lucky duo.
A role of a lifetime for nature lovers and budding adventurers, the job up for grabs will see them being paid to live on and take care of a scenic Irish island. Sounds too good to be true?
The remote island, just off the west coast of Ireland, Great Blasket, has now opened the applications to find two new caretakers for 2021, after successfully finding a pair of doting carers in both 2019 and 2020 through an online search.
The catch? The mostly uninhabited island has no electricity, running water or any other residents! What it does have however, is over 1,100 acres of unspoiled, mountainous countryside filled with glorious plants and wildlife which is just asking to be explored. Plus, it’s the perfect location for dolphin and seal spotting, given it’s the home of one of the largest seal colonies on the Atlantic coast. What it doesn’t have in modern luxuries, it definitely makes up for it with striking scenery, unmatched tranquillity and unique experiences that will serve as memories for life.
Caretakers will be expected to maintain the overall Great Blasket Island as well as manage the coffee shop and four holiday cottages when the tourist season commences. In return, they’ll have the chance to spend a year on their own beautiful private island, live rent free in a quaint cottage, receive daily food deliveries and be paid a wage for their yearlong services.
Billy O’Connor, who owns the hostels and coffee shop on the island with his partner Alice Hayes, says: “It’s absolutely fantastic that so many people want to come here. We have had two Irish couples working as caretakers so far. It does get very busy on the island with visitors in the height of the summer so the people who get the job have to be able for that. But so far we’ve learned from the two couples who have worked as caretakers on what aspects work and do not work and how to make the visitor experience better.”
Those who are used to the finer things in life need not apply, but those with an adventurous spirit who love to be at one with nature can find out more details at greatblasketisland.net. The application deadline is January 22, and is sure to be snapped up quick!
