Become caretakers of a remote Irish island this summer - food, stay & pay included

The job is off the coast of Ireland on the Great Blasket Island. (Image: @greatblasketisland/Facebook)

Off the coast of Ireland, the Great Blasket Island, is offering an opportunity for two to become its caretakers this summer. Beyond its picturesque landscapes and tranquil shores, this island, once home to a fishing community until the 1950s, now extends an invitation for free residency with compensation – the exact amount to be unveiled only in the application process.

Applicants will run the island's coffee shop, manage holiday accommodations, and lead boat trips from April to October 2024.

The island boasts a seal colony, prehistoric sites, and an abundance of plant and flower species thriving during the summer months. While the island embraces serenity, its remote location is but a short ferry ride from Kerry.

The caretaker role, open to couples (preferably) or friends, involves overseeing the coffee shop and four holiday cottages, catering to both locals and visitors. The job description highlights the importance of hard work, responsibility, and trustworthiness, people skills and initiative.

The successful candidates, perched above the coffee shop, will share the main bedroom and enjoy full access to amenities. Days will be filled with running the coffee shop, attending to overnight guests, and ensuring seamless day-to-day operations. Despite the promise of exploration amid stunning sights, applicants are sternly reminded that this is no holiday job, particularly during the bustling summer season.

In the evening, with a stove ablaze, caretakers will cook and warm their shared space, with laundry services conveniently available on the mainland. Food deliveries, daily and reliable, ensure sustenance for the duo, supplemented by two additional helpers during peak months. The caveat: there are no days off, unless the unpredictable weather intervenes.

To qualify for this role, applicants must possess the ability to work in the EU, fund their travel to Ireland, and boast proficiency in spoken English. All expenses, excluding alcohol and toiletries, are covered.

You can check the job listing or apply here.