The position of caretakers of Great Blasket Island off the coast of County Kerry has become one of the most sought-after positions in the world.
The hunt is one once more for the new 2024 caretakers of Great Blasket Island, an uninhabited island off the coast of Kerry and the principal island of the Blaskets that boasts stunning natural wildlife, history and much more.
Between April and October 2023, the position was filled by Englishman Dan and Emily, who is originally from Cork, documenting their time on the island on the Instagram account @greatblasketcaretakers.
`Now, the position is up for grabs for one lucky couple, or a couple of friends, once more.
Great Blasket Island – live and work in uninhabited bliss
The Great Blasket Island is the main island of the Blaskets in County Kerry. It has been inhabited on and off for centuries. The earliest reference to people living there was at the start of the 18th century.
It was once home to a tiny community of Irish speakers until it was abandoned in 1954 when the Irish government deemed living conditions unsustainable.
The island lies around 2 km (1.2 miles) from the mainland of Dunmore Head and extends 6 km (3.7 miles) to the southwest.
The closest mainland town is Dunquin. During the summer months, a ferry to the island operates from a nearby pier.
The caretaker role – what’s in store
The role of the caretakers of Great Blasket Island has garnered much media attention in recent years. The duo who take on the role will run the island’s coffee shop and overnight accommodation.
Just like the people who lived there before them, the caretakers live with no electricity or running water.
The job involves meeting and greeting overnight guests, serving tea and coffee to visitors, managing the coffee shop, cleaning accommodations and bathrooms, and cleaning, stocking and preparing the coffee shop for the following day.
The pair that takes on the role will live above the coffee shop in the main bedroom. This is why they advertise the position as “looking for a couple”.
The caretakers use the coffee shop kitchen and toilet as their own. Furthermore, any laundry will be collected and washed on the mainland. Food shops will be delivered daily (food and board are included in the position).
How to apply – does this sound like the job for you?
The position for this highly popular role is open and taking applications once more for caretakers between April and October 2024.
The company that runs this position posted just yesterday on social media that applications will close on 18 January 2024.
The group outlines that this is not a summer job. It requires you to be on your feet a lot and have a good level of fitness.
For more information and to apply, visit the Great Blasket Island website here.
