They will serve tourists on the island from April to October – and the work will be “very intensive”.
The picturesque uninhabited island of Great Blasket Island, located near the town of Dingle in the west of Ireland, has opened vacancies for two temporary employees to manage local cafes and guest houses.
What is required of applicants and what is the catch?
According to The Mirror, the managers will be responsible for supervising the three holiday cottages, cleaning and painting them, greeting and serving visitors, making tea and coffee, and ensuring that the establishments operate smoothly.
“We are looking for a hardworking, responsible, and trustworthy person with excellent communication skills and initiative. Please note that this is not a vacation job. The season can be VERY busy, and you will need to spend most of your day on your feet,” the ad states.
At the same time, the job description emphasizes that the island can be “VERY crowded”, and therefore the caretakers are waiting for “intensive” work, requiring them to understand that the resources on Great Blasket are “very limited”.
Applicants should plan to arrive on the island in the last week of March, and the season will last from April 1 to mid-October, weather permitting.
At the same time, potential caretakers are warned that their days off will be determined by the weather. For example, bad weather for several days may mean canceled flights, while four weeks of sunny weather may mean intensive work time again.
However, this job also has its advantages: in addition to the salary, employees receive meals and accommodation, although it is noted that alcohol and toiletries are not included in the daily purchases.
What makes Great Blasket Island so attractive?
Great Blasket Island is a paradise for wild animals and those who want to live away from civilization, as it has no permanent residents.
The island, designated as a “Special Nature Protection Zone”, extends approximately 6.5 kilometers and covers more than 445 hectares. Deserted since 1953, Great Blaskett Island was once one of the most isolated Irish-speaking regions.
One of the main attractions of the island is its wildlife, which includes several species of dolphins, giant sharks, gray seals, and whales. The island is also home to a variety of birds, including petrels, puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants.
How much does it cost to stay on Great Blasket Island?
Prices for accommodation in cottages on the island of Great Blasket start at €264 per night in spring and summer, and drop to €220 per night in autumn. However, according to information on popular websites for renting accommodation for tourists, it is possible to book for at least two nights.
This price includes the full rental of a cottage house with a maximum capacity of two people. Inside, there is a 17-square-meter living room, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, and a fireplace. The cottage offers stunning views of the mountains and the sea.
At the moment, there are available houses for almost all days of the cottage town’s operation, except for June and certain dates in every other month.