An enchanting deserted island is in search of two adventurous individuals to manage a coffee shop throughout the spring and summer seasons, but there’s a catch. The stunning Great Blasket Island, located off the coast of Dunquin near Dingle in Ireland, is seeking a duo to oversee the café and the accommodations for guests on the island.
The caretakers will have the responsibilities of looking after three vacation cottages, performing cleaning and painting tasks, attending to visitors, and of course, preparing tea and coffee while ensuring the daily operations run smoothly.
Appealing to those yearning for a remote lifestyle, the wildlife sanctuary of Great Blasket Island does not have permanent residents, but this won’t leave the caretakers with idle time.
The job description specifies that the caretakers will manage the coffee shop and three holiday cottages on the island. They will greet overnight guests, maintain and paint the cottages, serve beverages and snacks to day visitors, and ensure the smooth running of daily tasks.
The listing emphasizes the demanding nature of the role, highlighting that the island can get very busy and describing the position as intense, with caretakers needing to understand that resources on the island are limited.
Successful candidates are expected to arrive on the island in late March, with the season running from April 1 to mid-October, depending on the weather conditions.
Regarding time off, the listing mentions that it is dependent on the weather. For instance, inclement weather could lead to no sailings, while a prolonged period of sunshine could mean a busy time for the caretakers.
Although the job can be challenging, caretakers will receive wages, food, and accommodation. However, alcohol and toiletries are not included in the daily provisions.
The selected candidates will reside above the café and have access to the kitchen facilities on the island. Additionally, they are encouraged to engage in DIY tasks or maintenance during extended periods of bad weather or days off.
Great Blasket Island, designated as a ‘Special Area of Conservation,’ spans over 1,100 acres and has been uninhabited since 1953. It was once a secluded Irish-speaking community in Corca Dhuibhne.
The island’s wildlife is a major attraction, with visitors having the chance to observe various species such as dolphins, basking sharks, seals, and whales. The diverse birdlife includes gannets, puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants.
To apply for the position, interested individuals can visit the website provided.