Great Blasket Island Caretakers: The Coveted Job Is Up For Grabs Again

Great Blasket Island, located off the coast of Ireland, is back again in the news as it seeks applications from two people for the post of caretakers for six months between April and October.

It is considered one of the most coveted jobs in the world, with over 40,000 people applying for it last year.

The couple will have to manage four guest cottages and a coffee shop on one of Ireland's most remote and beautiful islands, the Irish Post reported.

Great Blasket owners Billy O’Connor and his partner Alice Hayes have taken to Twitter to announce the vacancy, advising applicants to read the FAQ before applying. The tweet said the number of applicants would be capped due to the overwhelming amount of interest from last year's post.

Located about three miles off the coast of Dingle, Co Kerry, the island offers a picturesque view. Uninhabited, it had become a tourist attraction over time, with a ferry taking a small number of people to it. It has no electricity or WiFi, and the website advises visitors to bring their drinking water as it is a "limited commodity." It also warns visitors of its harsh terrain and currents.

The chores for the caretakers include ensuring the coffee shop is prepped and set up for opening and bathrooms are clean, amongst other things. They would also meet and greet guests, help them check into their accommodation and collect essential items from the pier. Applications will close on Jan. 22.

Last year, days after the post seeking caretakers for the island went viral, Dublin-based couple Annie Birney and Eoin Boyle landed the coveted job from April to October 2020. Though they gave up their jobs in preparation for the new assignment, COVID-19 played spoilsport, and they could only move there in June 2020.

A report by Insider said while overseas visitors stayed away due to restrictions, the couple was kept busy by a steady stream of Irish tourists. According to the couple, a typical day started around 9 a.m. and in an hour they had to start getting the cottages ready for the guests. By 2 p.m., the guests would start arriving. The couple then checked them in while remembering to maintain social distancing.

For the couple, it also meant living without many modern comforts. There was no electricity, hence no refrigerator, television or laptop. The couple had a hard time dealing with the cold showers too. "You think you're used to it and you go, 'I'm just going to have a shower here'. Nope. You're in and out as quick as you can," Boyle was quoted by the Insider.