The Great Blasket Island, a remote and uninhabited island off the coast of County Kerry in Ireland, is looking for two caretakers to manage its coffee shop and holiday cottages during the spring and summer of 2026. The successful duo will live on the island, which has no permanent residents, and be responsible for the daily operations of the café and three guest lodgings.
According to the job listing, the caretakers' duties include “meeting and greeting overnight guests, cleaning and painting three holiday cottages, serving tea and coffee and snacks to day visitors from the coffee shop and ensuring the every day to day runnings are being met.” The role is described as “intense” and “very busy”, with applicants warned that they will be on their feet for most of the day.
The position offers a unique off-grid experience, but comes with significant challenges. Days off are determined by the weather, as access to the island is dependent on sailing conditions. The job listing notes that while caretakers will receive wages, food and board, alcohol and toiletries are not provided. General DIY and maintenance tasks are encouraged during periods of inclement weather.
Candidates must be available to travel to the island during the last week of March, with the season running from 1 April to mid-October, weather permitting. The island, a Special Area of Conservation spanning four miles and over 1,100 acres, was abandoned in 1953 and was once a hub of Irish-speaking culture. Wildlife is abundant, with dolphins, basking sharks, seals, and a variety of seabirds such as puffins and gannets.
