A stunning but completely uninhabited island off the west coast of Ireland is advertising for a pair of adventurous individuals to manage its seasonal operations for the 2026 tourist season.
The Role: More Than Just Serving Coffee
The Great Blasket Island, located off the coast of Dunquin near Dingle, is searching for a hardworking duo to take charge of its coffee shop and three holiday cottages. The position runs from 1st April through to mid-October, weather permitting, with successful candidates expected to arrive in the final week of March.
The job is multifaceted and far from a typical cafe role. Responsibilities include meeting and greeting overnight guests, cleaning and maintaining the cottages (including painting), serving tea, coffee, and snacks to day visitors, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the island's tourist facilities. The listing explicitly states this is "not a holiday job" and warns that the season can get "VERY busy".
The Demands and Rewards of Island Life
Prospective applicants must be prepared for an intense and isolated experience. The island, which has had no permanent residents since 1953, offers very few resources. Days off are determined by the weather, with prolonged bad weather potentially halting sailings and extended sunny spells leading to an influx of visitors.
In return, the caretakers receive wages along with food and board, staying in accommodation above the cafe with access to kitchen facilities. The listing notes that alcohol and toiletries are not provided. During quiet periods, general DIY and maintenance tasks are encouraged.
A Wildlife Haven Steeped in History
Great Blasket Island, a Special Area of Conservation spanning four miles and over 1,100 acres, offers a unique natural backdrop. Once one of the most remote Irish-speaking communities, it is now a sanctuary for wildlife.
Lucky residents and visitors might spot a variety of marine life, including Risso's, common, and bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks, grey seals, and even whales. The island is also a birdwatcher's paradise, home to gannets, puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants.
Those interested in applying for this unique seasonal work opportunity can find further details and the application process on the official island website.
