A stunning, uninhabited island off the coast of Ireland is offering a unique opportunity for a pair of adventurous individuals to manage its seasonal operations. The Great Blasket Island, located near Dingle in County Kerry, is searching for two people to take charge of its coffee shop and holiday accommodation for the 2026 season.
The Role: More Than Just Serving Coffee
The successful duo will be responsible for the day-to-day management of a coffee shop and three holiday cottages. Their duties will be extensive, ranging from meeting and greeting overnight guests to cleaning and maintaining the properties. The job listing explicitly states that painting and general DIY tasks are part of the role, especially during periods of bad weather.
Applicants are warned that this is not a holiday job. The position is described as "intense," with the island capable of getting "VERY busy" during the peak season. The caretakers will be on their feet for most of the day, serving tea, coffee, and snacks to day-trippers while ensuring the smooth running of the entire operation.
Island Life: Beauty and Challenge
The season runs from 1st April to mid-October, weather permitting, with the chosen pair expected to arrive in the final week of March. They will live in quarters above the café, with food and board provided as part of their wages. However, the listing notes that alcohol and toiletries are not included in the daily provisions.
One of the most significant aspects of the role is its isolation. Great Blasket Island has had no permanent residents since 1953 and is a designated Special Area of Conservation. The job advert cautions that resources are "very little" and that days off are entirely "determined" by the weather. Extended bad weather can halt all sailings, while prolonged sunshine can lead to an influx of visitors.
A Wildlife Haven Steeped in History
Spanning four miles and over 1,100 acres, the island is a paradise for nature lovers. The area is renowned for its spectacular wildlife, offering the chance to spot Risso's, common, and bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks, grey seals, and even whales.
The birdlife is equally impressive, with populations of gannets, puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants. Historically, the island was one of the most remote Irish-speaking communities in the Corca Dhuibhne region before its evacuation over seventy years ago.
The search is on for a hardworking, responsible, and trustworthy pair with excellent people skills and initiative to take on this unique challenge in one of Ireland's most breathtaking locations.
