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- Hundreds applied to be a caretaker on our uninhabited island. Many wanted a break from their busy modern lives. (businessinsider.com)
Island Caretaker Gig Draws Thousands of Applicants
Seven years ago, Alice Hayes and Billy O’Connor, who run the tourism on uninhabited Great Blasket Island off the coast of Ireland, faced a dilemma. Their longtime caretaker had resigned, leaving them without anyone to manage the island’s holiday cottages and café just as tourist season was about to begin.
In a moment of inspiration – or perhaps desperation – they turned to Facebook. They posted about the open position, hoping to find someone “mad enough” to spend six months on a remote island.
The response was overwhelming. The post went viral, attracting a staggering 80,000 applications.
“It was far more popular than we could have ever expected,” Hayes recalled. Sifting through the applications became a monumental task.
Since that initial deluge, the couple has continued the annual search, but now caps online applications at 300. Interest remains high, with applicants from all walks of life and across the globe – from retirees to those seeking career breaks. This year’s chosen caretakers, a newlywed couple, were actually finalists from the previous year.
While the idea of island life may seem idyllic, O’Connor and Hayes are careful to manage expectations. “A lot of people romanticize it,” O’Connor explained, envisioning a summer spent lounging in a hammock. The reality, however, involves significant work and can sometimes be challenging.
Applicants are given a dose of realism. There’s no electricity or hot water in the guest cottages, and the Irish weather can be unpredictable.
Island life also means limited conveniences – no popping to the shop or pub. Yet, for many, the trade-offs are worth it.
The island offers unparalleled natural beauty, solitude, and a chance to disconnect from the mainland’s distractions. Caretakers have witnessed stunning sunsets, the aurora borealis, and even the birth of seal pups.
“You’re just more present on the island,” Hayes noted, emphasizing the appeal of escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life. For those seeking a break from the everyday, Great Blasket Island offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and themselves.