Want to Manage a Coffee Shop on a Remote Island

When Ireland&rsquos Great Blasket Island shared a vacancy for an unconventional job in 2020 via its Facebook account, it received over 42,000 applications from individuals across the world. Recently, another call-for-applications was put forth by them. This time, they were compelled to put a cap on the number. But really, what&rsquos all the excitement about And why has it struck a chord with people

Alice Hayes and Billy O&rsquoConnor, owners of four island-based self-catering cottages and a quaint coffee shop, were interested in recruiting two caretakers to manage their properties for a few months in 2020. Soon after they issued their appeal online, countless inquiries inundated their email, phones, and social media. Out of the thousands of applications, a couple residing in Dublin were selected for the job. Their work involved welcoming guests, escorting them to their accommodations, serving tea/coffee to them, collecting essential items from the pier, upgrading the amenities, and tasks of the like. The cafe had ceased operations at the time.  Due to the pandemic, their job was a little more intensive than usual. However, they cherished it all.

A second appeal, similar to the previous one, was published on the island&rsquos Twitter account in January this year. This time, a set of criteria was structured for applicants, and the tweet also advised them to skim through the FAQs before applying for the position. 

The island isn&rsquot equipped with Wi-Fi or electricity. Stationed at the fringes of Ireland&rsquos coast, and the principal island of the Blasket Islands, it is nothing short of magical.

Spanning over four miles, and exuding an old-school aesthetic, it fosters an extensive range of plants, wildlife, and sea-life, and fashions ancient ruins within its bounds. It&rsquos understandable why people jumped at the opportunity of moving to the island temporarily. And getting free accommodation for a period of six months is another advantage.