A young couple, Camille Rosenfeld and James Hayes, have been selected as the live-in caretakers for Great Blasket Island, the largest island of Europe's most westerly archipelago. The pair will manage five holiday cottages and a coffee hatch for day-trippers from April 1 to September 31. They were chosen from hundreds of applicants, with an initial pool of 80,000 applications eventually narrowed to 300.
The island's rugged beauty and rich marine life, including basking sharks and dolphins, offer an enticing yet challenging environment. Located off the coast of Ireland, Great Blasket Island is devoid of modern conveniences such as hot water, stable electricity, or cars. The couple will reside in a stone house next to cottages abandoned since the 1950s. Despite these challenges, Rosenfeld and Hayes have always dreamed of this unique opportunity. Their engagement on Inis Mór of the Aran Islands reflects their deep connection to Ireland's remote landscapes.
Billy O’Connor, who has long been associated with the island, captures its allure:
“I just love coming out here and fixing things up. You just get a sense of satisfaction. You know you can just watch the seals and the beach and the wildlife and enjoy the solitude and how untouched it all is,” – Billy O’Connor
The island is famous for its dramatic weather, showcasing howling winds and powerful waves that can make life challenging for its inhabitants. It is also home to a large seal population, with thousands congregating on the beach in April. Former caretakers describe the experience as both isolating and enchanting, with seabirds' "screeching" at night and seals resting nearby during the day.
Alice Hayes, who has prior experience with the island's demands, notes:
“First we try to put them off because if anything it is quite romanticised; the island, the sunsets and the beautiful places. But during the season it can be quite intense for the caretakers,” – Alice Hayes
Day-to-day life on the island offers a return to simpler times, as O’Connor eloquently states:
“It is almost like stepping back in time. There are not many places in the world you can go and have totally pristine lands and water and totally switch off.” – Billy O’Connor
Despite the challenges, Rosenfeld relishes the opportunity:
“We are just really comfortable being uncomfortable,” – Camille Rosenfeld
The couple anticipates enjoying natural wonders such as starlit nights without light pollution and relaxing with books by candlelight.