Fortunate young couple hired to care for empty island in Ireland
A unique opportunity has come knocking for a young couple, Camille Rosenfeld and James Hayes, who are about to embark on an unforgettable experience as caretakers of Great Blasket Island in Ireland. This dream-like position will have them overseeing the island’s five holiday cottages and a small café from April 1 to September 30. Excited about this once-in-a-lifetime chance, Rosenfeld expressed her disbelief at being chosen for such a prestigious role. The couple is eager to immerse themselves in the beauty of the lush emerald landscape, rolling hills, and stunning cliffs that characterize the 1,100-acre island off the west coast of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry.
Rich in Irish heritage and history, Great Blasket Island was once home to a Gaelic-speaking community but became uninhabited in 1953 when its residents relocated to the mainland for better access to services and milder winters. As a result, the island has been left nearly untouched, allowing nature to flourish and reclaim the land. The island’s captivating natural beauty, teeming with wildlife like sharks, seals, sheep, whales, dolphins, and rabbits, is a testament to the wonders of the untouched landscape.
Upon discovering the caretaking position advertised by Peter O’Connor and Alice Hayes, who own the island and its amenities, Rosenfeld and Hayes were among the lucky few chosen out of 80,000 applicants. Though uncertain about the precise reasons for their selection, Hayes attributes it to their amiable nature and dedication to hard work. Despite growing up in County Kerry and already being captivated by the island’s history and significance, Hayes was thrilled to have Rosenfeld on board for this adventure.
Excitement brews as the couple anticipates their upcoming journey to Great Blasket Island, which lacks modern amenities like electricity, hot water, and Wi-Fi. However, rather than feeling apprehensive about the lack of connectivity, Rosenfeld embraces the idea of disconnecting from the digital world to immerse themselves in a simpler, more peaceful lifestyle. The prospect of interacting with like-minded visitors who share their appreciation for the island’s beauty and tranquility excites Rosenfeld as well.
As a professional artist, Hayes looks forward to finding inspiration for his next creative projects amidst the island’s serene surroundings. He views the island as the perfect backdrop to cultivate new ideas and perspectives. However, as the end of September approaches, the couple acknowledges the inevitable challenge of leaving behind the island and readjusting to mainland life. Despite this concern, Rosenfeld remains focused on savoring every moment of this extraordinary experience without dwelling too much on the impending separation.
In conclusion, the story of Camille Rosenfeld and James Hayes embarking on their caretaking adventure on Great Blasket Island serves as an inspiring tale of seizing unique opportunities, embracing nature’s beauty, and immersing oneself in a simpler, more authentic way of life. Their journey promises to be a transformative experience that will leave a lasting impact on both their personal and professional lives.