A remote island will pay you to live there — but there’s a catch

It’s never too early to start scoping out summer beach rentals.

Here’s one, on a private island of the coast of Ireland, that’s entirely free — in fact, they’ll pay you and a bestie to spend the entire season.

Stunningly picturesque, Great Blasket Island has a seal colony, endless ocean views, memorable scenery and prehistoric sites.

But there’s a catch.

You’re not there to soak up the sun — assuming there is any — but rather to run the island, which welcomes scores of visitors during the warmer months.

Your duties will include running the island’s cafe, and hosting guests at four adjacent holiday cottages.

While there’s a salary involved, the job description didn’t divulge the details, but this definitely sounds like hard work — the duo is required to meet and greet overnight guests, serve tea and coffee and ensure the day-to-day needs of the establishments are met.

The pair will be hosted in the apartment above the coffee shop and share the main bedroom, while having full use of any amenities.

Food and accommodations are included, but everything else is your own responsibility.

The gig will last from April until October 2024 for the couple. A third and possibly fourth volunteer will be chosen to live in the second bedroom in June, July and August to help with the busier months.

The island’s website lists that the job will require a “hardworking, responsible and trustworthy duo that have great people skills and initiative.”

The two will also need to speak English and be eligible to work in the European Union.

The posting warns that this is “not a holiday job.”

“This is an intense position and caretakers must acknowledge that they are on an Island with very little resources,” the posting warned, but the island is only a short ferry ride away from Kerry.

The job posting also noted that “the season can get VERY busy and you will be on your feet for most of the day.”

But don’t worry if Great Blasket Island isn’t for you, it isn’t the only place offering to pay people to move in.

A region in Italy is paying people under 40 years old to move in and join their community.

Since 2021, the far-southern Italian region of Calabria has been attempting to bring fresh life to its depopulated countryside through a program called “active residence income,” and this month it retook the internet’s attention.

Better still, you won’t have to move out at the end of the summer.