Ever thought about escaping the 9-5? Fancy a change from the rate-race? A slower pace of life in the country? This week we heard about a new job that’s come up here in North Wales, and we think it could be top of the list of many people’s “dream” career!

The Bardsey Island Trust is looking for an island Manager. The role will mean living on the remote island off the Llyn Peninsula for 11 months of the year, managing and maintaining the Trust’s buildings and land on the island.

Image by Stray Croc on wikicommons

But just what does a dream job on Bardsey Island involve? The Manager is responsible for looking after all the summer season guests and visitors to the island, and during the quiet winter months the Manager will maintain and repair the trusts property, ready for the winter.

There’s no denying that the role is somewhat isolated! Bardsey Island is 2 miles from mainland Wales, off the coast of the Llyn Peninsula here in North Wales. By boat is the only way to get on and off the island, and in bad weather or very rough seas, not even the boat can get across, meaning that residents on the island can be stranded there for weeks at a time, especially over winter. But, the job does come with a lovely two bedroom cottage and probably some of the best views in Wales.

Bardsey Lighthouse Image by David Medcalf on wiki commons

Bardsey Island is one of Wales’ most famous islands. Known as the “Island of 20,000 Saints” because it’s reputation as a Holy island in medieval times. It was so sacred in fact that four pilgrimages to Bardsey was deemed to be the equivalent to a pilgrimage to Rome. Pilgrimages to Holy sites were incredibly important to religious worshipers during Medieval times because they were thought to start the Pilgrim on a spiritual journey and bring them closer to God.

But when Henry VIII came to power in the sixteenth century, the monastery on Bardsey was dissolved and abandoned, but Bardsey still remained an important site for visitors and tourists.

Today guests to Bardsey are pilgrims of a different kind. Some still come for the spirituality that is said to engulf the island, but others come for the kind of peace and tranquility that can only be found on a remote and rural Welsh island. Others still come to witness the spectacular coastal views and the dozens of wildlife, plant and bird species that make Bardsey their home.

Bardsey is a legendary island, deeply rooted in Welsh history and culture, and it’s still inspiring poetry, writing, music and tales today. So, if you fancy a change from it all and an escape to the country, why not think about this dream job on Bardsey island? It’s certainly not for the faint hearted, but it’s one that will be the experience of a lifetime for one lucky applicant!

For more details about the job role and about Bardsey Island visit www.enlli.org

Image by David Barlow on wiki commons