Two caretaker positions on a remote island off the southwest coast of Ireland have received 23,000 applications.
The roles involve running a cafe and three cottages on Great Blasket Island, which is uninhabited apart from those visiting for short stays.
The successful applicants will stay on the island, which is just across the water from Dingle, Kerry, between April and October.
The job is unpaid and the applicants would live together for six months without many modern comforts.
An advert was posted on social media ten days ago by Dingle couple Alice Hayes and Billy O'Connor.
Ms Hayes told Irish broadcaster RTÉ: "It’s been unbelievable. We were worried we wouldn’t get anyone.
"We had a lot of interest last week but in the last few days it’s been mad.
"We’ve received applications from places like Iran, Argentina, Finland, Mexico, everywhere really.
"Our email is in meltdown and our phones are just pinging constantly."
Her partner, Billy, attributed the applications to people wanting to get out of the rat race and disconnect from daily life.
"I suppose people just want to disconnect from the rush of everyday life and get off the grid. Things are really basic out there," he said.
"There's no electricity. Cooking is done on gas cookers.
"Light is provided by candles, heating is a solid fuel stove.
"There are no creature comforts, no hot showers."
The initial advert said: "A unique position required - looking for long term management of Island Accommodation and Coffee Shop. Couple or two friends.
"1st April 2020 - October 2020 accommodation and food provided."
