Two families have been chosen to live rent free on the island of Inis Meáin after winning a national competition.

Around 1,600 families entered a competition to live on the Aran Island for a period of nine months after it was launched late last month.

The competition, run by Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin, aimed to bring families with school-age children to the island to add to the local community there.

The islanders would cover the families’ rent for a period of nine months, while the children attended the local school.

The Irish-speaking island has also recently launched a new remote working hub, enabling the contest winners to continue with their careers.

Dun Chonchuir ring fort, Carrownlisheen, Inis Meáin, Aran Islands. Image: David Robertson / Alamy Stock Photo

The Irish Times reports that twenty of the families that applied were shortlisted and asked to submit a video application.

Four families then took part in an interview last Friday and two have now been offered accommodation.

The Mac an tSaoir family from County Meath won first place and the Sheehy family from County Limerick were also offered a place.

A pub on Inis Meáin is seen in November 2005. Picture by Carol Di Rienzo Cornwell Alamy Stock Photo

Both families will now live rent-free on the island for nine months – with just their household bills and utilities to pay for.

Just over 180 people live on the island full-time according to the 2016 census.

It boasts a preschool, a primary school, a secondary school and a newly opened digital tech hub for remote working.