GREAT BLASKET ISLAND

GREAT BLASKET ISLAND

The fabled Great Blasket Island (An Blascaod Mór, in Irish) lies off the western edge of the Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry, abandoned by its inhabitants in 1953, was home to an extraordinary community that produced classics of Irish literature of world significance in their native tongue, documenting their emergence into the modern world.

The OPW Blasket Centre (Ionad an Bhlascaoid) on the mainland overlooking the island, opened in 1994, is a striking piece of modern architecture built to celebrate and share the heritage, culture and achievements of that community. With its thoughtful interactive exhibition spaces, amazing art installations, audiovisual presentations and professional

guide staff, the Blasket Centre provides a stimulating and accessible window into both the Blasket story and the unique Irish-speaking culture which still exists in this Gaeltacht area. It provides a wonderful vista in any weather from its main spine, oriented towards the Blasket Village and from its comfortable restaurant facing the wild Blasket Sound.

The rugged Blasket Island – best visited after a visit to the Blasket Centre - is accessible by privately operated passenger ferries in suitable weather, where you can visit the house of the principal island author, Tomás Ó Criomhthain (‘The Islandman”) faithfully restored in 2017. You can wander through the deserted island village and trek the length of the

island taking in the spectacular scenery. Professional guides with a wealth of knowledge of the physical, literary and social heritage of the Blaskets are on hand to conduct tours of the island village and to answer all your questions about this magical lonely island.

The attention to authenticity, the excellence of the restorations, the quality of guide staff, the spectacular, remote location of both Island and the mainland Blasket Centre are key to the rave reviews that the Blasket Experience achieves from those that visit. Stop by for an unforgettable experience!