Blasket Islands | Dingle

The Blasket Islands are a group of six islands located off the southwest coast of Ireland, just off the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. These islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance. The Blasket Islands were once home to a small Gaelic-speaking community, and the islands remain a symbol of Ireland’s rural past and island life.

1. Overview

• Location: The Blasket Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean, about 3–5 kilometers (2–3 miles) off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula. The main islands are Great Blasket Island, Inishvickillane, Inishtooskert, Beginish, Tearaght, and Little Blasket Island.
• The islands are known for their dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, sandy beaches, and rich birdlife, as well as their importance in Irish literature and culture.
• Great Blasket Island is the largest and most well-known of the islands and is accessible to visitors by boat.

2. History and Cultural Significance

• The Blasket Islands were home to a unique Gaelic-speaking community for centuries. The people of the islands lived a traditional lifestyle, reliant on farming, fishing, and seafaring. The isolation of the islands meant that the community developed its own way of life, maintaining a strong connection to Irish language, culture, and traditions.
• Decline of the Community: The population of the Blasket Islands began to decline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as living conditions became increasingly difficult due to harsh weather, isolation, and limited resources. The islands were officially abandoned in 1953, when the remaining inhabitants were relocated to the mainland due to the declining population and worsening living conditions.
• Literary Legacy: The Blasket Islands gained international recognition through the works of the writers who came from the islands. Notable figures include Peig Sayers, whose autobiography "Peig" is considered one of the most important works of Irish literature. Other writers include Tomás Ó Criomhthain, author of "The Islandman", and Muiris Ó Súilleabháin, who wrote "Twenty Years A-Growing". These works provide a window into the life and culture of the islanders and have been translated into numerous languages.

3. The Islands Today

• Today, the Blasket Islands are a popular tourist destination known for their natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance. The islands are mostly uninhabited, with only a handful of people living on Great Blasket Island in the summer for the purpose of maintaining the island and its historical sites.
• Great Blasket Island is the most visited, and visitors can explore the ruins of old houses, the schoolhouse, and the church. The island also has a visitor center that offers exhibits about the history and culture of the Blasket community, and guided tours are available.
• Tearaght Island is the most remote of the islands, known for its steep cliffs, lighthouse, and the beacon for mariners. It is not accessible to the public, but boat tours often pass by to offer views of this rugged island.

4. Attractions and Things to Do

• Boating and Tours: The best way to explore the Blasket Islands is by boat. There are numerous boat tours that depart from Dingle Harbour and take visitors to Great Blasket Island and other nearby islands. These tours often include birdwatching and dolphin sightings, as the waters around the islands are home to a rich variety of marine life.
• Hiking on Great Blasket Island: Once on Great Blasket Island, visitors can enjoy hiking along the island’s trails. These trails lead to stunning viewpoints where you can admire the surrounding ocean, cliffs, and mainland. The island also offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life, with the ruins of old stone cottages and historic buildings.
• Blasket Centre: Located on the mainland in Dún Chaoin, the Blasket Centre is a museum dedicated to the history, culture, and literature of the Blasket Islands. The center offers exhibits, interactive displays, and audio-visual presentations, providing in-depth information about the islanders and their way of life.
• Wildlife Watching: The Blasket Islands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, and visitors can often spot dolphins, seals, and whales. The islands themselves are home to a variety of bird species, including gannets, puffins, and kittiwakes. The cliffs and sea stacks are popular nesting sites for seabirds, making it a top destination for birdwatching.

5. Best Time to Visit

• Summer (May–September) is the best time to visit the Blasket Islands, as the weather is milder, and boat tours to the islands operate regularly. The summer months are also when most of the island’s historic buildings and visitor facilities are open, and when the surrounding waters are calmer.
• Autumn (October–November) is also a good time to visit for those who prefer fewer crowds. The weather may be cooler, and some services may reduce, but the islands are still accessible for adventurous travelers.
• Winter (December–February) brings cold and windy weather, and boat tours to the islands are typically unavailable due to rough seas. The Blasket Islands are best avoided during this period unless you are planning to visit the Blasket Centre on the mainland.

6. How to Get There

• The most common way to reach the Blasket Islands is by boat from Dingle Harbour, which offers regular ferry services to Great Blasket Island. Guided boat tours often include visits to the islands and the opportunity to see the surrounding coastline and wildlife.
• Dún Chaoin, located at the end of the Slea Head Drive, is the starting point for many boat tours and is home to the Blasket Centre, where you can learn more about the islands before embarking on your trip.

7. Conclusion

The Blasket Islands offer a unique opportunity to explore a remote and historically significant part of Ireland. With their rugged landscapes, fascinating history, and literary legacy, they are a must-visit for those interested in Ireland’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. Whether you are hiking on Great Blasket Island, taking a boat tour around the islands, or learning about the community that once thrived there, a visit to the Blasket Islands is a memorable experience that connects visitors with both the past and the unspoiled natural world of the Atlantic coast.