The Blasket Islands.
The most westerly lands in Europe are a unique group of Islands, inhabitated for tousands of years, they were finally abandoned in 1953, when the last inhabitants were moved to the mainland. On the Grear Blasket, life stood still, there is no electricity, no phone, no television, no cars, only the sound of the sea, the cry of the gulls, unspoilt beaches, extraordinary bird life and a uniquely peaceful atmosphere.
No similar sized community in any part of the world has produced such a wealth of great literature. We recommend that you come early' visit the houses of the famous writers, swim on the magnificent White Strand, or walk back the four milesto the west end of the Island. The Island cafe provides the best of home cooking at very reasonable prices. Return to Dun Chaoin in late afternoon.
Blasket Island Links.
The number of people living on the Island has ebbed and
flowed. There was a population of about 150 living there in 1840, but after
the Great Famine that had decreased to 100. The population is said to have
reached its peak in 1916, at 176. From then on it was in decline until 1953/54
when the Blasket was abandoned.
www.dingle-peninsula.ie/blaskets.html
Remote, unspoilt and unpolluted,
these islands are spectacularly beautiful. They are home to an incredible
number of breeding seabirds, the surrounding seas are home to Dolphins, Porpoises,
Atlantic Seals and even the occasional Whale or Ocra.
www.blaskettours.com
The Great Blasket Island, the most Westerly point in Europe, is the largest of a group of islands located 3 miles off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula Gaeltacht, 13 kilometers west of Dingle town. In the past few years a number of the houses have been restored and amenities provided for visitors to the island. www.greatblasketisland.com
