Blasket Islands is an Irish archipelago of 6 islands off the Dingle Peninsula. Also known by the Gaelic name“Na Blascaoidí“, these islands were once inhabited by a population that spoke only Gaelic, and whose precarious existence consisted of fishing and stockbreeding, while perpetuating the Gaelic traditions of yesteryear…
Located less than 2km off the Irish coast, the Blasket archipelago is easily distinguishable from the Dingle Peninsula. It rises up like a string of small, wild islands, all clustered around a larger one called “Great Blasket”.
Here are the names of the 6 islands:
Most of these islands, with the exception of An Tiaracht, were once inhabited, but were abandoned on November 17, 1953, when the government decided that living conditions on the islands were too difficult… It has to be said that the population lived essentially from fishing and livestock, made their own clothes, and often lived cut off from the rest of Ireland… What’s more, this population was shrinking from year to year, reaching just 22 inhabitants at the time of their departure!
In fact, life on the Blasket archipelago was so special that many antropologists and other scientists visited the islands to study the way of life of the local population, before they were forced to leave… Numerous books were published on their daily lives, their way of earning a living and perpetuating the Gaelic tradition…
Even today, a Visitor Centre on the Irish coast showcases the way of life of this courageous people, who lived to the rhythm of the ocean, the cold and the wind… There are sculptures, everyday objects and other relics of their daily lives… All for 3.50 per person.
In any case, you can reach the Blasket Islands by shuttle bus. A guide will then take you on an exploration of Great Blasket, the archipelago’s largest island, and introduce you to the life of the people who once inhabited the area… Don’t forget to wrap up warm because of the wind, and don’t hesitate to bring your camera: the wild landscapes are worth the detour!