The Blasket Islands is a small archipelago of 6 main islands plus many tiny smaller islands lying about 5km off the Dingle peninsula. A brief overview of Great Blasket Island and other (6) Blasket Islands ( Blaskets), Co. Kerry, Ireland The Blasket Islands - na Blascaodaí - are the most westerly group of islands in Ireland and mainland continental Europe, which is the reason why the phrase "next parish America" is often used about the Dún Chaoin / Blasket Islands area. At its peak, the islands had 175 residents.
Voted the No.1 activity on the Dingle Peninsula - An Eco Experience that showcases the best the Blasket Islands has to offer. Enhance your day visit with an overnight stay in unique Island lodgings in one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland - A true Irish Experience. For more information about The Great Blasket Island Boat tours, Island Accommodation and Blasket Island Trips please contact: Billy (Skipper) : 00 353 86 057 2626 Alice (Bookings) : 00353 86 313 5098 The few remaining residents departed the island in 1953. The island’s population decreased during the following decades, as emigration to America or to the mainland towns of the new Republic of Ireland drew families away. The Great Blasket was inhabited by islanders until 1953, but a decline in their population and turf, their only source of fuel became scarce caused their departure. Great Blasket Island Experience Unique Boat Tours and Accommodation: Over 1,100 acres of unspoiled largely mountainous terrain, the Great Blasket Island is approximately 4 miles long by 1/2 mile wide. Recommended. The population increased between 1946-47 but this trend was very short lived. Blasket Islands. The Great Blasket Island is the largest among the Blasket Islands, which are the westernmost islands off the coast of Ireland. According to the Census of 1951 (two years prior to the evacuation) 27 people were recorded as living on the Great Blasket. Sadly, the once vibrant Blasket Island community declined as a result of the persistent emigration of its young people, until eventually the Island was abandoned in 1953 when only 22 inhabitants remained. 63 Reviews #107 of 404 things to do in County Kerry. This island measures roughly 3 kilometers by 1 kilometer (2 miles by ½ mile) and is predominantly rocky. It is also the westernmost point of Europe and has a long, fascinating history.
T he Blasket islands were inhabited until 1953 by a completely Irish-speaking population and today are part of the Gaeltacht or Irish speaking region. Blasket Islands; Search. Sadly, the once vibrant Blasket Island community declined as a result of the persistent emigration of its young people, until eventually the Island was abandoned in 1953 when only 22 inhabitants remained. Great Blasket is part of the Blasket islands, the five other main islands being Beginish, Inishabro, Inishvickillane, Inishtooskert and Tearaght, off the coast of Kerry. Islands.
A speed boat tour combined with an abundance of wildlife, history and culture. Get the full experience and book a tour. At its peak, some 175 people resided on An Blascaod Mór and made a living by working its land. The population is said to have reached a peak of 176 in 1916. Islands. Great Blasket is estimated to have reached a peak population of approximately 170 to 200 people in the early 1900s. Home to an abundance of wildlife and fauna, the Great Blasket Island is …
63 Reviews #107 of 404 things to do in County Kerry. Nearby Experiences. Therefore there were only approximately 3 women to every 10 men living on the island in 1947. The biggest island, An Blascaod Mór (called simply “The Great Blasket Island" in English), is a popular haunt for visitors keen to get a look at the stunning environment that sustained its inhabitants for so long. The Blasket Islands, a group of six Atlantic islands off the coast of Co. Kerry, consist of the main Great Blasket Island, Beginish, Inishabro, Inishvickillane, Inishtooskert, and Tearaght Island. The population is said to have reached a peak of 176 in 1916. The Blasket Centre was built in 1993, and serves an important role in preserving the island legacy, drawing over 40,000 visitors each year. These islands are Ireland’s, and Europe’s, most westerly point. The population of the Great Blasket Island grew to as many as 160 people towards the end of the 19th century.
The Blasket Island Foundation also has promoted efforts to preserve the island and, eventually, to create the Great Blasket Island National Historic Park.
Our most popular tours and activities. Even at it’s peak, only around 175 people lived on Great Blasket Island, but it seems the rugged lifestyle and wild terrain were a creative inspiration as the population included three notable Irish writers, Thomas O’Crohan, Maurice O’Sullivan, and Peig Sayers, who gifted the world with fine literature that sprang from their inner thoughts. The islands, in particular the Great Blasket, are renowned for their wild ruggedness and beauty.