blasket islands

Boat services are operated co-operatively by local boatmen. Boats are purpose built vessels, fitted with all the available safety features. (Inflateable life-rafts, fire extinguisher, life-jackets, radios, radar, echo sounder, G.P.S. etc.)

They are inspected and licensed yearly by Department of Marine Surveryors. The crew of each boat have gained experience over many years and hold skippers tickets, fire fighting, V.H.F. Radio, electronic navigation systems, a water safety diploma, etc.

Ferry boats leave Dun Chaoin Pier daily every half-hour from 10.00 a.m. (weather permitting).

Round the island cruises & angling trips are also available.

Life was always hard on the Great Blasket. The land was not very fertile, but each household grew its own potato crop, kept a cow, plus a small flock of sheep on the island's hills. Turf was cut near the highest point and drawn home by donkeys. The sea provided the mainstay of the island's economy. Fresh and salted fish made up a large proportion of the diet, lobsters and mackerel were sold to Dingle fish merchants. All cooking and heating came from the open fire, which was kept going all year round.
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The island's population varied from one to over two hundred people. It was an extremely hard life, the Island had no doctor, nurse or priest, pub or shop, and the only contact with the outside world was a naomhog (currach) crossing to Dun Chaoin, then an eight mile trip over the mountain to Dingle.

The most westerly land in Europe are a unique group of islands, inhabited for thousands of years, they were finally abandoned in 1953, when the last inhabitants were moved to the mainland. On the Great Blasket, life has stood still, there is no electricty, 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 miles to the west end of the Island.

The Island café povides the best of home cooking at very reasonable prices.

Return to Dun Chaoin in the late afternoon.