Great Blasket Island, known in Irish as An Blascaod Mór, is the largest of the Blasket Islands, a small group lying off the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, on Ireland's Atlantic coast. It is best known for its deserted village, whose empty cottages stand as a quiet reminder of the community that once lived there.
What to expect
The island is a heritage site rather than a place of built attractions, so a visit is mainly about walking, looking and reading the landscape. Visitors can wander through the old village and take in the stone dwellings, while the surrounding coastline offers wide and striking views across the water.
- The deserted village, with its remaining houses and paths
- Stunning coastal views in every direction
- A landscape shaped by generations of island life
Literary heritage
The island has a rich literary heritage, and it is this, as much as its scenery, that draws many people who come to it. Its story belongs to the wider tradition of Irish-language writing, and reading about that background before or after a visit can add a good deal to the experience.
Planning your visit
Great Blasket Island lies in Co. Kerry, and the nearby area of the Dingle Peninsula offers further scenery, villages and coastal walks to combine with a trip. For details on getting there and what to expect on the day, you can contact the island's information line at +353 66 915 6444. It is worth checking arrangements in advance, as access depends on the weather and the sea.
