The Great Blasket is the largest of the seven Blasket Islands. This island is renowned for its sheer beauty, its literary heritage and its diverse marine life of seals, whales, dolphins , puffins and colonies of sea birds. The island ceased to be inhabited in 1953. The way of life on the island however was documented by the islanders who dictated or wrote their stories down.
So, start the day by going to the Blasket Centre in Dunquin. This is an Interpretative Centre that looks out on to the Great Blasket Island. Here you will become acquainted not only with the islanders way of life but also their beliefs and traditions.
Then take the Blasket Island ferry from Dunquin across the beautiful Blasket Sound and see for yourself the beauty and isolation of the Great Blasket. On the island you can walk through the now deserted village that was once vibrant with life. You can visit the beach and watch the seals at play and at rest. The books penned by these island people were translated into many languages and have been read by people all over the world.