Blasket Islands Islands

Address: Blasket Islands (An Blascaod), off the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland

The Blasket Islands are a small archipelago off the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland, known for their remnant Gaelic-speaking communities and literary heritage. The islands were inhabited until the mid-20th century and the largest island, the Great Blasket, contains the remains of a village and cultural landmarks linked to 19th- and early 20th-century island life.

The islands are steep, largely treeless and important for seabirds and coastal flora; several of the smaller isles are uninhabited and used primarily as bird colonies. Visits are typically made by small excursion boats from the Dingle area, with landings limited by sea and weather conditions.

Geographically the group lies off the Dingle Peninsula, a few kilometres from the mainland coast near Dunquin and Ventry, and forms the westernmost inhabited (formerly inhabited) outposts of County Kerry.

• Evacuation history: The island group was permanently evacuated in 1953; surviving ruins and landscape reflect a long Gaelic literary and fishing community tradition.
• Access and transport: Access is by small boat from the Dingle Peninsula (often from Dunquin); landing depends on sea conditions and many trips are seasonal.

What to See#

• Great Blasket Island: Great Blasket Island - the largest of the group and location of the former village with abandoned cottages and cultural sites linked to the island’s 19th-20th century Gaelic-speaking community.
• Outlying isles and bird colonies: Smaller islands such as Inishvickillane and Tearaght that are largely uninhabited and important for seabird colonies and rugged coastal scenery.

Seasonal ferry services run from Dunquin (Dún Chaoin) or from Dingle, weather permitting. Private charters operate as well; crossings last 20-50 minutes depending on conditions.

• If planning to camp, secure permits and arrange for a guided landing - access is controlled and weather can strand boats.
• Respect islanders' homes: most buildings are private and the islands have a small resident community.
• Bring a good paperback of local literature - the islands inspired Gaelic and English writers and are quiet places for reading.