The Great Blasket
Centre and Island

The Blasket Centre re-opened on June 28th 2022 after a major refurbishment. Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, have together invested €2.9 million into the Centre. The project includes a total transformation of the Centre’s exhibitions to deliver an authentic, and imaginative re-telling of the story of the Blasket islands, their rich heritage and their literature which is of national and international significance. The spectacular clifftop viewing platform is also open. OPW guide services operate on the Great Blasket.


With stunning views of the wild Atlantic coast and islands at the halfway point of the Slea Head Drive, the Blasket Centre is a fascinating heritage and cultural centre/ museum, honouring the unique community who lived on the remote Blasket Islands until their evacuation in 1953.

The Blasket Centre tells the story of island life, subsistence fishing and farming, traditional life including modes of work and transport, home life, housing and entertainment. The Centre details the community’s struggle for existence, their language and culture, and the extraordinary literary legacy they left behind- classics such as The Islandman, Twenty Years A-Growing, and Peig.  Their story is told using a variety of means – exhibitions, interactive displays, artefacts, audio visual presentations and artworks. Visible from the Centre is Great Blasket Island. Tours of the deserted village on the island are also available.

The Blasket Centre is the result of a partnership between The Blasket Foundation and the Irish Government. The Blasket Centre and tours of the Island are now operated and managed by the Heritage Services of the Office of Public Works.

Plan a Visit

Opening hours, location, transport, and important health and safety notices for the Island.

Online Tour

Take the tour from the comfort of your armchair!

Collection

View highlights of the permanent collection.

Education

Information for teachers and students.

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