The Great Blasket
Centre and Island
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.
Full captions and copyright information for all images can be found in the Gallery. If you would like to use any of the images you see on this website, please contact us.