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The Blasket Islands are a group of Islands off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry Ireland. They are the most westerly islands in Europe.

Great Blasket Island is the largest of this island group, renowned for its abundant wildlife, particularly sea birds, its scenic beauty, and its interesting history. It is also famous for the many acclaimed writers who emerged from the vibrant community of people who once lived there. Their written accounts of life on the island are now considered to be classics of literature, and there are translations of these books in many countries of the world. The once thriving community of 150 or more people declined, as emigration, mainly to the USA, took its toll on the population, and when the Island was finally vacated in 1953 there were only 22 people living on the Island. The islanders homes fairly quickly fell to ruin, only a few of them have been maintained by their owners who use them for summer visits.

To spend a day on the island feels like a great privilege - walking amongst the ruins, paddling on the beach under the watchful eyes of the seals and sea birds, walking the length of the island to marvel at the views of the other islands and mainland and enjoy the peace and tranquillity away from traffic. To spend a night or two is totally magical, to observe the changing colours of the sunset, listen to the whispering sounds of the sea and the gentle summer breeze, have a glass or two of wine beside a turf fire and ponder at the lives of the people who once lived there, with their language, music, dance, and also their many hardships. As midnight approaches one can experience the unforgettable cacophony of the Manx Shearwater returning in their thousands to their colonies.

Ferries to Great Blasket Island run daily from Dunquin Pier throughout the summer, weather permitting.

Many of the photos here are available in 3 or 4 sizes, up to 36 x 24 inches (91cm x 60cms) maximum. There may be more sizes available than shown on the image information. Please click the Information link above for more details.

Blasket Islands
Stormy weather view of The Blasket Islands
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On Great Blasket Island
Looking towards Dunmore Head on the mainland, with the sun lighting up the foreground and a little of the sea. Peig Sayers House is amongst the white buildings on the right.
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View from Great Blasket Island
Viewing the Island of Beginish and the mainland from Great Blasket Island
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Great Blasket Island
The Island, viewed from Dunquin, by the pier, on a stormy December Day.
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On Great Blasket Island
Looking towards the mainland
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Blaskets from Mt Eagle 08
View from a walk up Mount Eagle
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Tiaracht
An Tiaracht, one of the group of Islands known as The Blasket Islands, viewed from Great Blasket Island
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On Great Blasket Island
Viewing Inishvickillane, Inis na Bró, and An Tiaracht, from the westerly end of the Great Blasket Island.
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On Great Blasket Island 087
View of the beach and some of the ruins on the Island
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Open Door
Looking out the door of an old cottage on Great Blasket Island
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Blasket Islands from Mount Eagle
From the top of Mount Eagle, one can be treated to this wonderful view of the Blaskets.
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Blaskets from Mt. Eagle
View of the Islands and Dunquin fields. The heather is in full bloom. Available in all sizes from 11 x 8 up to 24 x 36 inches
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Blasket Heather 09
On Gt.Blasket with heather in the foreground of the picture, and the mainland is in the distance. Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry. Available in all sizes from 8 x 11 up to 24 x 36 inches.
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On Great Blasket 053
On Gt.Blasket Island. Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry. Available in all sizes from 8 x 11 up to 24 x 36 inches.
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On Great Blasket 047
On Gt.Blasket Island. Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry. Available in all sizes from 8 x 11 up to 24 x 36 inches.
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On Great Blasket
On Gt.Blasket with the mainland in the distance. Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry. Available in all sizes from 8 x 11 up to 24 x 36 inches.
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On Blasket with Heather 043
The heather on the island can be spectacular. Available in all sizes from 12 x 8 up to 36 x 24 inches
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On Great Blasket 041
This photo shows Dunquin on the mainland and Mount Brandon in the distance. Available in all sizes from 12 x 8 up to 36 x 24 inches
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On Gt Blasket Island
As seen from the Island with the mainland in view. Available in all sizes from 11 x 8 up to 24 x 36 inches
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Blasket Islands from Mt Eagle 34
View from a walk up Mt. Eagle
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