Blasket Islands

Introducing Blasket Islands

The Blasket Islands (Na Blascaodaí), 5km out into the Atlantic, are the most westerly islands in Europe. At 6km by 1.2km, Great Blasket (An Blascaod Mór) is the largest and most visited, and is mountainous enough for strenuous walks, including a good one detailed in Kevin Corcoran’s Kerry Walks. All of the Blaskets were inhabited at one time or another; there is evidence of Great Blasket being inhabited during the Iron Age and early Christian times. The last islanders left for the mainland in 1953 after the government and the remaining inhabitants agreed that it was no longer feasible to live in such remote and harsh conditions.

You could camp on the islands, but there are no facilities. There’s accommodation in Dunquin.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009