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This is a thoroughly fascinating museum about the Great Blasket Island and the people who lived there. It explains their way of life, how they lived and worked. There's a short film as well as guided tours. We ate lunch at the cafe which had a variety of cold and hot food, coffee and drinks. I would've spent all day in the museum if time had allowed. The museum displays are so interesting and you need a couple hours at least to see and read everything. The gift shop has some interesting books that are only available there so it's best to buy them when you visit. The museum was actually one of the highlights of our visit to Ireland. It's a must-see stop while you're taking the Slea Head Drive.

Its a nice modern centre dedicated to the former inhabitants of the Blasket Islands. That said, as an American, I really wasn't all that interested on in learning about these people. Blasket Islanders seem to be the equivalent of the Amish in America. A small group of cooky people want to live a harsh life living off the land away from civilization. What's the big deal? I guess it is a big deal, because someone put in a lot of money for this place! €4.00 entry fee...no regrets, but I wouldn't come here again. Nice cafe with friendly staff.
One of the better museums I've been to in my life. Yes, it's small but filled with stories and color from those who lived on the island. Great artifacts and very good use of technology. Cannot recommend this enough. In one hour, you'll be drawn into a list community. read more
The Blasket Island Visitor Centre (Ionad an Bhlascaoid) is an interpretative center in Dún Chaoin, on the Dingle Peninsula (County Kerry) dedicated to the history, culture, and literary legacy of the former island community (abandoned in 1953). It features exhibits on the islanders' daily life, fishing, farming, and the famous literature produced there, such as Peig by Peig Sayers. The center offers an immersive experience with audiovisual displays, artifacts, interactive features, a cafe, and stunning views of the Great Blasket Island. Gayle and I loved the architecture of this Centre, along with a nice introduction video, a hallway honoring various authors from Great Blasket Island, and numerous displays that sliced this place in various different ways. There's one iconic view from the inside and a not-to-be missed observation platform outside. The only thing missing was taking one of the excursions (that leave from Dingle) to the Island itself. Don't miss the bookstore on the way out, where you can purchase a book (or 2) about the Island and from the authors who lived here. My choice was "The Loneliest Boy in the World" (The Last Child of the Great Blasket Island" by Gearóid Cheaist Ó Catháin. read more
The Blasket Centre was free with our Heritage Card and an excellent visit to learn about the Island, island life and its former inhabitants. The Centre itself was a modern building with a well laid out exhibits covering the people, language, the difficulties of living on this remote island and ultimately the resettlement. The intro movie was very helpful and worth viewing at the start of the visit. The main aisle contained bios about the authors from the island. At the end was a nice seating area with a view towards the island. A busy cafe was to the right of the admission desk. Restrooms also located here. Outside was a walking path that would've taken out to a coastal view but we skipped due to the rain. Must see on the Slea Head Drive. read more
This is a thoroughly fascinating museum about the Great Blasket Island and the people who lived there. It explains their way of life, how they lived and worked. There's a short film as well as guided tours. We ate lunch at the cafe which had a variety of cold and hot food, coffee and drinks. I would've spent all day in the museum if time had allowed. The museum displays are so interesting and you need a couple hours at least to see and read everything. The gift shop has some interesting books that are only available there so it's best to buy them when you visit. The museum was actually one of the highlights of our visit to Ireland. It's a must-see stop while you're taking the Slea Head Drive. read more
Very interesting stop along the edge of the Dingle Peninsula! If you are doing the Slea Head drive or walking the Wild Atlantic Way, this is a great stop for a break, a bathroom, and some interesting history. The building seems to be fairly new, and is lovely. There is a small fee for the display section, but the cafe and restrooms are in the entryway and don't have a fee. The museum section starts with a short video, which helps the rest of the displays make more sense. The art and displays are interesting and very well done. The whole exhibit isn't terribly large, but you could easily spend an hour or more. Overall a great little place, and well worth a stop! read more
Its a nice modern centre dedicated to the former inhabitants of the Blasket Islands. That said, as an American, I really wasn't all that interested on in learning about these people. Blasket Islanders seem to be the equivalent of the Amish in America. A small group of cooky people want to live a harsh life living off the land away from civilization. What's the big deal? I guess it is a big deal, because someone put in a lot of money for this place! €4.00 entry fee...no regrets, but I wouldn't come here again. Nice cafe with friendly staff. read more
7 years ago
Beautiful building and fascinating exhibit. It was probably especially interesting for me because I am originally from Springfield Massachusetts and my great grandparents came from the Dingle area. read more
10 years ago
Didn't go through the museum, But the cafe was excellent! Got the chicken bacon salad, pineapple cheese melt, tomato soup, and rhubarb pie. read more
I very much enjoyed my visit to the Great Blasket Centre in Dún Chaoin to get my cultural fill during a weekend trip to Corca Dhuibhne. The centre is cheap to visit, only €4 for adults or €2 for students, and for that price you are shown a film about the islanders and their literature and history. The Blaskets were populated until the 1950's, when it became clear that medical and other important services could not be provided for the people in an adequate manner. Since then, they have been unoccupied by humans for most of the year. What's most interesting about the islands is the amazing literary canon that has come from them. Thanks to international scholars visiting the islands and encouraging the people to tell their stories, these valuable stories are published and available today. The museum tells visitors about the authors and their books, and they can be purchased from the museum shop. I particularly recommend Fiche Bliain ag Fás (Twenty Years A Growing) by Muiris Ó Súilleabháin. The museum also has a café serving tasty food and drinks for reasonable prices. One other positive thing that anyone can enjoy is the architecture of the building, which fits seamlessly in with the surroundings, unlike many of the holiday homes perched on the hills around the village! read more
9 years ago
Just stopped for lunch. Very vegetarian friendly. Enjoyed the meal - had enough pub food and had a backed potato which came with a nice salad. read more
Take the time to visit the centre when one does go out to the islands. Excellent insight into the heritage of the islands and their famous writers. Amazing the hardy people would made a life and culture in such a hostile condition. read more
10 years ago
This was great stop on a bike tour around Dingle peninsula. Most exhibits focus on the start of a village, city or town, where this is focused on the end of one. Very interesting. Also has a nice cafe to get a lunch while looking out at the island. The fish and chips were hot and light. read more
13 years ago
This wonderfully informative center on the history of the Blasket Islands also offers a cafeteria with a great view of the Islands, serving cooked to order hot menu items. it is great place for a lunch break whilst touring the Slea head drive. We had their Atlantic Rasher fish and chips - best fish and chips on our Ireland trip so far. read more
More info about The Great Blasket Centre
Slea Head Drive
Dunquin, Co. Kerry
Republic of Ireland
Directions
(066) 915 6025
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Visit Website
http://blasket.ie/en/#_=_
Hours
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Does The Great Blasket Centre have free WiFi?
Yes, The Great Blasket Centre has free WiFi.
Review Highlights - The Great Blasket Centre
“it is great place for a lunch break whilst touring the Slea head drive.”
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