Dingle Peninsula - Ireland 2014 - page 391

www.blasketisland.com ) . There are also scenic two-hour Blasket Island Eco Tour circuit
cruises from Dunquin Harbor, which depart at 12:30 and 14:30 (€35, April-Sept only,
same phone numbers). Or you can combine the Eco Tour with a stop for time on the
island (€40, call for schedule). Dunquin has a fine hostel (tel. [phone], closed
10:00-17:00).
From Dingle Town (An Daingean): In summer, various boats run between Dingle
town and the Blasket Islands. The ride (which may include a quick look at Fungie the
dolphin) traces the spectacular coastline all the way to Slea Head. The boats offer similar
services from Dingle town and operate when there's enough demand. These boats also do
three-hour eco-tours for those interested in puffins, dolphins, and seals. The tricky land-
ing at Great Blasket Island's primitive little boat ramp makes getting off a challenge and
landing virtually impossible in a storm (€30 same-day round-trip; departs from the marina
pier in Dingle at 11:00 and 14:00; returns from Great Blasket at 15:00 and 18:30, includes
45-minute ride each way with 3 hours to explore island, call to confirm sailing times—or
for more details on the eco-tours—at tel. [phone] or mobile [phone]).
▲▲▲ Great Blasket Centre (Ionad An Blascaod Mór)
Note that this sight isn't on the Blasket Islands, but on the mainland facing the islands. It's
an essential stop before visiting the islands—or a good place to learn about them without
making the crossing (fits neatly with my recommended “Dingle Peninsula Loop Trip,”
earlier).
This state-of-the-art Blascaod and Gaelic heritage center gives visitors the best look
possible at the language, literature, and way of life of Blasket Islanders. The building's
award-winning design mixes interpretation and the surrounding countryside. Its spine, a
sloping village lane, leads to an almost sacred view of the actual island. Don't miss the ex-
ceptional 20-minute video (shows on the half hour), then hear the sounds, read the poems,
browse through old photos, and gaze out the big windows at those rugged islands... and
imagine. Even if you never got past limericks, the poetry of these people—so pure and
close to each other and nature—will have you dipping your pen into the cry of the birds.
Cost and Hours: €4, Easter-Oct Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 11:00-18:00, closed Nov-
Easter, fine cafeteria, well-signposted on the Slea Head Drive near Dunquin/Dún Chaoin,
tel. [phone].