A new imaginative multi-media experience has opened re-telling the story of the Blasket islands.

Vincent Ó Gormáin (Guide Ionad an Bhlascaoid) with Deputy Brendan Griffin TD and Minister for State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan who re-opened the iconic Blasket Centre (Ionad an Bhlascaoid). Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

Seán Ó Cearna the youngest and only living Blasket Islander looking at his uncle Seán Sheáin Í Chearnaigh Islander with The Minister for State (Office of Public Works) Patrick O’Donovan at the official opening of Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

Lorcán Ó Cinnéde (Manager Ionad an Bhlascaoid centre) with Micheál de Mordha former Manager and Máire Ní Shúilleabháin Uí Chíobháin daughter of famed Blasket author Muiris Ó Súilleabháin at the official opening by The Minister for State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan at the iconic Blasket Centre (Ionad an Bhlascaoid) in Dún Chaoin. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

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The flagship visitor experience - which pays homage to the cultural footprint the islanders left in a series of books documenting their lives - is expected to generate €1.6m for local economy over five years following an investment of €2.9m from Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The Minister for State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan, and Máire Ní Shúilleabháin Uí Chíobháin, daughter of famed Blasket author Muiris Ó Súilleabháin, re-opened the iconic Blasket Centre (Ionad an Bhlascaoid) in Dún Chaoin on the Western edge of the Dingle Peninsula on Monday, making it another exciting focal point for people to come and discover along the Wild Atlantic Way

TRANSFORMATION

Adjacent to the recently opened viewing platform with spectacular views over the Blasket Islands, the project includes a total transformation of the centre’s exhibitions to deliver an authentic, and imaginative re-telling of the story of the Blasket islands, their rich heritage and their literature which is of national and international significance.

The centre has been designated as a Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point, and together with the walkway and viewing platform, which opened to the public in 2020, offers dramatic views of the Blasket Island archipelago and the Atlantic coastline.

The centre provides direct employment for 20 people when in operation and will support over 250 additional jobs in this Gaeltacht region.

“The story of the Blasket Islands is one of great interest to domestic and international audiences," Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD said.

"The renewed visitor experience at the Blasket Centre is an exciting and imaginative opportunity for visitors to engage with the richness of that culture.”