Press release
Taoiseach visits An Blascaod Mór and attends the annual ‘Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid’
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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, were in Kerry today (9 September) to see the Office of Public Works’ ongoing restoration works on An Blascaod Mór (the Great Blasket) and attend the annual ‘Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid’ commemoration.
Speaking after his visit to the Great Blasket and attending the commemoration, the Taoiseach said:
“The Blasket Islands are one of the most beautiful places in Ireland and are a priceless cultural asset. I really don't know why I hadn't made the trip before now. Visiting the Great Blasket is like stepping into a different time and place. It's living history and heritage. It’s essential that we preserve the island and its villages, as an irreplaceable legacy, and a unique tourism asset. The OPW is conducting essential work to conserve and protect the Great Blasket so that visitors, whether from Ireland or overseas, can appreciate the astonishing beauty and heritage of these islands, and the richness of their culture. Our focus now is on improving the landing facilities on the island and the Island itself, in a way that protects nature and wildlife.”
The Taoiseach and Minister O’Donovan visited the former home on the Great Blasket of author Tomás Ó Criomhthain, which has been restored by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
They also attended the Annual ‘Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid’ at the OPW’s Ionad an Bhlascaoid/The Blasket Centre, which has been fully restored. This annual three-day gathering on the history and heritage of the Blasket Islands was founded in 1996. This year its focus was on youth on the island – Turas go Tír na nÓg – Óige an Bhlascaoid Mhóir agus Sliocht an Oileáin i gCéin (A Trip to the Land of Youth: Youth on the Great Blasket and Island families abroad).
The Taoiseach also viewed recent refurbishments to the Blasket Centre, including the new exhibition on the story of the Blaskets and the significant cultural legacy of their inhabitants.
The last Blascaod Mór residents were evacuated from the island in 1953, but they left an extraordinary cultural and literary legacy through a remarkable series of books which emanated from within their tiny community.
Minister O’Donovan said:
“The refurbishment of the Blasket Centre last year demonstrates what the State can achieve by working collaboratively. This year we secured an agreement to provide toilet facilities for visitors to the island and we are currently working on a Conservation Management Plan which will consider the conservation and protection of the built heritage but also the marine and environmental ecology of the island.”
Photography from the visit will be available from Domnick Walsh, info@dwalshphoto.ie
For further information, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie
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Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid 2023 runs from 8-10 September at The Blasket Centre, Dún Chaoin, Co. Kerry.
This year’s programme was themed around young people on the island and the Blasket diaspora abroad. The local national and secondary schools have been invited to participate to represent the contemporary youth of the Dingle Peninsula, and the Ceiliúradh is delighted to welcome students from Inis Meain, another Gaeltacht island community.
Speakers for the 2023 event included: