Great Blasket Island: Day Trip Guide (Ferry, Hiking & What to Expect)
We sat in the car park at Dunquin Pier watching the Atlantic swell roll in, waiting for a phone call that would either make or break our day. The ferry operator had already cancelled yesterday's crossing due to weather, and now--24 hours later--we were back again, fingers crossed that the sea gods would be kinder.
Great Blasket Island is one of those places that reveals Ireland's raw, untamed side. Located three kilometres off the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, this uninhabited island was once home to a thriving Irish-speaking community until its evacuation in 1953. Today, it's a haunting combination of stunning coastal scenery, abandoned village ruins, and some of the best wildlife spotting on the west coast.
Here's everything you need to know about visiting Great Blasket Island, including the reality of weather-dependent ferries, what to pack, and whether it's worth the effort (spoiler: absolutely yes).
Getting to Great Blasket Island: The Ferry Situation
Let's address the elephant in the room: visiting Great Blasket Island requires flexibility. The ferry crossing from Dunquin Pier takes approximately 20 minutes, but it's entirely dependent on weather and sea conditions. This isn't one of those tourist operations where they'll push through regardless--if the swell is too big or the wind too strong, they simply don't sail.
We learned this the hard way. Our first attempt in mid-July ended with a cancellation call at 8am. The operator explained that while the forecast looked promising later in the week, today's conditions made it impossible to safely land at the island's small harbour. Fair enough--we've got kids, and I'm not about to argue with someone who knows these waters better than I know my own postcode.
Ferry Operators and Booking
There are two main ferry operators running services to Great Blasket Island:
- Blasket Island Ferries - Departs from Dunquin Pier
- Dingle Bay Charters - Departs from Dingle Marina
We opted for Dunquin Pier because it's the closest departure point to the island (and the most dramatic). The crossing costs approximately €35 per adult and €20 per child, though prices vary slightly between operators. You can book online in advance, which I'd strongly recommend during peak season (July-August).
The ferry operates from May through September, weather permitting. Most departures run multiple times daily--typically around 10am, 11:30am, and 1pm, with return ferries at scheduled intervals. You'll usually have 3-4 hours on the island, which is perfect for a good hike and exploration.
The Reality Check
Here's what nobody mentions in the glossy tourism brochures: there's roughly a 30-40% cancellation rate during the season. The Atlantic doesn't care about your carefully planned itinerary. Our advice? Build in at least two possible days for the crossing if you're serious about visiting. The operator will typically call or text you the morning of departure to confirm or cancel.
What to Do on Great Blasket Island
Once you actually make it across (second time lucky for us), Great Blasket Island is genuinely spectacular. The island stretches about six kilometres long and one kilometre wide, with a network of informal hiking trails crisscrossing the terrain.
The Abandoned Village
The ferry drops you at a small harbour on the island's eastern side, and from there it's a short walk up to the abandoned village. This is where the island's former residents lived until the 1950s, when declining population and harsh living conditions made the community unsustainable.
Walking through the stone ruins is properly eerie. You can still make out individual houses, the old school, and the paths between buildings. Leo (9) was fascinated by trying to imagine what life must have been like here--no electricity, no running water, completely isolated during winter storms. Isla (6) was more interested in finding the "best climbing rocks," which, to be fair, are plentiful.
There's a small cafe operated seasonally near the village ruins, serving tea, coffee, and basic sandwiches. It's cash only, and it's your only option for food on the island, so plan accordingly.
Hiking to the Summit
The main hiking route takes you from the village up to the island's highest point at 292 metres. It's not technically difficult, but it's definitely moderate terrain--steep in places, with loose stones and uneven ground. We gave ourselves about 4-5 hours total, including plenty of stops for the kids.
The summit views are absolutely worth every bit of effort. On a clear day, you can see the entire Dingle Peninsula, the other Blasket Islands, and nothing but Atlantic Ocean stretching to America. We happened to have brilliant sunshine (rare enough in Ireland), and Sophie managed to capture some genuinely stunning photos.
The circular route takes you along the island's spine and then down the western side, where the cliffs drop dramatically into the sea. Watch the kids closely here--there are no safety barriers, and the wind can be fierce. We kept them well back from the edges, despite protests about wanting to see the seals better.
Wildlife Spotting
Speaking of seals--Great Blasket Island is brilliant for wildlife. We spotted grey seals lounging on the rocks and swimming in the shallow bays. They're completely unbothered by human presence, though you should keep your distance (and definitely don't let the kids try to pet one, no matter how much they resemble large, whiskered dogs).
If you visit in May or June, you might spot puffins nesting on the cliffs. We were there in July, just after the puffin breeding season ended, so we missed them. The island also hosts various seabirds including gannets, razorbills, and storm petrels. Bring binoculars if you're into birding.
What to Pack for Great Blasket Island
This isn't the manicured, visitor-centre-and-gift-shop kind of attraction. Great Blasket Island has no facilities beyond that small seasonal cafe. Here's what we brought:
- Water - At least 1.5 litres per person. There's nowhere to refill on the island.
- Food - Pack a proper lunch and snacks. The cafe is limited and often busy.
- Waterproofs - Even on sunny days, the weather can turn quickly. We started in t-shirts and ended up in rain jackets.
- Sturdy footwear - Hiking boots or good trail shoes. The terrain is rocky and uneven.
- Sun protection - There's minimal shade on the island. We went through an entire bottle of sunscreen.
- Warm layers - The wind on the summit is no joke, even in summer.
- Cash - For the cafe, if it's operating.
One thing we didn't anticipate: the island has no mobile phone signal. Properly off-grid. Sophie loved it; I felt mildly anxious for about twenty minutes before remembering that humanity survived millennia without WhatsApp.
Is Great Blasket Island Suitable for Kids?
Depends on the kids, honestly. Ours are reasonably experienced hikers (we've dragged them around enough of Europe), and they handled it fine. Leo walked the entire route without complaint. Isla needed a few encouragement breaks and one piggyback section near the summit.
The hiking isn't technical, but it does require stamina and sure-footedness. There are steep sections, loose stones, and those dramatic cliffs I mentioned. If your kids are under 5 or not comfortable with uneven terrain, this might not be the best choice.
The abandoned village ruins, though? Absolute gold for kids' imaginations. Better than any museum.
Plan B: What to Do if the Ferry Cancels
When our first ferry was cancelled, we needed a backup plan. Fortunately, the Dingle Peninsula has plenty of alternatives:
- Slea Head Drive - Stunning coastal route with multiple viewpoints of the Blasket Islands
- Dingle town - Colourful fishing town with excellent restaurants and Fungi the dolphin (though he's reportedly moved on)
- Inch Beach - Long sandy beach perfect for kids
- Gallarus Oratory - Ancient stone church dating back to the 12th century
We spent our cancelled day driving the Slea Head route and actually got spectacular views of Great Blasket Island from the mainland. Not the same as landing on it, but still worthwhile. There's a viewpoint at Dunmore Head that's particularly good.
If you're planning a trip to other parts of Ireland, check out our guide to exploring coastal destinations for more travel planning tips that apply to weather-dependent activities.
The History That Makes It Special
What elevates Great Blasket Island beyond just another scenic Irish destination is its cultural significance. The island produced several notable Irish-language writers in the early 20th century, including Tomás Ó Criomhthain and Peig Sayers. Their autobiographies provide remarkable insight into island life--harsh, isolated, but also deeply communal.
The decision to evacuate in 1953 came after years of declining population and increasing difficulty maintaining basic services. By the end, only 22 people remained. The Irish government finally relocated them to the mainland, ending thousands of years of continuous habitation.
Walking through those ruins, you can't help but feel the weight of that history. These weren't ancient prehistoric settlements--people were living here within living memory. Some of the evacuees are still alive today.
Practical Tips for Visiting Great Blasket Island
After our experience (cancelled ferry, successful second attempt, 5 hours of hiking, mildly sunburned children), here's what I'd do differently:
Book the earliest ferry possible. Weather conditions often deteriorate as the day progresses. The 10am departure gives you the best chance of actually sailing.
Check the forecast obsessively. Not just the general Kerry forecast, but specifically the marine forecast for the area. Wind speed and swell height matter more than whether it's sunny.
Stay flexible. Build that extra day into your itinerary. If you're on a tight schedule, you might end up disappointed.
Wear layers. The temperature difference between the sheltered harbour and the exposed summit is significant.
Don't rush. Take your time in the village ruins and on the hiking trails. This isn't a place to tick off quickly--the whole point is to experience the remoteness and atmosphere.
Respect the ruins. Don't climb on the fragile stone walls or remove anything. This is a protected archaeological site and former home to real people.
Is Great Blasket Island Worth Visiting?
After one cancelled ferry, a nervous second attempt, and a full day of hiking in conditions that ranged from glorious sunshine to horizontal rain (sometimes within the same hour), would I do it again?
Absolutely. Without hesitation.
Great Blasket Island is one of those rare places that genuinely delivers on its promise of wild, remote beauty. It's not easy to visit--the weather, the ferry dependence, the lack of facilities all add layers of complexity. But that's exactly what makes it special. Places that are difficult to reach tend to reward you proportionally.
The abandoned village is haunting and historically significant. The hiking is challenging but manageable for most reasonably fit families. The views are spectacular. And the wildlife encounters--particularly those utterly unbothered seals--create memories that outlast any amount of Instagram-friendly but ultimately forgettable tourist attractions.
Is it worth building flexibility into your Ireland itinerary? Yes. Is it worth the €35 ferry ticket? Absolutely. Is it worth potentially getting cancelled and having to try again? That depends on your tolerance for unpredictability, but in our experience, definitely yes.
Just remember: the Atlantic Ocean has the final say. Plan accordingly, pack properly, and if you do make it across, savour every moment on one of Ireland's most remarkable islands.
More from 2 Idiots Travel
