We were unable to go out to the Blasket Islands on this trip, but after going through this beautiful museum, I cannot imagine not making it out there the next time I visit the Dingle Peninsula.

The museum features interesting exhibits on the language, culture and literary contributions of the people of the Blasket Islands. It also takes a look at the history and nature of the place. The juxtaposition of writings, artifacts, artwork and interactive displays creates a striking sense of the place and its people.

My wife isn't much for museums, but found herself "actually reading things" at this museum.

It definitely inspired me to pick up a book by one of the islands' writers, Maurice O'Sullivan (I wish I knew Irish so I could read it in its original).

I definitely recommend it for people with an interest in Irish literature, people interested in maritime culture, people from western Massachusetts/central CT, and anyone who wants a closer look at a culture unlike any other.

We were there two weeks ago and it was beautiful. We spent the last two weeks on a Rick Steves tour of Ireland. The center begins with a short video and then a walk through a series of rooms with great photographs and Island sounds. Your presented with the total human and natural history of the Islanders. My favorite room was the last with a series of Curraugh boats being built for use by the Islanders. The boats use an ash, or oak frame and then are covered with canvas that is then covered with pitch. The Islanders use two types; a heavy one for deep water fishing and a lighter one for lobster pot retrival.

One of the pictures in the last room shows the Islanders tying a cow's feet and then transporting the cow to the main land to be serviced by a bull. The boats are too frangile to transport a bull to the Island and there were not enough cows to cover the investment of a bull. The attached photos are of the center with a flock of sheeps being moved on the road leading to the center. Oh yeah the cafes at all of these regional centers are great. Try the baked potato with smoke salmon, capers, olive oil, Irish cheddar cheese and scallions. Great food, wonderful cultural experience.