The Camera club spent a wonderful day on the Blasket Islands. Fog and rain took us all the way to Dingle but we were then met with wonderful blue skies. A lovely boat Journey with two very friendly skippers got us there and back saftely.
The Blasket Island community declined as a result of the persistent emigration of its young people, until eventually the Island was abandoned in 1953 when only 22 inhabitants remained. The Great Blasket Island remains uninhabited today, but visitors can travel by
ferry over to this remote and wildly beautiful place and spend several hours or
all day marvelling at its natural beauty and what remains of years of human
endeavour.
The Great Blasket Island has the second largest population of grey seals in Ireland with colony numbers in excess of 600. During the breeding season (September-October) pups can be seen on all of the smaller islands surrounding the main island and in the secluded coves on the North side of the Great Blasket. The far side of the “Trá Bán” on the main island is also a favoured spot for the grey seals and can often be seen sunning themselves on the beach,(look closely at picture 7 and you will see them) particularly during an extended period of bad weather.
While there we met the friendliest of Donkeys and got up close and personal, must remember a carrot for the next visit.
All photos taken with Cannon 450D.
