Blasket Islands back open for visitors

AFTER months in lockdown, na Blascaoidí were back open for business last week with the first ferry of the season – albeit a very much shortened season – setting off from Dún Chaoin pier last Wednesday morning.

The Great Blasket island – famous of course for producing iconic writers such as Peig Sayers, Muiris Ó Súilleabháin and Tomás Ó criomhthain – has always been a hugely popular tourist spot thanks to its stunning scenery and rich cultural history but has been quiet for the last four months as COVID-19 restrictions meant that no tourists could visit the West Kerry island.

And while it was no doubt a huge and welcome relief to be up and running again after so long, the arrival of a few days of bad weather meant that the service was once again shut down with a spokesperson for the Blasket Island Ferries company joking that it all made for a “massive anticlimax”.

Speaking to The Kerryman about the opening day and how the rest of the season is shaping up, the company said that it has already had a lot of inquiries for August but will face challenges due to the social distancing requirements.

“August is the month that we have had a lot of inquiries for, all from Irish tourists of course. It is definitely going to be quite challenging for us as we are only allowed to now carry a third of usual passenger numbers that fit in our ferry,” they said.

“Usually we can carry 60 people, now down to 18, just to show the effect one-metre social distancing has on-board,” the company continued.

“Along with this, we have the social distancing of a metre on both the main ferry and dingy that transfers you to the island itself. We’ve also decided to only accept passengers 16 years and older, just for this year’s short season, due to all the restrictions and regulations with COVID-19,” they continued.

“We’re hoping to be back to normal for 2021, with a full season and being able to accept more of all ages, young and old.”

Finally, with more and more people choosing a staycation rather than heading abroad, the Blasket Island Ferries are hoping that a large influx of tourists from around the country, who have yet to visit the magnificent island, will help to save a potentially disastrous season.

“Hopefully the influx of Irish tourists will salvage some of this year’s disastrous season and all safety measures taken by businesses in the area will keep both staff and visitors safe,” they continued.

Ferries were finally able to resume travelling to the Blascaoidí this past week, albeit with a very reduced capacity on board their boats.