The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Island view becomes a W.A.W. wonder
A QUIET walking route along the coast in Dún Chaoin became a focal point of the Wild Atlantic Way on Tuesday with the official opening of a newly constructed cliff-top viewing platform beside Ionad an Bhlascaoid.
The platform, constructed in the rusty metal style that has become a Fáilte Ireland hallmark, looks out on the Blasket islands, and a footpath leading to it from beside Ionad an Bhlascaoid frees visitors from the impediment of climbing ditches to get to the scenic spot at Béal Átha that was previously confined to those who were nimble on their feet.
The easier access was greatly appreciated by a wheelchair user who enjoyed a pre-official opening visit at the weekend. The spectacular view was the highlight of her holiday in West Kerry and she told Ionad an Bhlascaoid Bainisteoir Lorcán Ó Cinnéide that “without the new walkway somebody like me would never have an opportunity to experience something like that”.
“What we have is a wonderful interpretive centre, parking, toilets, a lovely café and a walkway which allows people to get off the road and experience something of this beautiful place,” said Lorcán, adding that the reaction to the viewing platform “has been extremely positive”.
The viewing platform, built by the Office of Public Works under a strategic partnership with Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht is the second part of a three-phase tourism development project. Tomás Ó Criomthain’s former home on the Great Blasket was restored in 2017 in the initial part of the €2.6 million project and the final stage will be a major upgrade of the exhibition in Ionad an Bhlascaoid.
Deputy Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, officially opened the viewing point on Tuesday morning. “The viewing platform will complement Ionad an Bhlascaoid [and] creates a focal point for visitors to the Dingle Peninsula, along the Wild Atlantic Way to stop, slow down and safely experience the breath-taking views of the Blasket Islands and the rugged beauty of this idyllic part of West Kerry”.
Fáilte Ireland Product Development Director Orla Carroll said the viewing platform “aligns directly with our aim of developing the tourism infrastructure of the Wild Atlantic Way”.