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Róisin, left, Ruarí and Cibéal Ó hÓgáin, from Dun Chaoin, Chorca Dhuibhne, at the new Wild Atlantic Way Viewing point at the clifftop site of the OPW run Ionad an Bhlascaoid (Blasket Centre) in Dún Chaoin in the West Kerry Gaeltacht. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
THE new spectacular Wild Atlantic Way Viewing point at the clifftop site of the OPW-run Ionad an Bhlascaoid (Blasket Centre) in Dún Chaoin in the West Kerry Gaeltacht was opened today by Patrick O’Donovan T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW)
The addition to the tourism infrastructure of the Dingle Peninsula, designed by Paul Arnold Architects was built by the Office of Public Works under a strategic partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
The Viewing platform is part of a major programme of investment of €2,610,794 in the Blaskets by the strategic partnership of Fáilte Ireland, the OPW and the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.
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The overall project includes the restoration of the original house on the Great Blasket Island of the renowned Island writer Tomás Ó Criomhthain, the development of a walkway and viewing platform at the clifftop site and a major upgrade of the exhibition at Ionad an Bhlascaoid.
The new Wild Atlantic Way Viewing point at the clifftop site of the OPW run Ionad an Bhlascaoid (Blasket Centre) in Dún Chaoin in the West Kerry Gaeltacht. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Minister O’Donovan said “The Viewing Point is the first phase of a major re-development of the Blasket Centre, which was originally built in 1993 in conjunction with locally based Fondúireacht an Bhlascaoid. We are at an advanced stage on a major upgrade of the exhibitions at Ionad an Bhlascaoid which is due to commence in October, and will be opened in 2021. This represents a serious commitment by the OPW to the heritage and culture of An Blascaod Mór which, will strengthen its role in this Gaeltacht area and showcase the cultural heritage of these islands and its inhabitants for visitors both from home and abroad.
The new Wild Atlantic Way Viewing point at the clifftop site of the OPW run Ionad an Bhlascaoid (Blasket Centre) in Dún Chaoin in the West Kerry Gaeltacht. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
In the year 2020 the Great Blasket Island should not be a ghost town. The island should be repopulated!