.
Lorcan Ó Cinneide manager of the Blasket Centre and Great Blasket Island was on hand to take the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Patrick O’Donovan around the Great Blasket Island. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar and Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, were in Kerry on Saturday to see the Office of Public Works’ ongoing restoration works on An Blascaod Mór (the Great Blasket) and attend the annual ‘Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid’ commemoration.
Speaking after his visit to the Great Blasket and attending the commemoration, the Taoiseach said: “The Blasket Islands are one of the most beautiful places in Ireland and are a priceless cultural asset. I really don’t know why I hadn’t made the trip before now. ”
“Visiting the Great Blasket is like stepping into a different time and place. It’s living history and heritage. It’s essential that we preserve the island and its villages, as an irreplaceable legacy, and a unique tourism asset.”
Continued below…
.
“The OPW is conducting essential work to conserve and protect the Great Blasket so that visitors, whether from Ireland or overseas, can appreciate the astonishing beauty and heritage of these islands, and the richness of their culture. Our focus now is on improving the landing facilities on the island and the Island itself, in a way that protects nature and wildlife,” said An Taoiseach.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar takes time out to have a selfie with students from the US who arrived on the Blasket Island for a walk around. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
The Taoiseach and Minister O’Donovan visited the former home on the Great Blasket of author Tomás Ó Criomhthain, which has been restored by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
They also attended the Annual ‘Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid’ at the OPW’s Ionad an Bhlascaoid/The Blasket Centre, which has been fully restored. This annual three-day gathering on the history and heritage of the Blasket Islands was founded in 1996. This year its focus was on youth on the island – Turas go Tír na nÓg – Óige an Bhlascaoid Mhóir agus Sliocht an Oileáin i gCéin (A Trip to the Land of Youth: Youth on the Great Blasket and Island families abroad).
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar takes time out to have a selfie with students from the US who arrived on the Blasket Island for a walk around. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
Lorcan Ó Cinneide manager of the Blasket Centre and Great Blasket Island was on hand to take the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Patrick O’Donovan around the Great Blasket Island. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
