The Blasket Island Gathering: What’s on?

The following is the official programme of the Blasket Island and West Kerry Welcome Home Week

For all enquiries contact blascaod@opw.ie
Tel: +353 66 915 6444

Please also see the Gathering website thegatheringireland.com

(The Irish Times takes no responsibility for changes to or inaccuracies in this programme)

If you would like to add an event to this list please contact Gary Quinn at gquinn@irishtimes.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

23-29 May 2013
The people of the dingle peninsula would like to welcome our diaspora from all over the world to experience the Corca Dhuibhne Peninsula, the Gaeltacht, the friendliness of our people, the goodness of our food and the wealth of our culture, language and heritage.

Friday May 24th
12 noon
All participants meet at Dingle Skellig hotel for a briefing from organizers

From 7:30pm
A gala night "welcome home" event at the OPW Great Blasket Centre in Dun Chaoin. This will be an event to celebrate the opening of the week's activities and will include the launch of Dr Mike Carney's memoirs by the Collins Press.

Official opening by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan. We will have food, refreshments, music, song and dance. Other dignitaries are expected to attend.

Saturday May 25th
From 12:00 noon
Walking tour of historic Dingle town by archeologist Mícheál Ó Coileáin

7:30pm
A concert with local musicians and singers in the newly refurbished Feothanach Hall (at the foot of Mount Brandon) and (optional) a "hooley" night in Ballyferriter village, which will be en fete for Horse Racing Festival.

Sunday May 27th
From 12:00 noon
Guided bus tour of west Kerry historic attractions, including the Blasket Centre in Dún Chaoin, Louis MUlcahy's world famous pottery and Gallarus Oratory.

Horse racing event on Béal Bán beach, near Ballyferriter, (weather and tides permitting).

4.30pm
Fashion and jewellery show in the Sceilig Hotel, Dingle

7:30pm
Gala local seafood dinner in Sceilig Hotel, Dingle, overlooking panorama of Dingle Harbour' Local musicians to entertain diners. € 25 cover charge (included in € 30 ticket to cover all organized events).

Monday May 27th
2:00pm
Visit to the new Dingle Brewary, sample Tom crean beer and then head for Miltown, outside Dingle to the new Dingle Distillery.

7:30pm
Lecture with broadcaster, Breandán Feiritéar, on Dingle Peninsula's links with western Massachusetts and a screening of his TV documentary on Blasket Roots/American Dreams in the Phoenix Cinema, Dingle.

Tuesday May 28th
11:00am
Boat trips around the Blasket island, to embark from Dingle (to see Fungi on the way).

7:30pm
Mutton pies night and music in John Benny's pub, Strand Street, Dingle.

Wednesday May 29th
11:00am
Bus tour to Annascaul, Cloghane and Tralee, with time for shopping in Tralee

7:30pm
"Survivors" assembly and farewell