Weaving is a way of life for Sue Redican, who lives for six months of the year on
the Blasket Island off the coast of Kerry. In April of each year Sue takes the ferry
from Dun Chaoin to the Blasket Island and leaves reluctantly in October.

Sue's craft shop is both colourful and traditional. All the rugs, hats, shawls, wall-hangings
etc., are individually crafted by Sue. Using 100% wool from the local black-faced
sheep and imported Jacobs sheep, Sue weaves a magic spell in each and every
article. All of the colours are natural plant dyes created by Sue from the local plants
and lichens. This method of dying the wool gives unique colours to all of the items -
colours generally not found in commercial dyes.

The Blasket Islands are a small group of islands that lie off the coast of Dingle in West Kerry. The Islands have fostered some of Irelands best known writers among Celtic scholars. The islanders lived on small farmholdings and supplemented their income by fishing for lobster which were prolific in the area, and selling these much sought after delicacies to passing ships. For themsleves they were content with lesser fare and stored fish by salting it for the winter days when they would be unable to take the boats out. Traditional crafts flourished on the island before the last islanders left to live on the mainland in 1953. Women would spin and dye the wool, using the local plants and lichen, to knit and weave for their families. Sue Redican maintains this tradition.

Finding us is not difficult. Take the scenic route from Tralee to the town of Dingle, home of the now famous Funghi, the dolphin who decided twenty years ago to make his home in Dingle Bay. Continue your journey via Slea Head where you will get your first view of the Blasket Islands. Continuing this pleasant drive brings you to the village of Dun Chaoin and the pier for the journey to the Blasket Island. The ferries leave every half hour and may be contacted at the number below. Arriving on the island take the path leading from the pier and within minutes you will be at the door of the weaver's shop and meet Sue busy at her loom. Blasket Island Boatmen, 066-9156422

Thank you for viewing my site. If you have any queries I can be contacted at the following e-mail address: sueredicanweaver@yahoo.co.uk I will be pleased to help you in any way that I can. Should you not travel to the Blasket Island my work is available in the craft guild shop, An Gailearai Beag, Main Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry.