The Blasket Islands, situated off the southwestern coast of Ireland in County Kerry, were home to a small, Gaelic-speaking population known for their vibrant culture and traditions. By the mid-20th century, however, the islands had experienced a steady decline in population due to emigration, economic difficulties, and the harsh realities of island life. On November 17, 1953, the last remaining residents were evacuated to the mainland, marking a significant transition in this community's long history.

The decision to evacuate was driven by the constraints posed by the islands' remote location, which limited access to resources, education, and employment opportunities. Many younger islanders sought better prospects on the mainland, leading to an aging population. As families departed, the once-bustling villages of the Blaskets became eerily quiet, with the evacuation signifying not only a physical relocation but also the dissolution of a rich cultural enclave.

Prior to the evacuation, efforts had been made to preserve the island's culture and traditions. The isolation fostered a distinct way of life, yet, by the 1950s, it became increasingly unviable. The remaining inhabitants, who had lived there for generations, found it increasingly difficult to maintain their traditional practices and language against the backdrop of modernity encroaching from the mainland. The evacuation was facilitated by the Irish government, underscoring a profound acknowledgment of the inevitable changes facing the community.