Valentia Island

Sitting just off the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Kerry, Valentia Island is a fascinating place where dramatic scenery, deep history, and geology collide. As one of Europe's most westerly inhabited spots, it looks out towards North America (only 1,900 miles away!), a position that gave it a crucial role in world communication. In 1866, Valentia became famous as the European end of the very first successful transatlantic telegraph cable, connecting it to Newfoundland. This incredible feat of engineering, operated from the Cable Station (now a heritage building), slashed communication times across the Atlantic from weeks to mere minutes. It was hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World"! The museum inside the station tells this amazing story, including the very first official message sent in 1858: "Glory to God in the highest".

But Valentia's natural wonders are just as impressive. Head to the north of the island to find Geokaun Mountain and the breathtaking Fogher Cliffs, plunging 180 meters into the Atlantic. The views from here are stunning, taking in the Kerry coast, the Skellig Islands, and Dingle Bay. Geologists are drawn to Dohilla, where you can see the Tetrapod Trackway – fossilised footprints from 385 million years ago, marking one of the earliest known examples of a vertebrate creature moving from water onto land! Below the cliffs, tucked away from the wind, are the lush, subtropical Glanleam Gardens, thriving thanks to the Gulf Stream.

The island's main village, Knightstown, was planned in the 19th century, originally for workers from the island's slate quarry. The Valentia Heritage Centre tells the story of this industry (Valentia slate was used in London's Houses of Parliament!) and celebrates local figures like pioneering marine biologist Maud Delap. Near the bridge connecting Valentia to the mainland, the Skellig Experience Centre provides context for the famous monastic site on Skellig Michael. History buffs can also find Bray Head signal tower, built during the Napoleonic Wars, overlooking the spot where Charles Lindbergh famously flew over on his solo transatlantic flight in 1927.

There's plenty to do: hike the Altazamuth Trail, kayak in sheltered bays, or simply enjoy the island's mild climate (which helps produce delicious local ice cream!). The pubs, like The Royal Valentia Hotel, serve fresh local seafood. Valentia is beautiful year-round, but best explored between April and September. It's also part of a Dark Sky Reserve, making it fantastic for stargazing in winter. Unusually, Valentia avoided Viking settlement, and in a quirky modern event, a lone walrus washed ashore in 2021! Valentia Island is a truly unique place where human ingenuity and the wild Atlantic meet.

Getting There

By Car
Valentia Island is accessible via the Maurice O'Neill Memorial Bridge from Portmagee on the Iveragh Peninsula. From major cities:
- Killarney: Take the N70 west through Cahersiveen and Portmagee (1.25-1.5 hours).
- Tralee: Follow the N70 southwest to Cahersiveen, then the R565 to Portmagee (1.5 hours).
- Cork Airport: 2.5-hour drive via the N22 and N70.
- Shannon Airport: 2.5 hours via the N24 and N70.
- Kerry Airport: 1.25-hour drive on the N70.
- Dublin: A 3-5-hour drive (220 miles) via the M7 and N7, passing through Limerick or Cork.

The island is also linked to the mainland via the R565, and the scenic Ring of Kerry Drive passes nearby.

By Ferry
A car ferry operates seasonally between Reenard Point (near Cahersiveen) and Knightstown (April-October).
- Schedule: Every 10 minutes, 7 days a week.
- April-September: 8:15 AM-10:00 PM (Mon-Sat); 9:00 AM-10:00 PM (Sun).
- July-August: Extended hours until 10:00 PM daily.
- Fares:
- Cars: €5 single, €8 return.
- Cyclists: €2 single, €3 return.
- Pedestrians: €1.50 single, €2 return.
The 5-minute crossing is a charming way to arrive, with views of fishing boats and piers.

Public Transportation
- Buses: Services from Killarney and towns on the Iveragh Peninsula (e.g., Cahersiveen) connect to Portmagee. Check Bus Éireann (www.buseireann.ie) for schedules.
- Train: The nearest train station is in Killarney; buses or taxis complete the journey to the island.
- From Cahersiveen: A taxi or rental car is recommended to reach the ferry or bridge.

Local Transport Options
Once on the island, the R565 leads to Knightstown, the main village. Chapeltown, midway between the bridge and Knightstown, offers amenities. Distances are short:
- Portmagee Bridge to Knightstown: ~7 miles (11 km).
- Knightstown to Valentia Lighthouse: ~4.3 miles (7 km).

The island's compact size makes driving or cycling ideal for exploring its coastal routes and landmarks like the Skellig Experience visitor center.

Parking

Main Parking Facilities
- Bray Head Trailhead: A gravel car park at the trailhead accommodates cars and campers. A small fee of €2 (coins only) is required. Parking here is managed, so ensure you pay the fee to avoid issues. The car park is about 3 kilometers from Portmagee village.
- Geokaun Mountain & Fogher Cliffs: Four car parks are available at viewpoints along Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs, including the summit. A modest admission fee applies to access the parking areas. The upper parking lot is wheelchair-friendly and suitable for all ages.
- Valentia Cable Station: Parking is located 200 meters from the site, across from the Church of the Immaculate Conception. No parking is permitted on the Cable Station grounds.

Beach and Coastal Areas
- Glanleam Beach (Valentia Island Beach): Parking here is extremely limited, with only small roadside spots. Visitors are urged not to block roads or gates. During peak times, parking can be "almost impossible", so consider leaving your car in Knight's Town and walking to the beach. No fees apply here.

Overnight and Village Parking
- Valentia Island Bridge Entrance: A parking area near the village road offers spaces but prohibits overnight stays. Public toilets nearby are open from 9 AM to 10 PM.
- Knightstown: The Valentia Island Campground, less than a kilometer from the village center, provides parking for campers and visitors.

Hotels and Accommodations
- The Royal Valentia Hotel: Offers free on-site parking for guests.
- Retro Caravans on Valentia Island: Includes free private parking without reservation requirements.

Peak Time Tips
During busy periods, prioritize early arrivals or consider parking at Knight's Town, the campground, or nearby hotels to avoid congestion. Always adhere to no-parking zones and road-blocking rules.

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible parking is available at Geokaun Mountain's upper lot. Standard accessibility spaces may be limited elsewhere, so plan accordingly.

Distance Notes
- Cable Station parking is a short 200-meter walk to the entrance.
- Bray Head's car park is 3 kilometers from Portmagee, so allow time for the drive.

Pricing

Ferry Services
Valentia's car ferry operates frequent services between Renard Point and Knightstown (April-September). Prices are as follows:
- Car with passengers: €5 (single), €8 (return)
- Pedestrian: €1.50 (single), €2 (return)
- Cyclist: €2 (single), €3 (return)
A road bridge connecting Valentia Island to the mainland is free to cross.

Geokaun Mountain & Cliffs
Marvel at the dramatic cliffs with these entry fees:
- Vehicle: €6 per car (includes all passengers)
- Pedestrian/Cyclist: €3

Valentia Lighthouse
Admission includes a 45-minute guided tour:
- Adults: €7.50
- Children (under 12): €4
- Seniors/Students: €6.50
- Family Ticket (2 adults + 3 children): €20
Group discounts are available for organized groups. The lighthouse is open daily during season (10:30 AM-5:45 PM), with last entry at 5:00 PM.

Additional Tours & Attractions
- Whiskey Experience: The SIX18 Whiskey Step Collection Tour costs approximately €30.40 per adult.
- Guided Tours: Private tours of the Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island start from around €724 per traveler, depending on the itinerary.

Payment Methods
Lighthouse tickets can be purchased online or on-site. Ferry and attraction payments typically accept cash and major credit cards.

Notes
- Prices are subject to change; check ahead for updates.
- The lighthouse offers concession rates for seniors and students.
- Seasonal ferry and attraction schedules may vary-verify operating hours before visiting.

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