A Guide to Valentia Island
Read our travel guide on Valentia Island in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
One of the most westerly points in Ireland, Valentia Island is a hidden gem of the Skellig Coast in County Kerry.
Even though the first impression might suggest otherwise, there are plenty of things to see and do on Valentia Island.
When we planned our Ireland road trip, we weren't sure whether Valentina Island was worth incorporating into it or not.
At first glance, it seemed that there were more interesting places in this area and that we won't have simply enough time even to make it that far when exploring the Ring of Kerry.
Planning our Wild Atlantic Way route was not as easy as we expected because there are tons of similar places.
And most of them share a very similar description. But Valentia has one more ace up its sleeve. A fascinating history that really makes this place worth visiting.
Now, we know it's the perfect extension of the iconic Ring of Kerry and the dramatic Skellig Ring, at least if you're tired of the crowds and want to get away from it all.
So here's everything you should know about Valentia Island before you go.
What to See and Do
From bird watching, walking, and history to cycling and exploring the countryside, there really is something for everyone at Valentia Island.
So here are tips on the best things to do on Valentia Island.
Valentia Transatlantic Cable Station
We mentioned earlier that one of the most exciting reasons to visit Valentia Island is its history.
And we didn't exaggerate, as it's truly the history that makes Valentia Island famous and worth seeing.
Only a short drive south from the ferry station in Knightstown is the original Valentia Cable Station.
The museum has an interesting and informative permanent exhibition on the story of the Eight Wonder that changed the world in 1858.
The story of modern communication.
The Transatlantic Cable was a 3200 kilometers-long underwater telegraph cable connecting Europe with North America.
To be precise, it was the little Canadian town of Heart's Content in Newfoundland and Labrador province.
In the middle of the 19th century, it was capable of transferring messages sent by Morse Code across the Atlantic Ocean within minutes.
Reducing the time of transatlantic communication from a two-week boat trip to an (almost) instant message was groundbreaking in the communications field.
And the Valentia Cable Station tells this fascinating story and offers a great visitor experience for all types of travelers.
Without any doubt, Valentia Cable Station is one of the main attractions on Valentia Island.
By the way, there are more cable sites around the island that make the visit even more interesting.
Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs
If you are more interested in nature, Geokaun Mountain is one of the most beautiful places on Valentia Island.
This area has several parking spots, so you can leave your car on any of them and explore the local trails and viewpoints from there.
The upper parking sits at the top of the mountain, so this area is accessible for all ages and abilities.
Either way, the views from the mountain are breathtaking and well worth the drive.
Mind you. It was incredibly windy when we were there, so make sure to bring windproof gear, even when visiting on a sunny day.
There is a small admission fee.
Valentia Lighthouse
Situated on Cromwell Point in the northeast, Valentia Lighthouse is one of the must-see sites on Valentia Island.
The history of this area reaches back into the Stone Age, and you can also see a 3.5-meter-high Glanleam Standing Stone that was erected between 2000 and 4000 years ago.
The lighthouse itself sits on the site of the 17th-century Cromwellian Fort.
Today, the lighthouse is automated and is open daily to visitors exploring the island.
The entrance fee is €7.50 per adult, the local guide will tell you stories about the lighthouse and its keepers, and you can book your ticket online.
If you've enjoyed similar places, such as Mizen Head Signal Station or Fanad Lighthouse, Valentia Island Lighthouse should be on your itinerary.
The lighthouse is either seven kilometers from Knightstown or the same distance from Portmagee.
From here, you can visit the nearby Tetrapod Trackway, Slate Quarry or continue your journey to Geokaun Mountain.
Knightstown
When arriving from Reenard Point by ferry, Knightstown is a perfect stop before exploring the rugged coast of Valentia Island.
There is not much to see and do in this little seaside village sitting on the easternmost point of the island, as it is home to only a few accommodations, pubs, and restaurants.
Obviously, Knightstown is no Dublin or Galway.
But that's actually a good point, as it still retains its peaceful atmosphere and friendly locals.
Except for the ferry station, there is also a Valentia Island Campground less than a kilometer from the village center.
Tetrapod Trackway
If the Transatlantic Cable Station history is too recent, then head out to Tetrapod Trackway.
Tetrapods are four-limbed vertebrate animals that evolved about 385 million years ago and roamed the earth way before the dinosaurs.
During their evolutionary journey from the sea to the land, they left footprints on the muddy shores of Valentia Island.
The markings of their land activity eventually solidified and today provide solid evidence of their transition.
Tetrapod Trackway is one of the places that has immense historical value, but it's not everyone, as the footprints themselves are obviously not that spectacular.
Still, this is a nice little stop that makes a visit to Valentia Island even more spectacular.
Bray Head Tower
Situated on the western tip of Valentia Island, Bray Head features a coastal landscape, an abandoned Signal Tower, an Eire sign, rugged cliffs, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
If hiking is your thing, make sure to include Bray Head Loop Walk in your Valentia Island itinerary.
This 4-kilometer easy trail (difficulty depends on the weather) is one of the best things to do on Valentia Island, even though the loop is no longer accessible.
The in-and-out trail is in good condition and well-marked, so you can only focus on the scenery and soak up the views.
Bray Head parking is only 3 kilometers from Portmagee, making it one of the best detours for those short on time.
There is a small car park charge.
Slate Quarry and Grotto
First commercially opened in 1816 by the Knight of Kerry to supply slates and slabs, Valentia Slate Quarry is the oldest quarry in production in Ireland.
Valentia slate was not used only in Ireland but also in London, including places such as Westminster Abbey and Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and some of the Underground Railway Stations.
After a long period of inactivity, the most westerly quarry in Ireland was reopened in 1991 and resumed production.
Today, this underground quarry can be explored on a 45-minute guided tour.
There is a small admission, and you should wear warm clothes as it gets chilly down there.
Valentia Island Skellig Experience
For some visitors, Skellig Michael is one of the highlights of their Ireland road trip.
However, this famous UNESCO site is notoriously known for being difficult to access, whether it's due to weather or enormous interest.
If you don't mind exploring Skellig Michael's history through exhibits and audio-visuals, then you can consider visiting Valentia Island Skellig Experience instead.
The visitor center is located only a short drive from Portmagee and offers a great experience to those who can't reach the island by boat.
When to Go
Valentia Island can be visited all year round. However, the best time to visit Valentia Island is from May to October.
Late spring, summer, and early autumn have the advantage of warm weather (if it's not windy) and plenty of daylight.
March to April see fewer visitors and lower prices, but the weather is usually cold and wet.
Here you will find more tips on when to visit Ireland.
What to Pack
The local trails get muddy after rain, and you should wear good walking shoes for your outdoor adventures.
Always make sure to have a good rain jacket, and we usually also bring our rain pants just in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
As Valentia Island is often windy, don't forget to have at least a windbreaker with you, even on sunny days.
How Much Time Do I Need
Valentia Island is a small and compact area. Depending on your Ireland road trip itinerary and preferences, you will generally need anything from a few hours to a full day to see everything this area offers.
By the way, staying on the island overnight is a perfect way to make your journey along the Ring of Kerry more exciting.
But if you're pressed for time, four hours should be more than enough to see Valentia's main attractions.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach Valentia Island, but not all of them are convenient.
Quite frankly, having your transport in this area is a huge advantage and allows you to have a stress-free visit.
Luckily, renting a car in Ireland is easier than you think.
Valentia Island is about 80 kilometers west of Killarney, but it usually takes several hours just to get there as you will make a lot of stops along the way.
Valentia Island is about a 20-minute drive from Waterville.
Cork is 170 kilometers east of Valentia Island, but once again, the most direct route is not the most scenic.
Limerick is 170 kilometers northeast of the island.
Car
Despite the fact that Valentia is technically an island, it's connected with an Irish mainland by a road bridge from Port Magee.
Whether you drive onto the island or take a ferry, the best way to reach Valentia Island is by car. There is no way around it.
Keep in mind that having your own car allows you to explore not only Valentia Island but the entire Ring of Kerry.
The roads are narrow on the island, so make sure to read our guide on tips for driving in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Ferry
As hinted above, you can reach Knightstown on Valentia Island from Reenard Point by ferry.
The ferry runs every day and leaves every ten minutes.
From April to October, it runs between 7:45 AM to 9:30 PM (9 AM to 9:30 PM on Sundays). In July and August, the last ferry leaves at 10 PM from Reenard.
The ride takes only five minutes and costs only a few euros per car.
Taking the ferry is a great way to make your trip more interesting, but reaching the island this way is not necessary.
Bus
While you can technically reach Valentia Island by a local bus from other towns on Iveragh Peninsula, such as Portmagee or Cahersiveen, this option is not very convenient for most travelers.
If you're relying on public transport, the nearest train station is in Killarney.
Here you will find more tips on how to get around Ireland.
Tours
If you want to explore Valentia Island with a local guide, consider joining an organized trip.
Here you can reserve a private Valentia Island Tour in advance.
Where to Stay
Valentia is a small island, and accommodation is limited. It's often booked out well in advance, and you really need to book early (even several months in advance) if you want to stay overnight on this island.
There are no large hotels in this area, but you will find mainly small bed and breakfasts here offering great value for money.
This is a perfect opportunity to taste the rich Irish breakfast every morning and also get to know your host personally. Here we hand-selected the best hotels on Valentia Island.
Knightstown | Royal Valentia Hotel - Situated directly in Knightstown's tiny harbor, this adorable hotel is a perfect starting point for exploring Valentia Island.
Knightstown - Horizon View - This charming bed and breakfast is located on the edge of the village and offers a comfortable stay with breathtaking ocean views. If you're looking for a relaxing stay, an accommodating host, and a typical Irish breakfast in the morning, this is the place to go.
Corobeg | Cuas a' Gamhna - Situated in the west of Valentia Island, this adorable bed and breakfast offers comfortable and spacious rooms, a friendly host, a home-cooked breakfast, and great views.
Portmagee | The Moorings Hotel - One of the entry points to Valentia Island, Portmagee is home to several accommodations. The Moorings Hotel is a lovely guesthouse featuring an excellent location, spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant serving fresh seafood, and a welcoming staff.
Staying Safe
Valentia Island is a very safe place to visit in Ireland, but you need to know a few basic things about the area before you go.
Whether you're visiting Valentia Island, Slieve League, or Blarney Castle, never leave your valuables in your car.
Even though the location may seem super safe, tempting your luck is not worth it.
Most importantly, always make sure to bring proper gear for all your outdoor adventures.
The weather along Irish coastal areas changes quickly, and you don't want to find yourself in a situation where the weather deteriorates, and you don't have at least a rain jacket with you.
Lastly, the local roads are narrow, and you should drive carefully.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Valentia Island Worth Visiting?
If you find Ring of Kerry too crowded, Valentia Island is a perfect place to escape the crowds.
Whether this charming area is worth visiting depends on your itinerary, mood, and spontaneity.
Sure, this little gem is not as famous as Killarney National Park or the Wicklow Mountains, and most travelers will do just the Skellig Ring and then continue their journey around Iveragh Peninsula.
But traveling is not just about ticking off the top attractions from your bucket list, and places such as Valentia Island are always a welcomed detour from the usual.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
