Valentia Island – County Kerry

Valentia Island, situated off the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, ranks among Ireland’s most westerly inhabited islands. Accessible via a bridge from Portmagee or a seasonal car ferry from Reenard Point, the island is renowned for its rich natural heritage and mild microclimate. Its landscape features rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and lush vegetation, making it a scenic stop along the Skellig Ring and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Prominent landmarks include Geokaun Mountain – the island’s highest point at 266 metres – and the adjacent Fogher Cliffs, which rise approximately 180 metres (600 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean. The Tetrapod Trackway, dating back around 400 million years, showcases some of the oldest known fossilised footprints of a four-legged vertebrate . The Bray Head Loop Walk leads to a 19th-century signal tower, offering panoramic views of Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Visitors can also explore the Valentia Slate Quarry, which historically supplied slate to notable structures such as the Houses of Parliament in London and the Paris Opera House .

Additional attractions encompass the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre, providing insights into the history and wildlife of the Skellig Islands, and Glanleam House Gardens, home to rare subtropical plants nurtured by the island’s unique climate . Valentia Island forms part of the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only three Gold Tier reserves globally, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities. The island serves as a tranquil base for exploring nearby locales, including Portmagee, Cahersiveen, Ballinskelligs, and Derrynane Beach.