Valentia Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo by Adrienne O'Callaghan
Valentia Island is an idyllic place off the south-west coast of County Kerry, which itself lies to the south-west of Republic of Ireland, its fingers of land stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean. The island is small — about seven miles long and two miles wide.

Not completely separated from the mainland, Valentia Island is linked by a causeway across the Portmagee Channel.

It a place of stunning natural beauty with dramatic cliffs at Bray Head and breathtaking views from Valentia Island's highest point, Geokaun Mountain. There is a fabulous walk to the summit but if your legs fail you, it is possible to drive too.

Its shores washed by the Gulf Stream, Valentia Island benefits from lush vegetation, bountiful wild flowers and a balmy climate. It is the perfect place for many water-based activities — diving and surfing, kayaking and sailing, fishing and coasteering.

On land, there are walking, cycling and climbing, not to mention beachcombing and bird-watching, so never a dull moment for the active visitor. There is plenty of accommodation too.

Valentia Island's main claim to fame is that it was the eastern end of the first transatlantic cables. After two failed attempts, the third cable was pulled ashore in Newfoundland in 1866, to a little fishing village with the sweet name of Heart's Content.

This was a staggering 1940 miles away from Valentia Island. Messages, until then, took two weeks to reach America, weather permitting.

Sublime natural beauty and an amazing history — what more could you wish for?

The Royal Valentia Hotel
The Royal Valentia Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Market Street, Knightstown, Valentia Island, Kerry
The price is ฿4,294 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
฿4,294
฿4,873 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Valentia Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (75 reviews)
Good trip
"The lady who served in the restaurant on Friday night was excellent."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2024

The Royal Valentia Hotel
Valentia Skellig Rooms
Valentia Skellig Rooms
2 out of 5
17 Glór Na Farraige, Valentia Island, KY
The price is ฿3,220 per night from 12 Dec to 13 Dec
฿3,220
฿3,655 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Dec - 13 Dec
Stay at this guesthouse in Valentia Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and housekeeping. Popular attractions Tinnies and Valentia Heritage Museum are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (10 reviews)
"Stayed here one night in preparation for the boat trip to Skellig Michael which was sadly cancelled the next day due to rough seas and high winds. However, this was a lovely little place and we had a very pleasant stay. We stayed in the room with the attached bathroom and there was a great setup ..."

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2024

Valentia Skellig Rooms
Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa
Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa
4 out of 5
Dingle, Dingle, Kerry
The price is ฿5,530 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
฿5,530
฿6,276 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Dingle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (369 reviews)
"Loved it!"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2024

Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dingle Courtyard Cottages - Type B
Dingle Courtyard Cottages - Type B
3.5 out of 5
Dingle Courtyard Holiday Homes 2, Dingle, County Kerry
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Dingle. Enjoy free parking and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Trinity Tree and St. Mary's Church are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
"There was a dishwasher, a washer, and a dryer. Nice sized rooms and nicely furnished. Loved the duvets."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2024

Dingle Courtyard Cottages - Type B
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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