Things to Do on Valentia Island
Top Things to Do on Valentia Island: A Complete Travel Guide
Searching for the most rewarding things to do on Valentia Island?
This small island off County Kerry is where Ireland’s deep history and wild Atlantic landscapes come together. Here you can follow 400-million-year-old tetrapod footprints, climb to the summit of Geokaun Mountain for views of the Skelligs, visit the site where the first transatlantic cable shortened global communication from weeks to minutes, and even wander through a subtropical garden thriving under the influence of the Gulf Stream.
This guide covers Valentia Island's heritage sites, coastlines, wildlife, and family activities, which together form the authentic Valentia Island experience. The Valentia Island Experience tour is a great way to start discovering these wonders with expert guidance.
Explore Valentia’s Heritage & History
Ogham Stones, Holy Wells & Ancient Markers
Valentia Island is steeped in heritage, with echoes of Ireland’s earliest cultures scattered across its landscapes. Visitors can discover ogham stones, standing stones, holy wells, and even rock art, each carrying stories of faith, ritual, and community from centuries past. These sites not only connect you to Ireland’s deep history, but also reward you with stunning views of the island’s dramatic scenery.
Valentia Slate Quarry
Valentia Island is home to one of Ireland’s most distinctive geological treasures – the Valentia Slate Quarry. First opened in 1816, this quarry produced a striking purple-coloured siltstone, formed in the Devonian period. Its unique slaty fabric, created by low-grade metamorphism, allowed it to be split into remarkably large and durable slabs.
At its height in the 1830s–1870s, the quarry was a hive of activity. Two sawing and finishing mills stood on-site, and blocks – both rough and polished – were exported directly from a purpose-built pier. Valentia Slate was shipped far and wide, used in buildings, decorative works, and domestic items, not just in Ireland, but in England, the Caribbean, and beyond. Though it was less commonly used for roofing, its strength and versatility made it highly sought-after.
By the early 20th century, competition from Wales caused the industry to decline, and extraction finally ceased in 1911. But the story didn’t end there. In the 1990s, a revival brought Valentia Slate back into production, and today it once again finds its way into conservation projects, construction, and decorative uses across the world.
Because of its longevity, versatility, and global reach, Valentia Slate is being considered for designation as an official IUGS Heritage Stone – an international recognition that would place it among the world’s most important building materials. Visiting the quarry today is not only about geology; it’s about stepping into a site of cultural and industrial heritage that shaped Valentia’s identity for over 200 years.
Transatlantic Cable Station
Valentia played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world of communications. In the 1850s and 60s, it became the launch point for the first transatlantic telegraph cable laid between Ireland and Newfoundland. This groundbreaking project made it possible to send messages between Europe and North America in minutes rather than weeks, marking the birth of modern communications.
Today, Valentia’s cable story is being recognised as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its Outstanding Universal Value. Experts point to it as:
- A masterpiece of human creative genius.
- An outstanding technological ensemble that illustrates a transformative stage in history.
- A part of a unique cultural landscape.
The full history is reflected across four sites on or near Valentia:
- 1857 site – the first attempt (landscape only).
- 1858 site – marked by an original building.
- 1864/65 site – relics and surrounding landscape.
- 1868 site – the permanent cable station building.
Supporting locations include the Nimmo Pier in Knightstown, a key visual corridor, and the Slate Yard, linking Valentia’s cable history to the Industrial Revolution.
Visiting these places means standing at the spot where the world became smaller – where a tiny island helped usher in the age of global communications.
Maude Delap: Valentia’s Marine Pioneer
Valentia also lays claim to one of Ireland’s most remarkable scientists – Maude Delap, a pioneering marine biologist whose work still resonates today. Living most of her life in Knightstown, she carried out groundbreaking experiments from her home laboratory, long before women were widely recognised in science.
Her five main contributions to marine biology include:
- Rearing Jellyfish in Captivity – Maude was the first person in the world to document and publish the process of raising jellyfish in an aquarium, successfully rearing four native Irish species.
- Life Cycle Discoveries – At a time when different jellyfish stages were thought to be separate species, her meticulous experiments revealed the full, complex life cycle and how each stage connected.
- Diet Research – Through careful trial and error, she was the first to determine the diets of several jellyfish species.
- Plankton Records – From 1899–1923, Maude systematically monitored plankton communities in Valentia Harbour, creating some of the earliest long-term records of plankton in Irish waters, still valuable to marine science today.
- New Species Discovery – She discovered a unique burrowing sea anemone in Valentia’s eelgrass beds, later named Edwardsia delapiae in her honour – a testament to her persistence and skill in collecting rare specimens.
Her legacy is remembered in St. John’s Church and celebrated at the Valentia Island Heritage Centre, but her influence stretches far beyond the island – as a woman who pushed the boundaries of marine science with passion, patience, and brilliance.
Valentia Island Heritage Centre
For those who want to bring all these stories together, the Valentia Island Heritage Centre is a must-visit. Here you’ll find exhibits on everything from ancient ogham stones and the slate quarry to the transatlantic cable and the life of Maude Delap. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the island’s rich history and gain a deeper understanding of how this small island played such a significant role in Ireland’s cultural and scientific heritage.
Valentia Island Things to Do: Explore Dramatic Landscapes & Coastlines
Beaches, Rocky Shores & Cliffs
Valentia’s coastline is wonderfully varied, with sheltered beaches, long rocky shores, and dramatic cliffs that reveal sweeping Atlantic views. Whether you’re after a lively swim at Knightstown harbour or a peaceful stroll along the headlands, there are countless ways to enjoy the island’s rugged beauty.
Glanleam Subtropical Beach & Gardens
For something more secluded, follow the narrow lane towards Glanleam House and Gardens. Here you’ll find a tiny private beach – a hidden bay where the grey sand slips gently into turquoise waters. Locals have been swimming here for generations, praising its reputed health benefits, and some say a dip keeps colds and aches at bay.
From the beach you can swim across to Beginish Island or take the longer 1.25km route towards Valentia Lighthouse at Cromwell Point. Old stone boathouses line the shoreline, one beautifully restored and available to rent for a true summer idyll. Just above the beach, the Glanleam Subtropical Gardens unfold in exotic profusion, with bamboo forests, tree ferns, camellias, and even palms thriving thanks to the Gulf Stream. Created by the Knights of Kerry in the 19th century, the gardens are as much a part of Valentia’s charm as the sea itself.
Fossils & the Tetrapod Trackway
One of Valentia’s greatest treasures is the Tetrapod footprints, dating back about 400 million years to the Devonian Period. These fossilised footprints are among the earliest evidence of animals walking on land, making Valentia one of only three places in the world with such a record.
Nearly 20 trackways are preserved here, the longest showing more than 145 imprints with smaller forelimb prints, larger hindlimb prints, and even traces of a tail dragged across ancient mud. They appear as shallow, regularly spaced depressions, best seen in the low light of morning.
Discovered by a Swiss Master’s student, the trackway is a unique chance to walk where Earth’s first land animals once ventured – a step into the deep history of life.
Geokaun Mountain & Fogher Cliffs
Towering above the island is Geokaun Mountain, Valentia’s highest point, and the dramatic Fogher Cliffs that tumble 180 metres (600 feet) down to the sea. Accessible via a small admission fee, this area is privately owned but carefully maintained, with paths, car access, and viewpoints that make it welcoming for all visitors.
From the summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramas that stretch from the Skellig Islands to the Dingle Peninsula, the Blasket Islands, and even Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak. A 1.5km loop walk lets you circle the summit and take in the views from different angles, while information boards along the way explain the history, geology, and wildlife.
The Fogher Cliffs are especially dramatic – sheer walls of rock that plunge into the Atlantic, often shrouded in sea mist or battered by waves. It’s a place of raw natural power, and many visitors agree with travel writer Keith O’Hara, who calls it simply: “my favourite place in Ireland.”
Valentia Island Attractions: Wildlife & Nature
Birdwatching Paradise
Valentia is a dream for birdwatchers, with both dramatic seabird colonies and charming resident species. Along the cliffs and offshore islands, you’ll find gannets, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and shearwaters, while the Little Skellig hosts one of the world’s largest gannet colonies – over 20,000 pairs.
In summer, puffins nest on the Skelligs, darting in and out of burrows with beaks full of fish. Year-round, the island is a stronghold for the rare and distinctive red-billed chough, with its glossy black feathers and bright red bill and legs. Inland and around the harbours, smaller species like pied wagtails, grey wagtails, long-tailed tits, goldcrests, wrens, and great tits are often spotted flitting about. Raptors such as the kestrel and the peregrine falcon can also be seen hovering or streaking across the skies.
From tiny songbirds to vast seabird colonies, Valentia offers a rich variety that makes it one of Ireland’s most rewarding birdwatching destinations.
Whales & Dolphins from Bray Head
Bray Head is one of the best land-based spots in Ireland for marine watching. Bring binoculars, settle in, and scan the horizon for whale blows, splashes, and diving seabirds – all signs of life beneath the waves. Dolphins are also frequent visitors to these waters.
Flora & Farm Life
The Gulf Stream’s influence makes Valentia unusually lush and biodiverse. Alongside exotic plants in the gardens, you’ll find everyday island life: sheep, cows, and working farms, especially around Geokaun Mountain. It’s this combination of wild seascapes, rich flora, and pastoral life that gives Valentia its unique character.
Get Active on Valentia
If you’re craving adventure, Valentia Island delivers in spades. Beyond its history, landscapes, and wildlife, the island is also a natural playground where you can be as active or as laid-back as you choose.
Walking & Running the Island Circuit
Looking for a challenge? A circuit of Valentia Island covers roughly half-marathon distance, rewarding you with ever-changing scenery – from sweeping cliffs to sheltered bays. Whether you jog, power-walk, or take it slowly, it’s a journey that immerses you in the island’s rhythms.
Cycling Adventures
With gentle gradients and few steep ascents, Valentia is perfect for cycling. Many visitors arrive car-free, so walking and cycling trails are full of enthusiastic adventurers. Taking the ferry from Cahersiveen to Knightstown and exploring the island by bike is the superior choice! It’s one of the best ways to soak up the fresh Atlantic air and stop whenever a view (or a pub!) calls your name.
Hiking to Iconic Views
For shorter adventures, the Bray Head Walk is a must. Already mentioned as a hotspot for wildlife and views, it doubles as a rewarding hike – a gentle uphill leading to the WWII lookout tower and some of the most jaw-dropping cliff panoramas in Ireland. If you want more, tackle the ridge loop for a true leg-stretcher.
And of course, Geokaun Mountain and the Fogher Cliffs also invite walkers with their loop trails and panoramic viewpoints. If you prefer driving to the summit, you’ll still have the option of stretching your legs along marked paths.
Watersports & Sea Adventures
Don’t forget Valentia’s surrounding waters. Kayaking, swimming, and boat trips let you experience the coastline from another angle – glide past cliffs, spot seals and seabirds, or paddle between Valentia and the neighbouring islands. The sheltered harbours are perfect for beginners, while the open Atlantic provides a thrill for the more experienced.
Magical Experiences Unique to Valentia
Some moments on Valentia can’t be found anywhere else in the world – experiences that leave you in quiet awe.
- Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve: Valentia is part of one of only three Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserves worldwide, making it one of the best places on earth to witness the night sky in all its glory. On a clear night, you’ll see the Milky Way arch overhead, just as ancient settlers once did.
- Sunset at Bray Head: Watch the sun sink into the Atlantic from Bray Head, one of the very last sunsets on continental Europe. It’s an unforgettable spectacle of light and colour, framed by wild cliffs and sea air.
- Edge of the World Views: Standing on Valentia’s western cliffs, with the jagged Skellig Islands rising in the distance, you truly feel as though you’ve reached the edge of the world. It’s dramatic, humbling, and utterly magical.
Social Things to Do on Valentia Island: Knightstown & Local Life
- Small-town charm: Family-run shops and businesses give the village its warm, personal feel.
- Fresh seafood: Try the chowder at the Royal Hotel, made with locally sourced ingredients, or enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness in a cosy pub.
- Lively harbour life: In summer, the pier buzzes with children leaping into the sea – a timeless local tradition.
- Festivals & community spirit: Events throughout the year celebrate Valentia’s history, culture, and music. A highlight is the annual Chamber Music on Valentia festival (August 14–17, 2025), where world-class musicians perform in stunning island venues, alongside workshops and seminars for classical music lovers.
- Bray Head Tower: Just 25 25-minute walk from Foilhommerum Bay car park lies Bray Head Tower, built in 1815 as a signal station. Following the Bray Head Loop trail, you’ll enjoy meadows, ridges, and sweeping panoramas across Valentia, the Portmagee Channel, Dingle Bay, and the Skelligs. It’s both a local favourite and a must for visitors seeking that “edge of the world” feeling.
The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre
For those intrigued by the world-famous Skellig Islands but preferring to stay on dry land, the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre is the perfect introduction. Located right on the waterfront, this award-winning centre brings the mystique of the Skelligs to life through exhibits, models, and re-creations.
- History & Heritage: Learn how early Christian monks carved out a community on a remote, wave-battered rock that sustained life for more than 600 years. Explore their endurance, their architecture, and their spiritual legacy.
- Lighthouses & Mariners: Discover the story of Skellig’s lighthouse, its keepers, and the vital role it has played for seafarers since the 1820s.
- Wildlife & Underwater Life: Enjoy photo galleries and exclusive videos that capture the vibrant seabird colonies and colourful marine life that surround the islands.
- Immersive Film: In the 80-seat auditorium, a 14-minute audio-visual film transports you directly to Skellig Michael’s dramatic cliffs and ancient stone beehive huts.
- Restaurant with a View: Dine overlooking Portmagee’s seafront in the centre’s fully licensed restaurant, serving wholesome meals, local wines, craft beers, and even packed lunches for island-bound visitors.
During summer months, the centre also offers Skellig cruises and landing tours, weather permitting – a chance to experience the islands up close after immersing yourself in their story indoors.
