Valentia Island with its unspoiled beauty, fascinating history, and interesting cultural scene is located on the south west coast of County Kerry, Ireland. I could spend a great time there and escape the crowds.
The good point about this island is that it’s not overrun with tourists, so you can easily immerse yourself in its beauty, relax your mind, and enjoy your time. The scenic beauty of this island is just breathtaking. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
There are plenty of things to check out at Valentia Island, from mountain and sea cliffs to a stunning lighthouse. Here is the list of things to do in Valentia Island for you to explore.
Things To Do In Valentia Island
Explore Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs
You wouldn’t want to miss out on the stunning views that the Geoukaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs have to offer. The 1.5-kilometer Loop walk around the mountain offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape. The steep and windy road up to the mountain adds to its excitement.
This is a fantastic place for mountain climbing or hill walking enthusiasts. When visiting Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs, it’s essential to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, as the weather can be unpredictable. This hiking experience will be challenging but rewarding experience for you.
The Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs stay open throughout the year. If a peaceful trip is what you are looking for, please include this location in your travel itinerary.
Discover Valentia Island Lighthouse
Valentia Island Lighthouse, the place of timeless beauty and rich history, has stood for centuries, offering a guiding light to seafarers. Because of its location, Valentia Lighthouse provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding seas and landscapes.
The surrounding nature also serves as a beautiful background to this beautiful lighthouse. You can plan a trip to this location depending on the weather conditions. You can book your tickets on this website.
Visit Valentia Heritage Centre
Valentia Heritage Centre is a charming museum, showcasing the rich heritage of the island and its people. There are several fascinating exhibits in this museum that you can enjoy. By these exhibits you’ll be transported back in time, learning about the island’s fascinating past and the people who shaped it.
So why not take a step back in time and discover the beauty and wonder of Valentia Island’s rich heritage?
Visit Portmagee
Portmagee is a small, picturesque village in County Kerry. This fishing village is commonly known as “the ferry” and has been named after Captain Theobold Magee, an 18th-century smuggler.
In this little town, you can treat your eyes to the colorful small homes that line the streets. Portmagee is renowned for its vibrant nightlife in the local pubs punctuated with traditional Irish music and dancing.
Here are some local pubs in Portmagee that you might enjoy visiting: Fisherman’s Bar and Restaurant and The Bridge Bar.
Discover Tetrapod Trackway
The Tetrapod Trackway on Valentia Island is a stunning and unique natural wonder and is home to some of the oldest and longest Devonian tetrapod footprints. Besides the valuable knowledge it provides you with, the Tetrapod Trackway gives you breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The site is extremely popular with tourists as it boasts the footprints of one of the first four-legged vertebrates to have walked on land. Besides being a tourist spot, this place is also of international significance.
Explore St. Brendan’s Well
St. Brendan’s Well is a beautiful and serene location with a rich history and spiritual significance. It is believed that St. Brendan had travelled to this spot from Dingle in the 5th century and baptized and anointed two dying pagans.
As you approach the well, you’ll feel the sense of tranquillity and peace that surrounds the area. The well is located in a remote and picturesque area on the wild west side of Valentia Island, providing you with jaw-dropping views and scenic beauty.
At this location, you can also find three ancient stone crosses. The site for St. Brendan’s Well is a very secluded place and offers a great escape from the humdrum of daily life.
Discover Valentia’s Cave
Visiting Valentia’s Cave is a mysterious journey into the island’s geological history. The cave and the stunning views of the surrounding landscape offer you a captivating exploration into the nature of the region.
Discovering this cave is a great and fun educational experience for both adults and children.
Explore Altazamuth Stone
Altazamuth Stone is a testament to the island’s important role in maritime history and the advancement of navigation technology. It also allows you to enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty.
Whether you seek the opportunity to explore its importance in Irish culture or just enjoy the surroundings, Altazamuth Stone has something to offer you.
Bray Head Tower
If you are on the lookout for things to do on Valentia Island, a climb up the Bray Head Tower should be on your to-do list. You can take a walk along the Bray Head Loop Walk to reach the tower and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. The climb has been marked well to make it convenient for you.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this historic tower and the surrounding landscape.
Glanleam House and its gardens
Glanleam House is a beautiful 18th-century building with a captivating architecture. The gardens at Glanleam House are a true botanical wonderland, featuring a variety of stunning flora from around the world. Exotic plants from all over the world had been placed in the garden to give it an alluring appearance.
Take it for granted, the gardens are a true paradise retreat that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Make sure to stop by the Glanleam house if you’re on Valentia Island. There are guided tours available on this website to visit this natural beauty that you can book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to reach Valentia Island?
There are several ways to get to the island. You can choose to take the road bridge to Valentia Island from Portmagee.
Another way is Valentia Island Ferry from Reenard Point in Cahersiveen. The visitors can avail a continuous shuttle ferry service. You can purchase tickets for the Valentia Island Car Ferry from Portmagee to Valentia on this website.
When is the best time to visit Valentia Island?
It is best if you plan your trip to the island anywhere between April and September. The weather remains fine around that time, and the days are much longer.
Is Valentia Island worth visiting?
If you’re looking for a peaceful and authentic Irish experience, Valentia Island is a hidden gem that should not be missed.
What are some fun facts about Valentia Island?
One fun fact is that Valentia Island is a close-knit community where family is at the heart of everything. Despite its relatively isolated location, you can feel the sense of community in this scenic island.
Conclusion
Valentia Island is a must-visit destination for you seeking a unique and memorable experience in Ireland. Its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community left a lasting impression on me.
If you plan to visit this island anytime soon, let me know which places or activities appear attractive to you.
Here is another useful article for you to explore the top things to do in Dingle in County Kerry.
