Valentia Island

Travel Guide

Photo by Adrienne O'Callaghan
Photo by Denise Keller
Photo by Jazzinto
Photo by Alan Quel
Photo by Alan Quel

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 S$223 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$223
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Valentia Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (90 reviews)
"Place was beautiful front desk lady the day we checked in was great. Food in restaurant was good. We had NO warm water for showers in the morning and the lady basically said sorry nothing we could do about it."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

The Royal Valentia Hotel
Valentia Skellig Rooms
Valentia Skellig Rooms
2 out of 5
17 Glór Na Farraige, Valentia Island, KY
The price is S$141 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
S$141
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Valentia Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Tinnies and Valentia Heritage Museum are located ...
"Great property and area. However when booking on Expedia it says 24km to Dingle which was misleading. There is no ferry to Dingle and it's 114km by car."

Reviewed on 24 Apr, 2025

Valentia Skellig Rooms
Base Accommodation Dingle
Base Accommodation Dingle
2.5 out of 5
Bridge St, Dingle, County Kerry
The price is S$257 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$257
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Dingle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (342 reviews)
"Very clean and conveniently located right in town but still quiet at night"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Base Accommodation Dingle
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 Harbour Cottages
Dingle Harbour Cottages
3.5 out of 5
Dingle Harbour Cottages 1, Dingle, County Kerry
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Dingle. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium and Irish Adventures ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
"Great location. Easy parking. Missing a few basic things but overall nice stay. Washer and dryer was a bit hard to use. Didn’t love that we had to turn on the water heater when we arrived. Otherwise nice stay."

Reviewed on 17 May, 2025

Dingle Harbour Cottages
Dingle Bay View
Dingle Bay View
2 out of 5
Dingle Bay View, Ballinvounig, Dingle, KY
Stay at this cabin in Dingle. Enjoy free parking and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions St. James Church and Ballyavenooragh are located nearby.
Dingle Bay View
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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