Eighth Wonder – Valentia Transatlantic Cable Station
Discover the Eighth Wonder at Valentia Cable Station
Over 150 years ago, the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was laid between Valentia Island in Ireland and Heart’s Content in Newfoundland, Canada. This extraordinary achievement connected Europe and North America, transforming communication forever. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the cable reduced communication time from weeks to minutes and marked the beginning of global connectivity.
The story of the Transatlantic Cable is one of endurance, innovation, and human brilliance. Experience it through an immersive exhibition at the Valentia Cable Station. Hear from entrepreneur Cyrus Field and the Knight of Kerry as they recount their adventure. Try sending your own Morse code message, learn how the first cables were laid, and explore how modern underwater communications have evolved.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours: April to October, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm). Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Parking: Please note that there is no parking at the Cable Station building. Visitor parking is available 200 metres before the site, opposite the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Location: The Promenade, Knightstown, Valentia Island.
Life is an Experience
The First Cable
Work on the first transatlantic cable began in early 1857 and was completed by June that year. The cable was loaded onto two ships — the American Niagara and the British Agamemnon — both provided by their governments for the mission. On 5 August 1857, they set out from Valentia Harbour. After several days, the cable snapped due to a brake error, ending the first attempt after 380 miles.
A second attempt in June 1858 also failed when the cable broke multiple times mid-Atlantic. On the fifth attempt, beginning 29 July 1858, the ships succeeded. By 5 August, both ends had reached their destinations in Ireland and Newfoundland, joining two continents for the first time.
On 16 August 1858, communication was established with the message:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will to men.”
Sadly, the cable failed within three weeks when engineer Wildman Whitehouse applied excessive voltage, damaging it beyond repair.
Life is an Experience
The Second Cable
Several years later, a new attempt was made using the enormous Great Eastern, then the largest ship in the world. She departed Valentia at the end of July 1865, successfully laying 1,200 miles before the cable snapped. Efforts to recover the broken end failed.
Life is an Experience
Third Time Lucky
After many setbacks, success finally came in 1866. On 27 July, the new cable reached Heart’s Content, Newfoundland, covering a distance of 1,686 nautical miles from Valentia Island. The Great Eastern averaged 120 miles of cable a day. The first message sent read:
“A treaty of peace has been signed between Austria and Prussia.”
Queen Victoria, writing from the Isle of Wight, sent her congratulations to the President of the United States, expressing her hope that this achievement would strengthen friendship between both nations.
The service opened shortly afterwards, though it was initially reserved for the wealthy. Sending a single letter cost one dollar in gold — a significant expense when most workers earned only twenty dollars a month.
Life is an Experience
UNESCO World Heritage Bid
In May 2016, the Valentia Transatlantic Cable Foundation Board was created to support the Valentia Island Development Company in pursuing UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the site.
The Foundation was incorporated later that year as a non-profit company, dedicated to preserving the island’s scientific heritage, promoting community development, and advancing Valentia Island’s inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Its goal is to raise the necessary €4.5 million through national and international fundraising, state partnerships, and private donations.
Find out more at valentiacable.com and learn about the Valentia Island Lecture Series at telegraphcablefestival.com
