Explore Valentia

Activities

Use our interactive map to find all the island’s must-see attractions. Whether you are visiting for one day or several weeks, make the most of your time here. These special places will create memories that last forever.

Download Itinerary
people arriving at valentia island
Transatlantic Cable Station
"Eighth Wonder" - Transatlantic Cable Experience

"Eighth Wonder" - Transatlantic Cable Station

The birthplace of modern communication

Valentia Lighthouse aerial shot
Valentia Island Lighthouse

Valentia Lighthouse

Built on the site of a 17th century fort

Knightstown clock
Knightstown

Knightstown

Planned by Alexander Nimmo and built in 1840’s

Bray Head
Bray Head Tower

Bray Head Tower

A signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way with spectacular views over Skellig Islands

Tetrapod Trackway landscape
Valentia Tetrapod Trackway

Tetrapod Trackway

365 million years old fossilised footprints

Small playground
Cracow Park

Cracow Park & Playground

Cracow Park & Playground is a lovely family-friendly park in Knightstown, Valentia Island. Featuring modern play equipment, walking trails, and sports courts, it’s a perfect spot for outdoor fun and relaxation for all ages.

displays at the heritage centre

Valentia Island Heritage Centre and Tourist Information

An insight into the history and heritage of Valentia Island

Some visitors to Valentia like doing a lot, an awful lot…

Get Active on Valentia Island

Some visitors to Valentia enjoy staying active, while others prefer to relax and take it all in. Thanks to Valentia’s unique location, sheltered by the Irish mainland and surrounded by tall cliffs, the island offers the perfect setting for both.

Enjoy water activities such as sailing, fishing, kayaking, diving, and coasteering. On land, try cycling, walking, or rock climbing. Golf lovers will also find world-class courses within easy reach of the island.

Click below to learn more about each activity. Families will love the variety of options, and there is something for visitors of all ages.

a person cycling a bike
standing stones in a green landscape
A Sense of Place

A Sense of Place

A Sense of Place offers bespoke historical tours in Valentia and elsewhere in South Kerry.

two men and a woman on bikes
South Kerry Cycles

South Kerry Cycles

Embark on an eco-friendly exploration of South Kerry with our diverse range of self-guided bike rental tours, now featuring electric and hybrid bicycles.

scenic view of hills and a bay

Cullum's Cup Loop Walk

The Cullum’s Cup Main Loop is a stunning 7.9-km circular hiking trail on Valentia Island, County Kerry, known for its mix of natural beauty and historical significance. This moderately challenging trail features an elevation gain of 204 meters and is ideal for hikers, walkers, and runners...

hand holding sea shells

Beachcombing

Barnacle – Garbhan carriage coiteann Have you ever seen cone-shaped shells on the rocks along the shore? Tiny animals called barnacles live underneath these shells. They are related to crabs & like to attach themselves to rocks or...

single grey bird

Birdwatching

Clough - Cag Cosdearg - All year round A special bird – Red bill, Red Legs and Red Listed! Red listed birds are those that have suffered a 50% population decrease in the last twenty-five years in Ireland....

Explore the Atlantic Coast with Local Experts

Boat Tours

See the beauty of Valentia Island from the water and experience its wildlife and coastal scenery up close.

Take a guided boat tour of Valentia Harbour or visit Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible monastic history and breathtaking sea views.

Your comfort and safety are our priority. We aim to make every trip a memorable and enjoyable experience you will treasure for years to come.

valentia marina
car ferry carrying a car
VALENTIA ISLAND FERRY

Valentia Island Car Ferry

From Cahersiveen, it cuts the road trip by a good 30 minutes if you were driving from Renard Point to Knightstown.

Kerry Aqua Terra boat on water
KERRY AQUA TERRA

Kerry Aqua Terra, Knightstown, Valentia Island

Guided Boat Tours | UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit | Group Adventures | Archaeological Sites

Skellig Walker graveyard
SKELLIG COAST ADVENTURES

Skellig Coast Adventures - Valentia Island

Skellig Landing Tour - Portmagee Marina 8:30am-9:30am / Skellig Eco Tour - Portmagee Marina 2:00pm-3:00pm

Fionnuala sea cliff
SKELLIG ROCK CRUISES

Skellig Rock Cruises - Valentia Island

Skelligs's Landing Tour - Portmagee Marina 9:00am / Skelligs's Eco Tour - Multiple departure times dependant on sea conditions