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.

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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

displays at the heritage centre

Valentia Island Heritage Centre and Tourist Information

An insight into the history and heritage of Valentia Island

Bray Head
Bray Head Tower

Bray Head Tower

Experience the edge of Europe. A historic lookout tower with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Skellig Islands and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Tetrapod Trackway landscape
Valentia Tetrapod Trackway

Tetrapod Trackway

ATTENTION: TEMPORARILY CLOSED. Re-opening expected early 2026. Discover 365-million-year-old fossilised tracks, marking one of the oldest signs of life on land in the world.

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
Logo and photo of standing stones in a wide rural landscape, advertising 'A Sense of Place' tours.
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 looking at the scenic Wild Atlantic Way coastline and islands.
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.

Cracow Park with playground equipment and beautiful landscape in the background.
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.

Scenic view of hills and a bay from Cullum`s walk

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 between Renard Point and Knight's Town.
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.

Aquaterra Boat Tours - Skellig Bounty boat cruising near Valentia Island
AQUA TERRA BOAT TOURS

AquaTerra Boat Tours, Valentia Island

Skellig Michael Landings | Private Voyages | Valentia Island Harbour Tours | Blasket & Dingle Bay Adventures

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