Valentia Island, just off the scenic Ring of Kerry route, is one of the most beautiful areas of Ireland. Visitors return to re-sample its wild beauty, tranquility, hospitality and to explore the island and its history. Here you can relax and breathe in the fresh Atlantic breeze, away from the stresses of modern-day life, and go home totally refreshed.

	View of the Skelligs		Valentia Harbour

The island is linked to the mainland by a bridge at Portmagee and by a roll-on roll-off ferry, which operates in high season, from Caherciveen.

The island is steeped in history. The tetrapod fossil footprints, dating from approximately 360 million years ago, are among the oldest of their kind in the world. The slate quarry, first opened in 1816, supplied top quality slate for buildings all over the world, including the Houses of Parliament in London, and continues to operate today. The first transatlantic cable was laid between Valentia Island and Newfoundland in 1865 - a monument commemorating the event has been erected on the island. The lighthouse was established in 1841. Glanleam House was the former home of the Knight of Kerry - the sub tropical gardens at Glanleam are now open to the public. The Skellig Experience is a permanent exhibition illustrating the history, archeology, birdlife and sea-life of the Skelligs.

From Knightstown or Portmagee you can take a boat trip to the 6th century monastic settlement on the Skelligs, a listed World Heritage Site, located approximately 12 km offshore. On Valentia Island you can enjoy peaceful cliff-top walks, shore angling, or swim at the secluded beach at Glanleam. The neighbouring South Kerry area has a choice of beautiful beaches, mountain walks, water-sports, cycling, horse-riding etc.

Cliff at Bray Head

"Sceilig View" is just 5km from Glanleam beach. At Portmagee fishing village (1.5km), you can watch the fishermen land their catch and sample the fresh fish in the local restaurant. Also, enjoy traditional Irish entertainment in the pub.

Knightstown, a pretty seaside village with pubs, restaurants, coffee shop etc., is 6 km away. From here the car ferry leaves for Caherciveen, while sea-angling and diving trips are available for the more adventurous.

	Village of Portmagee		Fishing boats at Portmagee

Ballinskelligs, 10km away, has a wonderful blue flag beach. Here you can visit the local chocolate factory, and also the Cill Rialaig famine village and artists retreat, where you can meet artists from all over the world. Horse riding is also available locally.

The nearby towns of Caherciveen, with its marina, and Waterville, with its championship 18-hole links golf course and superb fresh-water fishing in Lough Currane, are 13km away.

Regattas and seine-boat races are held locally during the summer months.

You will be spoiled for choice whatever your taste or budget. There are many cafes, pub restaurants and gourmet restaurants with the local speciality being fresh seafood.

Visitors can complete the scenic Ring of Kerry route or visit the idyllic town of Kenmare.

Killarney National Park with its beautiful lakes and mountains is an area renowned for its abundant flora and fauna and hosts Ireland's highest mountain, Carrantuohill, at 1,039 m.

Killarney offers a wealth of choice with shopping, pubs and restaurants, Muckross House and Muckross traditional farms, The Museum of Irish Transport, The National Farm Museum, and The Model Railway.

A visit to the Dingle peninsula is an ideal day trip where you can visit Dingle Oceanworld and get to swim with Fungi the Dolphin - a regular visitor to Dingle Bay.

Kerry's famous "Crag caves" at Castleisland, which are thought to be over a million years old, are a colourful wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites.

Tralee's Aqua Dome (a water-world complex) is a treat for all the family. Also, a ride in the steam train from Tralee to Blenerville's 201-year-old restored windmill is a must.

Nearest International Airport	Kerry International Airport (65km)
Nearest Ferry Port	Cork (140km)
Nearest Railway Station	Killarney (65km)
Car	Recommended