Valentia Island
Valentia Island is a delightful hidden gem situated off the coast of Kerry. The bridge connects the island to the mainland. And a car & passenger ferry operates from April to September, from Renard Point to Valentia’s fishing village of Knightstown.
Here's our list of 19 things to do on Valentia Island:
1. Geokaun Mountain & Cliffs (open all year)
Valentia Island’s highest point. It’s a must see for spectacular 360 degree views and some light exercise.
Local tip: Sunrise (if you’re an early bird) and sunset are particularly stunning times to visit Geokaun Mountain & Cliffs.
2. Valentia Island Car & Passenger Ferry (open April - Sept)
Why not have a relaxing trip to and from the island, treat yourself.
The car ferry is a delightful way to enter Valentia and gives the feel of a real island experience.
3. Knightstown fishing village
The picturesque fishing village of Knightstown is the island’s main village. Be sure to visit here in summer, the village comes alive and you will be sure to enjoy the cafes, pubs, grocery shop, walking the shorefront, and sea sports.
Local tip: Knightstown pier, and boat slip beside the town clock are great spots for swimming
4. Valentia Island Sea Sports, Knightstown (open summer months)
Sea Sports has everything from kids summer camps, sailing courses, teen adventure challenge, kids sailing camps, paddle boarding, to guided kayak tours.
5. Valentia Heritage Centre, Knightstown (open April – Sept)
This heritage centre in Knightstown is well worth a visit to discover the history of the island.
There are three main display rooms -
>The School Room and Island Life
>Social, Scientific, and Industrial Heritage
>Communications and The Transatlantic Cable
6. Sea Cruises, from Knightstown (open April - Oct)
Kerry Aqua Terra is custom built, wheelchair-accessible, sea and land passenger boat will give you a memorable experience of the coast. There are plenty of cruises on offer - the Valentia Island Experience, the Skellig Coast Tour and the Wildlife Eco Tour.
7. Valentia Playground, Knightstown (open all year)
The park & playground in Knightstown includes a children’s and toddler’s playground, playing fields, a floodlit running/walking trail that runs the entire field, an asphalt basketball/tennis court and outdoor exercise machines. It’s a lovely place to picnic, kick ball, exercise and play.
8. Glanleam Beach (open all year)
The beach is located in a unique secluded spot and is surrounded by the subtropical Glanleam Gardens.
Many summer days can be spent here jumping into the sea from the pier, climbing rocks along the shore, fishing from the rocks or taking in the view of Valentia Lighthouse.
9. The Tetrapod Footprints (open all year)
Here you will discover pre-historic footprints, made by a creature called a tetrapod 385 million years ago, long before the age of the dinosaur. This free attraction is open to the public and accessible by footpath.
10. Valentia Lighthouse (open March – Nov)
You can tour the grounds, see a working lighthouse up close and learn a bit of the lighthouse history while you’re there.
11. The Skellig Experience Centre (open March – Nov)
The centre, located near the bridge, includes displays of the Skelligs monastery, the Skellig Lighthouse, Sea Birds and an audio-visual show.
Local tip: It’s great for those who don’t have a chance to visit the Skellig Islands by boat.
12. Places to Eat & Drink on Valentia Island
>The Royal Bar & Restaurant, in Knightstown (open all year)
>The Watch House, in Knightstown (open summer months)
>The Skellig Experience Cafe (open March - Nov)
>Boston’s Bar, in Knightstown (open summer months)
>The Ring Lyne Bar, in Chapeltown (open all year)
>Valentia Ice Cream Parlour (open summer months)
Places to Eat & Drink nearby
>The Point Seafood Bar & Restaurant – across the car ferry in Renard Point (open summer months)
>Skellig Seafront Restaurant - across the bridge in Portmagee (open all summer months)
>The Bridge Bar & Restaurant – across the bridge in Portmagee (open all year)
>The Fisherman’s Bar- across the bridge in Portmagee (open all year)
>The Cafe Portmagee - across the bridge in Portmagee (open all year)
> The Wild Way Coffee - across the bridge in Portmagee (open summer months)
13. Sea angling
We are surrounded by some of the richest fishing grounds in Europe here on Valentia Island. You can expect to catch mackerel, wrasse, conger, ling, cod, squid, pollock, red blenny. You might be lucky and see basking sharks making an occasional appearance.
There are 3 main sea angling operators on Valentia Island: Wild Atlantic Boats, Murphy's Atlantic Angling, and Mary Frances.
14. Valentia Island Gym, Chapeltown (open all year)
You'll find everything you need to get those good endorphins pumping in Valentia Gym. Equipment includes treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine, cross trainer, free weights, punch bag and weight machines.
15. Valentia Bee Beds (open seasonally)
A truly unique wellness experience on Valentia, the Bee Beds offer deep relaxation while you lie back and listen to the gentle hum of bees.
They also offer a “Revive Experience”, combining red light therapy, sound therapy and aromatherapy for a full mind and body reset.
16. Valentia Island Candles (open all year)
A small artisan workshop creating beautifully handcrafted candles inspired by the island. Made using pure essential oils, these locally produced candles are a very popular gift.
Local tip: The workshop might be a little off the beaten track, but it’s a hidden gem and well worth the visit.
17. The Eighth Wonder, Knightstown (open seasonally)
Discover the incredible story of the first transatlantic cable, laid between Valentia Island and Newfoundland over 150 years ago.
This interactive exhibition brings to life how this “eighth wonder of the world” revolutionised global communication, reducing message times from weeks to just minutes.
18. Oileán Pilates, near Chapeltown (open all year)
Why not join a Pilates class and take some time to stretch and strengthen. Oileán Pilates offers both mat and reformer classes, led by a local physiotherapist, and is suitable for all levels.
19. Valentia Island Art Studio (open summer months)
This is the working studio of artist Gillian Murphy, She offers 2 hour summer workshops in introduction to oil and cold wax painting. The studio also features a selection of art and limited edition prints for sale.