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Valentia Island
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Valentia Island,
situated off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula, is the most
westerly point of Western Europe. Next stop west of Valentia is
America 1900 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Accessible by road via
the Portmagee Bridge or car ferry leaving from from Renard Point
(near Cahirciveen) daily between April and October, many tourists
flock to this island annually because of Valentia's historical
significance and natural beauty.
Valentia is an island of wonderful scenic beauty, tropical
vegetation, breathtaking cliffs and magnificent seascapes. The
island measures about 11km long by 3km wide . The island is one of
great contrast. The western part of the island is dominated by the
barren, dramatic cliffs of Bray Head which command spectacular views
of the Kerry coastline while the mild effect of the Gulf Stream
results in Valentia's balmy climate and lush, colourful vegetation.
The island is an excellent centre for deep sea angling, shore
fishing and diving in unpolluted waters. The popularity of scuba
diving is reflected in the fact that there are three main diving
centres are available on the island â Des Lavelles, the Dive Centre
and the Valentia Island Sea Sports Centre. Hill walking, cycling and
canoeing are also popular on the island.
The "Skellig Experience", situated just when one crosses to the
island via road, is a must to visit. It contains exhibitions of the
life and times of the monks who lived on the island and is an ideal
place to go if visiting the Skellig Islands for background
information. Other themes in the centre include the the lighthouse
and the local bird and underwater life. The Glanleam Estate is
another major tourist attraction. The former residence of "The
Knight of Kerry" (the Fitzgerald family), it is now a converted
guest-house open to the public to view the sub-tropical gardens.
The main village on the island is Knightstown, called after the
"Knight of Kerry" who formerly owned the island. It is the main hub
of activity on the island. There are a number of bars and
restaurants on the island with a reputation for some excellent food.
The other village on the island is Chapelstown - a lot quieter then
Knightstown.
The first transatlantic telegraph cable was connected from the US to
Valentia and there is a sculpture to commemorate this on the island
today. An important quarry on the northern part of the island which
opened in 1816 still flourishes today. The famous Valentia Slate has
been used in many prominent buildings including the British House of
Commons in London. |
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Valentia Island Holiday Homes - County Kerry, Ireland