Valentia Island

Travel Guide

Photo by Adrienne O'Callaghan
Photo by Denise Keller
Photo by Jazzinto
Photo by Alan Quel
Photo by Alan Quel

Valentia Island is an idyllic place off the south-west coast of County Kerry, which itself lies to the south-west of Republic of Ireland, its fingers of land stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean. The island is small — about seven miles long and two miles wide.

Not completely separated from the mainland, Valentia Island is linked by a causeway across the Portmagee Channel.

It a place of stunning natural beauty with dramatic cliffs at Bray Head and breathtaking views from Valentia Island's highest point, Geokaun Mountain. There is a fabulous walk to the summit but if your legs fail you, it is possible to drive too.

Its shores washed by the Gulf Stream, Valentia Island benefits from lush vegetation, bountiful wild flowers and a balmy climate. It is the perfect place for many water-based activities — diving and surfing, kayaking and sailing, fishing and coasteering.

On land, there are walking, cycling and climbing, not to mention beachcombing and bird-watching, so never a dull moment for the active visitor. There is plenty of accommodation too.

Valentia Island's main claim to fame is that it was the eastern end of the first transatlantic cables. After two failed attempts, the third cable was pulled ashore in Newfoundland in 1866, to a little fishing village with the sweet name of Heart's Content.

This was a staggering 1940 miles away from Valentia Island. Messages, until then, took two weeks to reach America, weather permitting.

Sublime natural beauty and an amazing history — what more could you wish for?

The Royal Valentia Hotel

The Royal Valentia Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Market Street, Knightstown, Valentia Island, Kerry
The price is P9,688 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P9,688
P10,996 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Valentia Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (100 reviews)
"Absolutely gorgeous island! Property was very nice as was the staff."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

The Royal Valentia Hotel
Valentia Skellig Rooms

Valentia Skellig Rooms

2 out of 5
17 Glór Na Farraige, Valentia Island, KY
The price is P5,795 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
P5,795
P6,578 total
Sep 10 - Sep 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Valentia Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Tinnies and Valentia Heritage Museum are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (13 reviews)
"Great property and area. However when booking on Expedia it says 24km to Dingle which was misleading. There is no ferry to Dingle and it's 114km by car."

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2025

Valentia Skellig Rooms
Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa

Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa

4 out of 5
Dingle, Dingle, Kerry
The price is P16,976 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P16,976
P19,268 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Dingle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (428 reviews)
"Wonderful property but be sure to book spa services in advance. They're very popular!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Dingle Skellig Hotel & Peninsula Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dingle Harbour Cottages

Dingle Harbour Cottages

3.5 out of 5
Dingle Harbour Cottages 1, Dingle, County Kerry
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Dingle. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium and Irish Adventures ...
7.6/10 Good! (6 reviews)
"Great location. Easy parking. Missing a few basic things but overall nice stay. Washer and dryer was a bit hard to use. Didn’t love that we had to turn on the water heater when we arrived. Otherwise nice stay."

Reviewed on May 17, 2025

Dingle Harbour Cottages
13 Sneem Leisure Village

13 Sneem Leisure Village

2 out of 5
13 Sneem Leisure Village, Sneem, County Kerry
Book a stay at this golf cottage in Sneem. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions The Way the Fairies Went and Sneem Church are located ...
13 Sneem Leisure Village
Cathair Gheal

Cathair Gheal

2 out of 5
Main Street, Ventry, County Kerry
Stay at this apartment in Ventry. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Penny's Pottery and Glenfahan Group are located ...
"The best views of any place we stayed in Ireland. Very will appointed home."

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2022

Cathair Gheal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do