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Explore Valentia Island from Cahersiveen
Top Attractions, Trails, and Scenic Views Just Minutes Away
Just across the water from Cahersiveen, Valentia Island is one of the most scenic and historically rich destinations on the Ring of Kerry. A short drive or ferry ride brings you to dramatic cliffs, ancient slate quarries, breathtaking viewpoints, and family-friendly adventures — all within easy reach of the Kerry Coast Hotel and Frank’s Bar & Bistro (V23 RV07)
Whether you're into hiking, photography, history, or simply soaking up the views, Valentia Island is a must on your Kerry itinerary.
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Sweeping views from Geokaun Mountain on Valentia Island, with the Skellig Islands
on the horizon and Kerry’s rugged coastline unfolding below.
Geokaun Mountain
& Fogher Cliffs
Drive or walk to Valentia’s highest point for sweeping views across the Atlantic, the Skellig Islands, and Dingle Bay. The Fogher Cliffs plunge dramatically into the sea below — one of Ireland’s most underrated photo spots.
Perfect for: scenic drives, photography, peaceful walks
Valentia Slate Quarry
Discover Ireland’s oldest slate quarry, still in operation today. The same slate that once roofed London’s Houses of Parliament can be seen here — along with open-air exhibits and towering rock faces.
Perfect for: history lovers, geology enthusiasts, curious explorers
The dramatic entrance to Valentia Island Slate Quarry — one of the oldest in the world and still active today, with slate once used on London’s Houses of Parliament.
Bray Head Loop Walk
Located at the western tip of the island, this rugged coastal loop offers panoramic views of Skellig Michael and the Wild Atlantic. The walk is moderately challenging but well worth it, ending at the ruins of an old signal tower.
Perfect for: hikers, walkers, Skellig photo opportunities
Valentia Island Lighthouse
Located at Cromwell Point – V23 DW73, this 19th-century lighthouse guards the entrance to Valentia Harbour and is open to visitors during the summer months. Learn about the island’s maritime past while enjoying one of the best views on the Kerry coast.
Perfect for: family outings, maritime history, coastal views
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Bray Head Loop Walk with views of the Skelligs
and the old signal tower.
Valentia Island Lighthouse at Cromwell Point, set against the rugged Kerry coastline.
Tetrapod Takeaway
Walk in the footsteps of one of Earth’s earliest land animals — literally. This 385-million-year-old fossil trackway is one of the oldest in the world, showing where a prehistoric creature once moved through soft mud.
Perfect for: families, science fans, unique photo ops
The Tetrapod Trackway on Valentia Island — one of the oldest fossil footprints in the world,
dating back over 385 million years.
Getting There
From Cahersiveen (V23 RV07), reach Valentia Island via:
The bridge at Portmagee (approx. 20-minute drive, near V23 HN47)
The seasonal Valentia car ferry from Renard Point (approx. 10-minute drive plus a 5-minute crossing)
Both routes offer scenic drives and are easy to access from the Kerry Coast Hotel.
After Exploring Valentia
Return to Cahersiveen for a relaxed meal at Frank’s Bar & Bistro. We serve fresh seafood, local craft beers, and hearty Irish fare daily until 9 pm — the perfect end to a day of exploring.
Stay Close to It All
Whether you're visiting for the walking trails, scenic views, or historic sites, Valentia Island is just minutes away from the Kerry Coast Hotel — your perfect base for exploring the Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way.
Serving Cahersiveen, Valentia Island, Portmagee, Ballinskelligs, Waterville, and the surrounding coastal villages.