Visit Valentia Heritage Centre in Kerry

Valentia has the earliest evidence of human activity in Southern Ireland – 6000 BC – and many other remains of man’s occupation through the ages: Megalithic, Celtic, Monastic, Cromwellian, and Napoleonic. The Island played a special role in international telegraph communications, meteorology, and safety at sea. The combination of a mild moist climate and contrasting terrains has produced an abundant plant, animal, and bird life in great variety. Sheltered harbour waters and the exposed Northern shores provide habitat for a wide variety of marine life.

Discover things to do, places to go, more people to meet, and each other. The Centre is housed in the former Knightstown National School, which was built in 1861, extended in 1911, and closed in 1976. There are three main display rooms: The School-Room; Island and Harbour; and The Transatlantic Telegraph. In our ever more crowded, busy world, Valentia still offers a haven to the traveller, a tranquil, easy-going pace of life, a small, welcoming community which invites you to share its own special place.

• Monday – 10:30 to 17:00
• Tuesday – 10:30 to 17:00
• Wednesday – 10:30 to 17:00
• Thursday – 10:30 to 17:00
• Friday – 10:30 to 17:00
• Saturday – 10:30 to 17:00
• Sunday – 10:30 to 17:00