Page 170 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

168  IRELAND REGION B Y REGION

9 Valentia Island sports and archaeological sites. P Geokaun Mountain
Valentia is also popular for its & Fogher Cliffs
Road map A5. Co Kerry. @ to Cahir­ Valentia Island. Tel 087 649 3728.
civeen. n May–Sep: Cahirciveen (066 proximity to the Skellig Islands. Open 6am–11pm daily. & 7
947 2589). ∑ visitvalentiaisland.ie The Skellig Experience Centre, ∑ geokaun.com
near the causeway, houses an
Although it feels like the audiovisual display about the P Skellig Experience Centre
main land, Valentia is an island, monastery on Skellig Michael, Valentia Island. Tel 066 947 6306.
albeit linked by a cause way to the largest of the Skellig Islands. Open May–Sep: daily; Mar, Apr, Oct &
Port magee. It is Other subjects include the mar­ Nov: varying days (call ahead). & 7
∑ skelligexperience.com
11 km (7 miles) long ine life around the islands, a
and noted for its reminder that the Skellig cliffs lie
sea scapes, underwater for a depth of 50­ m
water (165­ ft). The centre also operates 0 The Skellig Islands
cruises around the islands. The Road map A6. Co Kerry. g mid­Mar–
main village, Knightstown, Oct: from Valentia Island.
has varied accommo­ Tel 066 947 6306.
dation, pubs and
superb views. The Skellig Michael, also known as
island’s highest Great Skellig, is a UNESCO World
point, Geokaun Heritage Site. This inhospitable
Mountain and rock rising out of the Atlantic
Fogher Cliffs, offers covers an area of 17 ha (44 acres).
360­degree views. Perched on a ledge almost
It’s perfect for picnics 218­m (714­ft) above sea level
and accessible for and reached by a 1,000­year­old
cars and walkers of stairway is an isolated early
Stairway leading to Skellig Michael monastery all abilities. Christian monastery. Monks
q A Tour of the Ring of Kerry 3 Glenbeigh
Stop here to visit the Kerry
This long-established route around the Iveragh Bog Village, a cluster of
Peninsula, which can be taken in either direction, 4 Cahirciveen reconstructed cottages
The main town on
is always referred to as the Ring of Kerry. Allow the peninsula is dating from the 1800s.
J
a day to see its captivating mountain and coastal home to a unique
scenery, dotted with slate-roofed fishing villages. heritage centre.
Set out early to avoid the mass of coach tours
which converge on the towns for lunch and tea. N70
There are interesting detours across the spine
of the peninsula.

VALENTIA ISLAND
g • Skellig R565
Experience Inny
Centre N70
R567
R566
Waterville
• •
Ballinskelligs
Beach at Ballinskelligs J
Little Skellig Ballinskelligs Bay • Coomakista
Skellig Michael J Pass
Key 5 Derrynane House
Dating from the 17th
Tour route
century, the former home
Other roads of Daniel O’Connell
Boats to the Skelligs (see p46) now houses a
Viewpoint museum featuring his
memorabilia.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp298–9 and pp313–16

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