We are planning on visiting Kenmare and doing the Ring of Kerry. The plan is to spend a night in Portmagee so we can go out to the Skelligs the next day weather permitting. We are debating whether we should stay another night in Portmagee so we can go to Valentia Island. Or whether we should stay two nights in Kenmare instead and just the one night in Portmagee.
Kenmare, Portmagee, Valentia Island
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I spent about 10 days on Valentia with a friend who has a home there and while I cannot compare it to Kenmare I can say that it's a lovely landscape to explore for a day if you have a car. Portmagee would be a fine place for 2 nights and, as I'm sure you know, is just across the bridge from Valentia. There's a good pub in Portmagee, very popular with locals for dinner which probably says it all.
In Knightstown there's a small but very interesting museum dedicated to the transatlantic cable.
If you enjoy gardens you might visit Glanleam:
http://www.ireland-guide.com/gardens/glanleam_house_and_subtropical_garden_.garden.7122.html
There is nothing to suggest that the Valentia Observatory, part of the Irish Meteorological Service, is open to the public but if you call ahead as we did you may also find they will be very happy to provide an employee for a private tour.
Then I suggest, armed with a map, that you drive around this very rural place, park near the north coast and get out and walk to the water. It's a lovely, low key and off the beaten path place that, since you ask, you are sure to love.
Thanks for the info, will check out the links.
Just remember to be flexible, as the boat out to the Skelligs won't go if the weather isn't good. I've tried three times, and each time the weather hasn't been good enough to go
Agree with the above - difficult to catch the Skelligs boat for most. I was lucky enough to get it 2 out of 3 times, but one of those times we had to turn around and come back; never got to land. But perhaps you will be lucky! Portmagee is a cool little seaside spot; Kenmare is a very nice village. Lots of walking in both areas. You can walk from Portmagee to Valentia Island if you wish, just across the bridge. Have a great time!