|
Portmagee is a small picturesque fishing village of brightly painted
houses at the southwest tip of Valentia Harbour. The area was a
haven for smugglers and pirates whose hunting ground was the trade
from the Continent and North America. Renowned as the fishing
centre of South West Kerry with over 80% of the area’s fleet based
in the harbour. The village is well known for its traditional pubs
and quality restaurants where fresh fish is served daily straight
from the boats. One of the highlights of the year is the “Old Year”
festivities, which takes place on New Years Eve. It’s a little bit
crazy, a little bit amazing and a fantastic time. Nestled between
the spectacular scenery of St. Finan’s Bay & Valentia Island, this
area is as amazing for it’s coastal splendour as for it’s Winter
Sunsets. Whether your visit to the Skellig Region is for relaxation
or the adventures of the outdoors, the breathtaking scenery will
leave you gasping at every opportunity.
There are exceptional walks and cycling trails with ultimate moments
being Coomanaspig Pass (separating Portmagee and St. Finan’s Bay),
Bray Head Tower on the southern tip of Valentia Island and Valentia
Slate Quarry to the north with exceptionally beautiful views over
Valentia Harbour, Dingle Bay and the Blasket Islands.
As Portmagee is the main departure point for the Skellig Rocks –
UNESCO World Heritage Site – a visit to the Skellig Region would not
be complete without a visit to the Skelligs World Heritage Site.
Skellig Michael, the larger of the two islands is the site of the
world’s finest example of an early Christian monastic settlement.
The monastic complex lies 12km off the south west of Ireland on a
rocky pinnacle and dates to the 6th or 7th century. The monastery
survived for about six centuries before being abandoned in the 13th
century. The monastic enclosure consists of six beehive-shaped huts
of mortarless stone construction, two oratories and a church.
According to annals, the Vikings raided in 812 and 823 and found an
established community.
A trip to the Rocks will take a full day (boats depart around 9am)
and is the highlight of any visit to the Skellig Region. It is an
amazing experience to be sitting 220 metres high on top of the rocks
looking down at the rough sea and letting the wind fill your lungs
with fresh air. No words can capture the serene beauty and spiritual
splendour to be encountered there.
Something for Everybody:
Skellig Rocks; Skellig Boat Trips; Skellig Cruise; Hill Walking –
The Kerry Way; Valentia Island Scenic Drive; Coomanaspig Pass with
spectacular views of the Skellig Region; Skellig Experience Heritage
Centre; Valentia Slate Quarry; Valentia Museum; Sea Angling; Horse
Riding; Diving; Water Sports; Cycling Routes; Blue Flag Beaches;
Magnificent Scenic Drives; Waterville Links Golf; Archaeological
Sites; Cill Rialaig Famine Village; Cill Rialaig Art Gallery & Café;
Derrynane House; Caherciveen Heritage Barracks; Festivals and
Events; and so much more.
World Famous Irish Hospitality
Music, Food, Pubs
Ceoil & Craic – Uniquely Local
|
