A dramatic coastal walk on Valentia Island to a Napoleonic-era signal tower perched above sheer cliffs, with unforgettable views of the Skellig Islands and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Follow the gravel track on a steady 2 km climb (114 m ascent) to the abandoned 1815 signal tower. The trail is well-waymarked with purple arrows on a white background. Allow 45 minutes up and 25 minutes back down. Originally a loop, the trail is now primarily an out-and-back route — check local signage for any loop section that may be open.
From the tower, gaze out at Skellig Michael and Little Skellig — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Star Wars filming location. On clear days you can also see the Blasket Islands, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Iveragh coast.
Just below and west of the tower, look for the word 'ÉIRE' laid out in large stone letters. This was built during WWII so Allied pilots could identify the neutral Irish coastline from the air.
About halfway up on the south side of the track, spot the remains of five dry-stone buildings from early Christian times, with 12 decorated stones bearing crosses and geometric carvings. Easy to miss if you're not looking.
Keep an eye on the water below — dolphins and whales are regularly spotted off the headland. The cliffs also teem with seabirds, and you'll share the hillside with grazing sheep and cattle.
Near the car park is the site where the first transatlantic telegraph cable came ashore in 1866, connecting North America to Europe and making Valentia Island a global communications hub of its era.
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