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Province of Munster
County Kerry
Valentia Island
Things to do in Valentia Island
Valentia Lighthouse
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Valentia Lighthouse

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Valentia Lighthouse
4
235 reviews
#4 of 18 things to do in Valentia Island
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
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About
Built on the site of a 17th-century fort, Valentia Island Lighthouse on Cromwell Point has stood against sea and invader for hundreds of years. Now, this gleaming white lighthouse on beautiful Valentia Island looks out across some of the most spectacular sights along the Wild Atlantic Way. There’s much to enjoy in a visit to this lighthouse. Take a tour of the lighthouse tower and balcony. Be blown away by the dramatic scenery and big weather! Soak up the stories and the science as you learn about the people and technology that have guided ships safely home from the sea over the years. Valentia Island Lighthouse offers a great day out, fascinating history, inspiring views and a unique insight into island life. Season Opening: 29th March 2019 Season Closing: 27th October 2019
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
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7 within 5 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
235 reviews
Excellent
115
Very good
69
Average
35
Poor
9
Terrible
7
fingerwasp
Bray, Ireland53 contributions
Informative and fun
Sep 2022 • Couples
Well curated lighthouse museum - fun and informative with some great interactive exhibits - fun for children and adults
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Krabate
123 contributions
Lovely museum
Jun 2022
Lovely light house, nice small museum. Lovely guide. Parking, toilets are avalaible and there is small coffee shop. Very nice views
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
julie9066
Sydney, Australia73 contributions
Valentia Lighthouse
Jul 2022
We visited the lighthouse. It was a self guided tour. We enjoyed our visit and reading about how the families survived being lighthouse guardians. It was very interesting. The coastline where it is situated is very scenic but the road into it needs an upgrade. We also found the signs to the lighthouse were not very clear. But overall it is worth a visit.
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel
Saratoga Springs, NY14 contributions
Beautiful lighthouse on Valentia Island
Jul 2022 • Family
A absolutely gorgeous lighthouse in a stunning location that I would recommend seeing on Valentia Island, although be warned the road there is very narrow and this place is hard to reach. I had a fun time seeing the views from the top and seeing the history behind the lighthouse. Although I don't think it would be worth going out of your way for, if you are in the area I would highly recommend making a stop.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bernie S
Belfast, UK626 contributions
Sunny afternoon visit
Jun 2022 • Couples
We visited this lighthouse this afternoon. We were surprised but pleased to be able to visit a working lighthouse which has a little museum and you can visit the deck of the lighthouse. Plenty of initial explain the history. Great views. Also a coffee shop and toilets.
Written 3 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cindy C
Columbia, MO49 contributions
Nice place but difficult to get there
Apr 2022
We went there before the lighthouse was open so we didn't really visit the lighthouse. The lighthouse looked pretty. The surrounding area was magnificent. The problem is it was difficult to get there. The road was narrow and hilly with sharp turns. Our little rental car was barely able to make it. We had good time enjoying the view and nervous time driving.
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jacqueline Rita Skinner
237 contributions
Visit to valentia lighthouse
Sep 2021 • Couples
Myself and my husband visited valentia lighthouse recently and enjoyed our visit here. The staff were very friendly and helpful and there was a lot to learn about the lighthouse.
Written 29 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anthea B
7 contributions
Not for disabled
Sep 2021 • Friends
Claimed to disabled accessible, which is why we went but it most certainly was not. Mum in a wheelchair could not get in any of the buildings and the pathway to get there was dangerous for a wheelchair and almost impossible to push. She got out of the chair to sit at a table but ended up falling over trying to get back to the chair. Was still charged full price. If disabled DO NOT GO.
Written 6 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ciara
6 contributions
Overpriced!
Aug 2021
The lighthouse was quite nice, would be quite enjoyable if free but certainly not worth the 7.50e admission fee for what essentially a quick look into the lighthouse keeper’s home. There seemed to be a lot of staff for very little work & the female guide we spoke to was unable to answer our questions about the history of the outbuildings.
Written 19 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Islandlily
Dublin, Ireland22 contributions
Amazing attraction with not so amazing staff
Jul 2021
This is an amazing spot- really interesting history, breathtaking views and the Light keeper's house has been done up really well. Well done to all involved in this really important heritage project.
However our visit should have been much better than it was, as it was left down by very poor and uninterested staff.

The ticket guy was rude and monosyllabic. He is clearly bored and hates the job and prefers to look at his phone than have to talk to tourists to give basic info!

The family ticket price was a bit steep we felt personally given no tour or anything.

The site has covid-19 restrictions fair enough so they keep numbers limited in each section but the dark haired female staff member and the guy with curly hair treat visitors like cattle to be moved on. She was so rude telling us to leave rooms before we could even read the information plaques. We asked her a very basic question about one room and she looked at us blankly- she is not local but surely learning a bit about the site should be part of the job? A guy on a walkie talkie was nicer and asked if we had enjoyed the trip.

The coffee shop wasn't open which was disappointing. The toilet needed a bit of a clean- maybe the staff could actually do that?

Why hire staff who are not interested in this job? We have seen this before in some public heritage sites where the staff think the place exists just for a cushy job and they do the absolute bare minimum.

Other attractions we visited locally had such enthusiastic and friendly staff that this place really stood out as the opposite. It is a pity as I am sure there are lots of people who would be really good at working there.

A friend visited it another day and had a similar experience though the coffee shop was open and she said the local lady there was very friendly and nice to them
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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VALENTIA LIGHTHOUSE (Valentia Island) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Valentia Lighthouse
Valentia Lighthouse is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:30 - 17:00
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Valentia Lighthouse tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Valentia Lighthouse tours on Tripadvisor