Natural state.
Arrived to Valentia Island by car driving road the Ring of Kerry and the majestic green hills of the southwest coast. I learned all about the wild flowers which thrive in this region, Iris, Daffodil, Montbretia, Fuschia; species considered profitable in the US are wild and gratis here. Crossing the bridge through the small yet colorful fishing town, Port Mcgee, named after an 18th century Captain smuggler, I finally arrived onto Valentia Island, an 11km by 2km long with a total population of 665, everyone seems to know everyone in neighboring towns filled with local fisherman and apparently, hotelier entrepreneurs like Anthea, my airbnb host was waiting for me. Up to her waist in mud, she greeted me with enthusiasm and urgency.
STAY. Anthea's FARMHOUSE & other Homestays
Anthea's Farmhouse, Private Rooms
Miguel's Pink Flower Caravan, 2 Person Max.
Miguel's Yellow Flower Caravan, 2 Person Max
Historic Cablemaster's Home, 8 Person
Romantic Cottage, 4 person max
The Royal Hotel, Historic hotel
do.
HIKE THE ISLAND
I had no car on the island, no means of transportation so I hiked everywhere. I hiked for fun, I hiked for food, I hiked to explore. Best experiences were avoiding a storm at the Geokaun Cliffs and mountain, with rolling clouds and a white break of waves against the rock. As well the Valentia Island candle store, a quirky place where you can purchase infused candles made on the island. Stop for ice cream en route to viewing the Valentia Island lighthouse. Return home to Anthea's 1979 Red Bus Cafe for lunch or a coffee. My main reason for visiting the island however, was to see the Skellig Islands a day trip that will change your life.
Anthea, an ambitious hotelier was working at the construction site across the street of her up and coming vintage airstream style hotel, a novel concept to her as she had never heard of El Cosmico, in Marfa, Texas but something she believed in after years of working at festivals like Glastonbury.
EAT. PUB LIFE
Valentia Island Farmhouse Dairy Ice Cream Parlour, Kilbeg East, Valentia island, +353873497385
The Moorings Bar, Main Street Port Magee, +353 66 947 7108 : Veggie Burger + Fries or Fresh Fish
Smuggler's Cafe, Port Magee Street, +353 66 967 7250 : Calamari and Chips, Cappucinos
The Royal Valentia Hotel, Farranreagh, Knightstown, +353 66 947 6144, Salmon with Pea Mash