At the eastern tip of Valentia Island, at the level of the village of Knightstown, an aborted marina project has left massive pontoons around the old harbor to break the chop. These large concrete pontoons are free of access and welcome boaters and fishermen who wish to do so.
Arrival in Knightstown by boat
When arriving by boat from the north of Dingle Bay, you must pay attention to the eddies, currents, islets and rocks in front of Slea Head, between the Blasket islands. Moreover, when passing between Valentia Island and Beginish Island to reach Knightstown, the numerous fishing traps require some attention. You can also go around Beginish Island by the north.
Surprisingly, there are also fishing traps inside the pontoons. They are not a nuisance, unless you tie up at the north pontoon, on the inner side. However, it is best to avoid it because of the current and the chop that make it less comfortable. Ideally, the east pontoon is preferable, as the ferry runs along the south pontoon, which generates some eddies.
Easy access to the village and the coast
The pontoon does not offer other facilities, as electricity and water are not available. However, there are sanitary facilities near the hold of the ferry that runs continuously between the island and the coast, at Reenard Point. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, RNLI, also has a base in Knightstown.
The port is located at the foot of the main street of the village. There you can find a grocery store, several pubs and restaurants. A little higher up, a large playground is a delight for children and the small island museum keeps them entertained.
A little history and curiosities
It tells the story of the great adventure of the first transatlantic communication cable between Valentia, the westernmost point of Europe, and Newfoundland. Beautiful walks can be made from the village, towards the lighthouse of Valentia or on the fossilized tracks of a tetrapod, 400 million years old.
Surroundings that are worth the trip
Valentia Island is ideally located a few miles south of the charming port of Dingle, with its "hardware store" pubs where you can drink a pint while buying screws and nails, all to music. It's a great place to stroll through its little stores and jewelry stores, eat Irish tapas or enjoy an ice cream at the famous Murphy's.
Nearby, you can also find the Blasket Islands, the impressive Skellig Islands or the beach of Coumeenoole, reputed to be the most beautiful in County Kerry...
