Visitors to Valentia Island can now enjoy an enhanced experience at one of the Wild Atlantic Way's most spectacular viewpoints, as the newly upgraded Bray Head Discovery Point officially opens.
On Friday, July 17th, Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland today officially marked the opening of the enhanced Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point at Bray Head, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry, following an investment of €2.1million by Fáilte Ireland.
Restoring an Iconic Piece of Kerry's Heritage
Delivered in partnership with Kerry County Council, the project has transformed the visitor experience at one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s key coastal locations. The project included the restoration and conservation of the historic nineteenth-century Bray Head Signal Tower and the installation of a new concrete spiral staircase and rooftop viewing platform. The tower served naval and wartime communication roles, reflecting Valentia’s strategic maritime importance and now provides panoramic views across some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes, including the Skellig Islands, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sceilg Mhichíl, Dingle Bay and Valentia Island.
The Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points were first developed in 2014 to showcase areas with some of the most distinctive views and heritage sites along Ireland’s west coast. Bray Head is one of 188 Discovery Points located along the 2,500km coastal route, each identified by the distinctive Wild Atlantic Way marker point. The enhancement of the Bray Head Discovery Point comes at an important time for tourism development in the region, aligning with the new South and Mid Kerry Destination and Experience Development Plan and building on the success of the Skellig Coast Visitor Experience Development Plan. This investment strengthens the area's tourism offering, enriches the visitor experience, and helps showcase South Kerry’s unique natural, cultural and heritage assets in a sustainable and competitive way.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said:
“The opening of the enhanced Bray Head Discovery Point represents an important investment in tourism infrastructure along the Wild Atlantic Way. Through our national tourism policy, we are committed to supporting the sustainable development of tourism across the country, strengthening regional destinations and ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism growth.
This €2.1million investment has restored and protected an important heritage asset while improving access and enhancing the visitor experience at one of Kerry’s most significant coastal locations. By investing in projects such as this, we are encouraging visitors to explore more of Ireland’s regions while also demonstrating how strategic investment can protect our natural and built heritage while helping to sustain tourism as an economic driver for communities across the country.”
Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, Orla Carroll, said:
“The enhancement of Bray Head Discovery Point is a significant addition to the Wild Atlantic Way visitor offering in Kerry. Fáilte Ireland’s investment of €2.1million reflects our commitment to developing high quality visitor experiences that support sustainable tourism growth while protecting and showcasing Ireland’s unique heritage.
The completed project improves accessibility, enhances the visitor experience and safeguards the historic Bray Head Signal Tower for future generations. We are pleased to have worked in partnership with Kerry County Council to deliver this important project, which will support the local tourism economy and encourage visitors to explore more of the region.”
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Mikey Sheehy, said:
“Perched on Bray Head on Valentia Island, this initiative has restored the historic nineteenth-century Signal Tower and transformed it into a visitor experience that celebrates heritage, landscape, and ecology. Originally part of a coastal signalling network linking stations along Ireland’s southwest coast, the tower later served naval and wartime communication roles, reflecting Valentia’s strategic maritime importance. Sensitive conservation works have repaired the structure using traditional lime render, reinstated local stone walls, and incorporated Valentia Slate to respect local materials and craftsmanship”
Open to the public, the restored Bray Head Signal Tower is accessed via a scenic walk of approximately 20–25 minutes from the car park at Foilhommerum Bay on the western side of Valentia Island. The route to the tower offers spectacular coastal views before rewarding visitors with breathtaking panoramas from the new rooftop viewing platform, overlooking the Skellig Islands and Valentia Island.
For those wishing to venture further, the Bray Head Loop Walk continues beyond the Signal Tower, taking walkers along dramatic clifftop paths to Bray Head Cross at the island's highest point. This rewarding trail showcases some of the Wild Atlantic Way's most spectacular coastal scenery, making it a must for walkers looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Valentia Island.
Discover More About Valentia Island
A visit to Bray Head is just the beginning of everything Valentia Island has to offer. Steeped in history, surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery and rich in geological heritage, the island is one of the highlights of the Skellig Coast.
While you're here, step back in time at the world-famous Tetrapod Footprints, dating back almost 385 million years, take in the breathtaking views from Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs, or visit Valentia Lighthouse at Cromwell Point, one of Ireland's most westerly lighthouses. From scenic walking trails and quiet beaches to charming villages and unforgettable Wild Atlantic Way viewpoints, there's no shortage of places to explore.
Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, discover why Valentia Island continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
