VALENCIA

In 1868, the parish of Valencia contained the following places:

"VALENCIA, an island and a parish in the barony of Iveragh, county Kerry, Ireland, 4½ miles S.W. of Cahirsiveen. It is a fertile and populous island, about 6 miles in length by 2 in breadth, situated at the mouth of the Valentia river, near Biginish Island. The shore is guarded by steep, rocky cliffs, rising 620 feet at Bray Head, where was formerly a beacon tower, and 886 feet at Rinnadrolaun Point. The village, which is considerable, is a postal and coast-guard station on Valentia harbour, the most westerly port in Ireland. This haven, lying inside the island, with about 7 fathoms at low water, is well sheltered, and has within the last few years risen into importance, owing to the Atlantic Telegraph Company having selected it as the point of landing for the great cable, being the nearest land to America, or about 350 miles nearer than Liverpool. There are extensive slate and flagstone quarries. Many of the inhabitants are employed in the coasting trade and in the fisheries. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Limerick, Ardfert, and Aghadoe, value £170, in the patronage of the crown. The church was rebuilt in 1815 in place of an old one, the ruins of which remain. There are three Roman Catholic chapels and several schools. The Annesley family take from this place the title of Viscount Valentia."

"CLYNACARTEN, a hamlet in the parish of Valencia, barony of Iveragh, in the county of Kerry, 8 miles S.W. of Cahersivoen."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018