Welcome to Coastguard Patch on Valentia Island, on the world famous Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way. Our place is the closest to the Skelligs, the setting for Star Wars. It enjoys spectacular views over County Kerry, Dingle Bay, Iveragh and Blasket Islands. The cottage is 200 years old, restored faithfully and beautifully to old traditions, but spacious and cosy and with modern amenities.

The space
Coastguard Patch is furnished to a high standard, offering bright, clean and spacious accommodation, with under-floor heating throughout. The house will comfortably accommodate 6-7 people. The kitchen will comfortably seat 8 around a large kitchen table and contains all modern conveniences including cooker, oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, kettle and dishwasher. The living room includes satellite TV, DVD player and stereo. There is a booster seat for small children. Stairs leading from the living room up to the gated mezzanine loft area reveal a living/playing space with Atlantic views. Each bedroom has Atlantic views, oak floors, plenty of storage space, and individually controlled under-floor heating. There is one master double bedroom en suite, one double bedroom en suite, and one bedroom consisting of a double and single bed. There is one travel cot for small children. There is a family bathroom available to all. The gated mezzanine loft may also be converted into temporary guest accommodation (on 2 quality double futons). There is a separate utility room which houses the washing machine and tumble drier.

Guest access
A not-to-be-missed trip to the Skelligs can be booked from Valentia. Ask Cami for help with the booking. Activities nearby include golf, boat trips, angling, diving, cycling, horse-riding and many beautiful walks.

Other things to note
Beaches
The nearest sandy beach is nearby at Glanleam. It is calm and sheltered and surrounded by subtropical gardens. There are 5 blue flag beaches within 30 minutes drive. There are larger sandy beaches on Beginish Island, easily accessible by boat in the summer. The largest beaches are at Ballinskelligs and Waterville. There is good surf at St. Finian's Bay.

Boat trips, Angling & Diving.
Boats leave daily for the 90 minute journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Skellig Michael, an early monastic settlement perched on rocky islands 13 km out to sea, and also one of the largest bird colonies in the world. This is a trip not to be missed. Excellent sea angling can be arranged while there is plenty of access nearby to both shore and lake fishing. Scuba divers will find world class dive sites at the Skelligs while shore diving is also an option with rental facilities on the island. Those wanting to learn to dive or improve their qualification can book lessons at the island's PADI centre.

Restaurants & Bars
There are excellent seafood restaurants within easy reach. Knightstown is home to The Royal Hotel and Bostons Bar for regular music. Highly recommended are The Fuschia, in Knightstown, O'Neills at Renard Point, and The Bridge Bar and The Moorings Restaurant, in the village of Portmagee to O'Neills at Renard Point, The Bridge Bar and The Moorings in Portmagee are a short journey by car offering quick bites or full restaurant menus. Both Bostons Pub and The Royal Hotel provide varied menus throughout the year.The larger town of Cahirciveen, on the Ring of Kerry, has craft shops and lively bars and restaurants.

Some interesting facts!
-The Skelligs, 13km off the coast of Valencia were used in the recent Star Wars Film.
-The Tetrapod Trackway: The oldest dinosaur footprints in the northern hemisphere at 385m years, are 300 metres away from the house.
- The first transatlantic telecommunications cable was laid from Valentia to Newfoundland, in 1866, linking New York and London for the first time.
- Valentia slate was used on the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey in London.
- The view from Coastguard Patch was used in the recent "San Jose" Guinness ad.
Breathtaking scenery on your doorstep, great food, warm people and great craic!