Valentia Slate Quarry Tours and Activities

Located on Valentia Island, the Slate Quarry was opened in 1816 by the Knight of Kerry, and supplied slate to London’s prestigious Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. The quarry operated for almost 100 years before it was closed by a rock fall in 1911.
The Basics
Although the quarry has resumed operation, its most famous for another reason; it’s home to a beautiful grotto that was built into the mined quarry and proves a peaceful spot for quiet reflection. Just a short walk from the quarry, visitors can find panoramic views of Valentia Harbour, Beginish Island, Dingle Bay, and the Blasket Islands on a clear day. Private tours of the Ring of Kerry and its surrounds often include a visit to Valentia Island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Old Slate Quarry is a must-visit for those interested in Irish history.
- As it’s a working quarry, expect to find slabs of slate and debris around.
- You can watch slate being cut and even take home discarded pieces as a souvenir.
- There is free parking nearby.
How to Get There
The Old Slate Quarry is located on Valentia Island, just off the Ring of Kerry route. For the best views on your approach, leave the car at the crossroads leading to the island’s lighthouse and follow the winding road through the Glanleam woods.
When to Get There
The quarry and grotto is accessible anytime, but if you want to see the small handful of quarrymen at work, visit during the week in the morning or early afternoon.
Holy Shrines
The quarry is also home to a shrine to the Virgin Mary and a statue honoring Saint Marie-Bernadette Soubirous, the girl who witnessed Mary's apparition in Lourdes in 1858. The statues are positioned in a cave elevated from ground level to a height of about 96 feet (29 meters) and were erected by the people of Valentia in 1954 to commemorate the Marian Year, established by the Catholic Church.
Address: Knightstown, Valentia Island, County Kerry, Ireland
1 Tours and Activities to Experience Valentia Slate Quarry
Sort by:Featured

Private Skellig Ring Day Tour
As always, Kerry Tours provides a layout for the day, but should you eel the need to include something extra or skip on some of our suggestions, then let us know and we will be happy to try to accommodate you
…More
From
$421.96
per group
From
$421.96
per group
- Things to do in South West Ireland
- Things to do in Kenmare
- Things to do in Killarney
- Things to do in Dingle
- Things to do in Cork
- Things to do in Cobh
- Things to do in Shannon
- Things to do in Limerick
- Things to do in Galway
- Things to do in Dublin
- Things to do in Belfast
- Things to do in Cardiff
- Things to do in Liverpool
- Things to do in Western Ireland
- Things to do in West Midlands