Current Properties
Cromwell Point Lightkeeper's House
Valentia Island, Co Kerry Background History
Valentia Island lies so close to the tip of Iveragh Peninsula, that it was joined
to the mainland by a bridge in 1970. The Island is home to the most westerly
settled community in Europe, there are traces of a prehistoric field system in
the bogland, and it has strong influences by trade from England and Spain. Valentia
has traditionally been home to Lighthouse families, when the keepers were stationed
at remote and in accessible posts, and the sense of community is still retained.
The Cromwell Point light and houses, were built within the older Star Fort, whose
walls are still in excellent condition. It became operative in 1841. The light,
consisting of a cut stone tower is 54 feet above high water, became unwatched
in 1947.
The
fort walls enclose one house which would, after restoration accommodate up
to 5 people.
