Spectacular Kerry viewpoint officially opened

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland have officially marked the opening of the enhanced Wild Atlantic Way discovery point at Bray Head on Valentia Island.

The €2.1m project included the restoration and conservation of the historic Bray Head signal tower and the installation of a new concrete spiral staircase and rooftop viewing platform.

The elevated platform provides panoramic views across some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes, including the Blasket Islands, the Skellig Islands and Valentia Island.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Councillor Mikey Sheehy, said the project had ‘transformed’ tower into a visitor experience that celebrated heritage, landscape, and ecology.

“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,” said Cllr Sheehy.

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.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, hailed the opening as an ‘important’ investment in tourism infrastructure along the Wild Atlantic Way.

“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,” he said.