About the book

Valentia is in South West Kerry, next parish America. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it was very different from other west coast islands because it had three main industries: fishing, slate quarrying and communications. These blended to form a unique social mix. As well as farmers and fishermen, the island had quarry men, engineers, cable technicians, radio officers, meteorological staff, and a resident landlord, the Knight of Kerry.

Valentia. A Different Island is an account of their lives.

About the author

Neillie Ó’ Cléirigh (1927 – 2008) was born in Clonmel Co. Tipperary. She was a graduate of UCD in Irish and History.

Throughout her life, Nellie had a great interest in Irish social history, and wrote many articles for a wide range of national and international journals and magazines.

In the late 1960s, she and her husband Cormac bought a holiday home on Valentia. This was the beginning of her great interest in the island and its varied, colourful history.

Valentia. A different Irish Island continues to be a popular and important account of this wonderful island.