A slice of communications history and superb views on island retreat

BOUGHT in 1972 for the same amount as it cost to build, Number 6, Cable Terrace has been a much cherished home in the intervening 30 years.

Built by the Transatlantic Cable Company for its telegraph officers, Cable Terrace and its neighbours form a graceful introduction to the shorefront of the West Kerry island.

They are also testament to the importance of Valentia in the early days of telegraphic communication. Prior to the laying of the transatlantic cable in the late 1880s, communications between the Americas and Europe relied upon shipping to bring news across the Atlantic. The story of the laying of the cable is funny and fascinating and there are numerous websites dedicated to what was then an amazing feat according to the experts, this cross channel communication had the same effect as the discovery of electricity.