Did you know you can see evidence of evolution in County Kerry? We visited Valentia Island to see the Tetrapod Trackway and find out more.
Valentia Island lies at the end of the Iveragh Peninsula, more familiar to many as the location of the Ring of Kerry. On the island you’ll find one of only four sets of prehistoric footprints in the world — footprints that give an invaluable view of the transition of life from water onto land.
Finding the Trackway
Follow the road towards Cromwell Point Lighthouse, which dates from 1841. Guided tours of the lighthouse are sometimes available in season — it’s worth checking locally for current opening times before you go.
A car parking area for the Tetrapod Trackway is located on your right, just before you reach the nearby radio station. (This amused us — we had visions of tetrapods driving up in their cars!)
About the Tracks
The tetrapod imprints are thought to date from Devonian times — somewhere between 350 and 370 million years ago.
This site is of international significance, as it represents the transition of life from water to land: a momentous turning point in evolution, and the oldest reliably dated evidence of four-legged vertebrates (amphibians) moving over land.
The only other three sets of tracks like this can be found in Scotland and in Australia (Victoria and NSW).
Seeing the Footprints
Access to the trackway is by a steep pathway down to the rocks. This path is quite rocky as well as steep, so it won’t be suitable for buggies — but kids will enjoy climbing down.
At the bottom of the hill is an information plaque where you can read about the trackway before making the final descent towards the rocks at the beach, where the footprints themselves can be seen.
It’s quite literally awesome to think a creature walked across this ground approximately 350 million years ago, and that the prints were preserved all this time.
There are also cows and sheep in the nearby fields to enjoy mooing or baaing at as you climb up and down, and the views across to the Dingle Peninsula are spectacular.
For more ideas nearby, take a look at our roundup of fun family things to do on the Ring of Kerry.
Some Other Things to See and Do on Valentia Island
- Glanleam House, Gardens & Beach. Formerly the home of the Knights of Kerry, with 40 acres of subtropical gardens dating from the 1830s to explore.
- Geokaun Mountain & Fogher Cliffs. Walk or drive to the top of Geokaun Mountain for 360-degree views at the summit, and spectacular sights from the viewing deck at Fogher Cliffs.
- Valentia Island Candles. A unique candle studio where children can make their own candles.
- St. Brendan’s Well. According to legend, St. Brendan the Navigator baptised islanders at this well on his way from Dingle to St. Finian’s Bay.
- Bray Head Looped Walk. Hike up to Bray Tower for stunning views over to Dingle and The Blaskets. The looped walk takes approximately 2 hours 20 minutes and is categorised as moderate.
- Skelligs Experience Centre. A heritage centre devoted to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, telling the story of the Skellig Rocks — from the early Christian monks who lived there, to the seabirds that now call it home, to the building and history of the lighthouses. Boat trips around the Skellig Rocks may also be booked at the centre.
- Valentia Island Ice Cream. What more can we say — except mmm, ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tetrapod Trackway on Valentia Island?
It’s a set of fossilised footprints left by an early four-legged creature moving from water onto land, dated to the Devonian period — roughly 350 to 370 million years ago. It’s one of only four known sites of its kind in the world.
Is the Tetrapod Trackway suitable for buggies or young children?
The path down to the footprints is steep and rocky, so it isn’t buggy-friendly. Older kids generally enjoy the scramble down, but younger children will need a hand.
How do I find the Tetrapod Trackway car park?
Follow the road towards Cromwell Point Lighthouse on Valentia Island. The car park for the trackway is on the right, just before the nearby radio station.
Are there other similar fossil trackways anywhere else?
Yes — the only other known examples of tracks like these are found in Scotland and in Australia (Victoria and New South Wales).
Related Reading
Planning a wider trip around the peninsula? Don’t miss our roundup of fun family things to do on the Ring of Kerry for more day-out ideas nearby.
Save This for Your Next Kerry Trip
Not heading to Valentia Island just yet? Bookmark this one and browse more Kerry family day-out ideas on MyKidsTime for when you’re ready to plan your trip.
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