Our Heritage Trail

Discover the stories that shaped our village.

Portmagee's history has always been closely connected with the sea. Fishing, boats, island life, local characters, schools, churches, old traditions and the people who lived here have all played their part in shaping the village we know today.

The Portmagee Heritage Trail brings some of those stories together in 16 stops around the village.

Use the map to find your way, then look out for the Heritage Trail plaques along the route.

The Trail map is available at various outlets throughout the village.

Explore the 16 stops along the route

1. The Tradition of Fish Curing

The sea supported generations of Portmagee families. Find out about one of the old industries connected with the village's fishing story.

2. Maurice O'Neill
Memorial Bridge
For generations, the people of Valentia wanted a permanent connection to the mainland. Discover how the bridge eventually became a reality.

3. History of Portmagee's Name
How did Portmagee get its name? The answer involves Captain Theobald Magee, international trade — and rather more than a little smuggling.

4. Portmagee Community Centre
Built by the community, for the community. Discover how local people created a building that has been at the heart of village life for more than sixty years.

5. Tomás Rua Ó Súilleabháin

Poet, teacher, dancing master and friend of Daniel O'Connell. One of Portmagee's most interesting cultural connections has a story of loss behind one of his best-known works.

6. The Ferryboat
Long before the bridge, the ferry was the vital link between Portmagee and Valentia Island. Discover the people and boats that kept that connection going.

7. Portmagee & the 1916 Rising

Portmagee has its own connection with this important period of Irish history. Find the panel to discover the story.

8. Lost at Sea Memorial
The sea provided a living but it also brought great loss. This stop remembers the men, boys, sailors and airmen whose lives were lost around these shores.

9. History of the Old Year
One of Portmagee's most unusual traditions has been passed from generation to generation. Its story goes all the way back to a French ship arriving in the village in 1727.

10. The Crompton Anchor
Look out for another piece of Portmagee's maritime past and discover the story behind the anchor.

11. The Spirit of St Louis
What was Hollywood doing in the skies over Portmagee? Discover the village's unexpected connection with The Spirit of St. Louis.

12. History of Fishing in Portmagee
From Naomhógs and Seine boats to motor boats and trawlers, fishing has shaped Portmagee for generations.

13. Schools in Portmagee

The story of education in Portmagee stretches back more than two centuries. Follow the changes from early school buildings to today's Scoil Bhréanainn.

14. The Story of Lover's Lane
One of the best-known little corners of Portmagee has a story behind its name. You'll have to walk the trail to find out the rest.

15. St Patrick's Roman
Catholic Church
Discover the story of the churches, parish and burial grounds that have served generations of Portmagee families.

16. Killemlagh Church of Ireland

The final stop introduces another part of the area's religious and community heritage.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse