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The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre

Transatlantic Cable

The Transatlantic Cable

150 years ago, the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was laid between Valentia Island, Co. Kerry and Newfoundland, Canada. This led to the connection between the Old World with the New World. It reduced the time to send a message across the Ocean from weeks to minutes and leading to the birth of global communications.

On August 16th 1858, a message was sent between Queen Victoria and US president, James Buchanan. It read “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will to men”. It took approximately 2 minutes to transmit each character and the first message taking approximately 18 hours to send.

In later years, additional cables were laid from Valentia and new cable stations opened in Ballinskelligs and Waterville. By the 1900’s the Valentia Cable Station employed more than 40 telegraph workers, housing their families and support staff.

The Skellig Coast welcomed another fantastic experience this year with the opening of The Transatlantic Cable Station located on Valentia Island. Valentia Cable Station provides visitors with a truly immersive experience by telling the incredible story of the transatlantic cable. Here you can learn all about the many attempts that were made prior to the successful cable being laid.

This is definitely an experience to enjoy if you are visiting the area. The Cable Station will remain open in September from Thursday to Sunday inclusive.

Valentia Island offers brilliant experiences, breath-taking scenery and is home to many wonderful accommodation providers. Why not check out all the things to see and do on Valentia Island by clicking here.

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