Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

County Kerry, Ireland

Summary: The Geokaun Loop hike on Geokaun Mountain (the highest point on Valentia Island) offers spectacular views over the coastline, Valentia Harbour and the Skellig Islands.

Trailhead: Geokaun Mountain gate
Distance: 1.6km
Duration: <1 hour
Grade: Easy
40m total ascent
Route type: Loop
Best season/s: All year
Online map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/geokaun-loop-0584ce5
Dogs Allowed
Mountain biking permitted

After the scenic Bray Head Loop at the western end of Valentia Island, I drive to the eastern side to catch the sunset from Geokaun Mountain – the highest point on the island. You can drive to the top, but the short Geokaun Loop around the summit offers even better views. The loop starts near Carraig na Circe, one of four viewing areas along the road that goes up to the summit, which has four information plaques.

IMG 7278 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

IMG 7282 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

There are great views before even starting the short loop, with the Skellig Islands (Little Skellig and Skellig Michael) jutting out of the Atlantic Ocean to the south-west.

IMG 7285 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

As I head anti-clockwise around the wide trail, there are views towards the south-east.

IMG 7329 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

IMG 7289 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

Valentia Island Lighthouse is to the east on the tip of Valentia Island, and beyond it in Valentia Harbour is Beginish Island (meaning “small island”). On the other side of Valentia Harbour is Castlequin Mountain, its 361m summit shrouded by cloud.

IMG 7292 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

To the north-east is Killelan Mountain and the cliffs known as Doulus Head at the end of the peninsula.

IMG 7295 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

IMG 7303 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

As the Geokaun Loop trail swings around to the western side of Geokaun Mountain, there’s a final view of Valentia Harbour and Portmagee looking back.

Ahead is Valentia Island and it’s northern coastline.

IMG 7312 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

IMG 7317 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

Nearing the end of the loop are some great views of the Valentia Island coast, as the Skellis Islands come into view again.

IMG 7320 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

IMG 7322 LR Superb sunset views from the Geokaun Loop

The loop is about a mile (1.6km) and can be done in under half an hour.

Getting to the Geokaun Loop

The road to the top of Geokaun Mountain is towards the eastern end of Valentia Island at Tinnies Upper; the gated road has an entry fee of 8€ for cars or 4€ for walkers (payable by cash or card). The start of the Geokaun Loop is at Carraig na Circe, the last viewing point before the unsealed section of road to the summit. There is very limited parking at the bottom, but plenty of parking at the various viewpoints on the mountain. It’s about 5km (8min drive) from Portmagee to the entry gate.

There are a several other viewpoints at Geokaun worth visiting, and a short trail to the Fogher Cliffs (Aillte Fogher) lookout.