In 1858, Europe and North America were connected via the undersea transatlantic telegraph cable, that reduced communication times from weeks to minutes, in an achievement now considered the 19th century equivalent of putting a man on the moon.

The first message transmitted in August 16th 1858 over the 3,000 kilometer cable was a note of congratulations from Queen Victoria to US President James Buchanan, sent from Valentia Island in County Kerry to Newfoundland, Canada.

The then remote Valentia Island in County Kerry in Ireland played a major role in connecting the old and new worlds for the first time, placing Ireland at the ‘cross hairs’ of the emerging global communications industry as the ‘Victorian internet’ was born.

This was the first step, and a permanent connection was established in July 1866 between Valentia in Co Kerry and Hearts Content in Newfoundland. Instant communication was now a reality – and Valentia was at the centre of the revolution: a small island off the coast of Ireland became the point at which modern globalisation began.

“Now, almost every considerable expanse of water will be traversed by the slender cords which bind continents and islands together and practically bring the human race into one great family “

– American Scientific, 1870

We have ambitious plans to restore the key historical sites on the island to their former glory as we pursue UNESCO World Heritage status and to create a place that recalls the wondrous technological achievements of a time past while driving opportunities for Valentia in the future. Your valued support will allow us to turn those plans into action.

Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to the Valentia Cable Foundation here.