Grotto & Slate Quarry
Grotto & Slate Quarry
4.5
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4.5
6 reviews
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kmdub
Kilkenny, Ireland165 contributions
July 2021
As a child I had stood outside the entrance to the slate quarry and on occasion since had wondered at the workings going on inside. So it was a real treat to be able to hear, see and enter the quarry with our knowledgeable guide, Stephen. To think that slate from this place was taken to roof places like Paris Opera house and elsewhere is quite mind boggling. A real highlight of a wonderful holiday in the area and such value at 5 euro a head!
Written 13 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan S
Dublin, Ireland137 contributions
July 2021
West Kerry's best kept secret on a wet day, or even a dry one. The tour is at 10, 11, 12, 2 and 3 and lasts just under an hour and is well worth it, who knew there would be so much to see in a quarry ... you're issued with hard hats with a light, safety vests, but wear boots because it is mucky in places.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Four Points Travel
League City, TX128 contributions
Nov 2019
The drive up is beautiful and well marked with plenty of places to pull off and enjoy the view. Once at the top, there are plenty of plaques to explain, easy parking.
Written 30 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim G
Saint Louis, MO816 contributions
June 2019
I had read of the Slate Quarry and its grotto but I did not know what to expect. We were taken to the entrance of the quarry and gained an appreciation for the diggings that provided so much slate for so many locations, including the British Houses of Parliament.
The most impressive feature is the Marian Grotto in a crevice high in the cliff above the quarry. The obvious difficulty in placing the statue of the Blessed Virgin and the praying child is an obvious manifestation of the faith that drove its development. The Grotto is off the beaten path but if you get there it is an inspiring and marvelous sight.
The most impressive feature is the Marian Grotto in a crevice high in the cliff above the quarry. The obvious difficulty in placing the statue of the Blessed Virgin and the praying child is an obvious manifestation of the faith that drove its development. The Grotto is off the beaten path but if you get there it is an inspiring and marvelous sight.
Written 11 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris Rebelred
Dublin, Ireland22 contributions
July 2019 • Couples
When visiting Valentia, this quarry and grotto were on the tourist trail so we decided to pop by, with very low expectations (I've seen a lot of grottos, and a quarry doesn't sound very impressive!). However we were really surprised at how impressive this place was!
The drive up was spectacular, the views from the workers houses near the quarry just breathtaking and would have been worth the drive on their own.
But the quarry had opened up an enormous gouge out of the hillside into which a grotto had been placed at the very top, about 100 feet above where we stood. Water dripped from this great height giving it a very dynamic feel and the floor of slate pieces under foot really brought the history of the place home (there are some really good information boards explaining its history and importance to the local economy and how Valentia slate covers some iconic building in London!).
Though there is no tour of the quarry, presumably for health and safety reasons (and there still seems to be some work going on there), the scenery, history and highly impressive grotto are one of the most worthwhile things to do on this beautiful island. A hidden gem!
The drive up was spectacular, the views from the workers houses near the quarry just breathtaking and would have been worth the drive on their own.
But the quarry had opened up an enormous gouge out of the hillside into which a grotto had been placed at the very top, about 100 feet above where we stood. Water dripped from this great height giving it a very dynamic feel and the floor of slate pieces under foot really brought the history of the place home (there are some really good information boards explaining its history and importance to the local economy and how Valentia slate covers some iconic building in London!).
Though there is no tour of the quarry, presumably for health and safety reasons (and there still seems to be some work going on there), the scenery, history and highly impressive grotto are one of the most worthwhile things to do on this beautiful island. A hidden gem!
Written 23 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
what are the opening times of the quarry and grotto please?
Written 9 October 2019
Chris is right. there is no admission gate, you just drive up to it, admire and pray. Inspiring!
Written 12 November 2019
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