ErinPilgrim

Local signs and upright stone slabs print the Irish name of the island as Dairbhre (pronounced something like 'der-vrah'. Locally, 'Oilean Dairbhre' is understood to mean 'Oak Island' or 'Isle of Oaks', etc., and it is said that until the 19th century oaks were abundant on the island. Giving an interview on Kerry Radio, one local historian related the transition from Dairbhre to Valentia as follows: Knightstown harbour was an important point of trade in the 19th century, especially in connection to the stone quarry north-east of Folger Cliffs, and also as a port of call for the fisheries. There were many Spanish sailors visiting the island (there is a grave marker to Spanish sailors lost at sea in the Catholic cemetery at Kylemore), and they were inclined to pronounce the Irish Dairbhre like the famous Spanish city with which they were familiar. Thus, Valentia entered widespread usage internationally in Spanish and English.

Additionally, the there are early 20th century spellings of the island as Valencia, especially the UK Ordinance Survey. Some say, from that standpoint, that the official spelling is Valencia, although all local English signs spell it Valentia. ErinPilgrim (talk) 01:33, 5 January 2011 (UTC)

Dolmen Rock, western slope of Mt Geokaun	Balleyhearney House, Balleyhearney East. 'Famine Era' hospital adjacent to the Knights' Wood.	Rare Snow Day Main Road Valentia Island looking toward Knightstown, Valentia Harbour and Cahirciveen

Mt Geokaun Summit View