Advertisement

Valentia Cable: "It was a huge risk they took"

Ivan speaks to Leonard Hobbs, Chairman of the Transatlantic Cable Foundation about the campaign for UNESCO heritage site status

Share this article

17.56 24 Jul 2019


Valentia Cable: "It was a huge risk they took"


Listen to this episode


Share this article

17.56 24 Jul 2019


160 years ago, the very first telegram was sent from Valentia Island in Kerry to Heart's Content in Newfoundland by Queen Victoria who sent a note of congratulations to President Buchanan of the United States.

 The 98 word message took 16 hours to transmit, and the President response of 143 words was sent in just 10 hours.

And now, the ambition is to pursue UNESCO World Heritage status for Valentia’s cable station.

Leonard Hobbs, Chairman of the Transatlantic Cable Foundation, joined Ivan to tell the story of the cable station and what they want to happen next.


Read more about

Kerry Telegram UNESCO World Heritage Valentia Island

Related Episodes

How do you make Irish cheese?

00:12:30

How do you make Irish cheese?

Moncrieff

00:12:30


Author’s new book reflects own...

00:12:43

Author’s new book reflects own battle with eyesight

Moncrieff

00:12:43


Ireland’s Eurovision Boycott -...

00:16:55

Ireland’s Eurovision Boycott - Henry McKean Reports

Moncrieff

00:16:55


Ask the Expert: Irish Rail

00:10:43

Ask the Expert: Irish Rail

Lunchtime Live

00:10:43