About Skellig Michael

You will feel the wind whipping through your hair and on your face as you cross to Skellig Michael by boat from the mainland. Although the 54 acres of rock was once part of the McGillycuddy Reeks, this “splinter of stone” was separated from the mainland by rising water.

How a Gaelic monastery was founded on Skellig Michael between the 6th and 8th centuries might be considered a miracle, or an incredible feat. The landscape is largely inaccessible and inhospitable. Narrow stone steps wind up to the monastery at 550 to 600 feet (170 to 180 meters) above sea level through outcrops of rocky peaks. Among the remains of the monastery are a cross, a megalithic stone row, and a tower house.

Flocks of puffins, gannets, razorbills, and a colony of grey seals are the islands only inhabitants. You may see them and get a sense of Skellig Michael in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

This island off the coast of Iveragh Peninsula was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

 

 

Must See

  • Skellig Michael  Boat Tours

  • Skellig Michael  Land Tours

How to reach

By ferry:

Take a ferry from Portmagee to Skellig Island. It is a journey of 17.2 km that is covered in 1 hour and costs 30 EUR.

Tips

  • You book at least one month in advance.
  • The landing tours may be cancelled or delayed due to weather and/or sea conditions. 
  • If you tend to get seasick, make sure to carry your patch for seasickness or take an anti-motion sickness medication. 
  • There are no toilet facilities on Skellig Michael or on the boats that bring you there.
  • Make sure you bring enough food and water to sustain you for 6 hours. There is nowhere to buy food or water on this trip.
  • It is recommended to wear a good quality waterproof outer layer and under layers for warmth
  • Be sure to wear a pair of good walking boots. 
  • Do not forget to carry sunscreen!
  • Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged so you can take good snaps of the breathtaking view.

Visit Time

Sunday:           Open 24 hours

Monday:          Open 24 hours

Tuesday:         Open 24 hours

Wednesday:    Open 24 hours

Thursday:        Open 24 hours

Friday:             Open 24 hours

Saturday:         Open 24 hours

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No waiting.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

5 to 6 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Scattered Clouds 8.62°C

 

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