1. Summary
Discover the enchanting Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of Ireland. Learn how to visit, the best times to go, and what to expect on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
2. How to Visit Skellig Michael
We took a thrilling tour of Skellig Michael in April, experiencing wonderful weather. However, this is not always guaranteed, as inclement weather often hampers visits to the island, leading to many canceled trips.
Reaching Skellig Michael is part of the adventure. Even if you manage to set sail for the island, rough seas can impede landings. We met three fellow travelers who waited three days to reach the island, illustrating the unpredictability of this trip.
The journey to the Skellig Islands is on a small fishing boat navigating turbulent waters, providing breathtaking views of the peninsula. Therefore, visiting Skellig Michael is truly an exceptional experience worth cherishing.
3. How to Secure Tickets to Skellig Michael
Boat trips to Skellig Michael can be arranged at the Visitor’s Centre on Valentia Island.
Each year, the Irish government allocates only 13 boat licenses to tour operators running trips to Skellig Michael from the mainland. Consequently, space is limited, and advance booking is essential. Following the popularity increase from Star Wars, which showcased the Skelligs, the islands now permit 180 visitors per day.
- Tours are available from late May until the end of August.
- Daily departures are scheduled from the Skellig Michael Experience Centre at 9:30 am until around 2 pm. You can find tickets here.
Due to the rising popularity of the Skellig islands, we recommend booking several months in advance, with ticket sales starting at the end of March.
Tours operate weather permitting, and cancellations are frequent due to rough seas.
Skellig Experience Visitors Centre
This trip was part of our Wild Atlantic Way itinerary. After driving through the scenic Ring of Kerry, we headed to Port Magee to explore the well-preserved monastic beehives.
Our journey commenced at the Skellig Experience Visitors Centre on Valentia Island, where informative exhibits about Skellig Michael were on display, along with an engaging video introduction prior to our adventure to the islands.
After gathering insights about our destination, we set sail towards the high seas of Ireland for one of our most memorable ancient ruins experiences.
The Boat Trip to the Skellig Islands
The boat ride took roughly an hour to reach Skellig Michael. Snacks were available at the visitor’s centre, a thoughtful touch that proved invaluable in alleviating sea sickness.
If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication beforehand, as the waters can be tumultuous and may induce nausea.
Two Skellig Islands Await Your Exploration
Skellig Michael, the larger of the two islands, features 6th-century monasteries and is the only island accessible for landings. Meanwhile, Little Skellig, visible from the boat, is home to myriad migrating birds, creating a stunning vista from Skellig Michael.
Landing on Skellig Michael
Several boat tours offer views from the water, but we highly recommend landing on Skellig Michael to explore the unique beehive monasteries that define this extraordinary locale.
On the day of our tour, we were fortunate to have clear skies, but even under sunny conditions, the seas remained turbulent. The landing was a heart-pounding experience, with swells tossing our boat as we approached the dock.
With teamwork and assistance, we successfully disembarked, despite the rocky landing conditions.
Climbing the 600 Steps to the Skellig Monasteries
Stepping off the boat and gazing up at the steep, narrow steps leading to the monastery was exhilarating. Signs alerted us to the risk of climbing, and the daunting ascent was evident as we looked at the steep path ahead.
The climb encompasses an ancient and uneven stone path comprised of 600 steps that ascend to the beehive monasteries situated 200 meters (600 feet) above sea level.
The monks constructed the stone steps over three centuries, demonstrating remarkable craftsmanship that remains in exceptional condition after enduring fierce Atlantic weather for over a millennium.
Short but Steep Climb
The journey to the beehive huts of Skellig Michael took us about half an hour. You can speed up your ascent if you skip too many photo-ops, or you can take your time and enjoy the scenery. Approximately two hours are allotted for exploration. We suggest heading directly to the monastery first and savouring the views on the way down.
The beehive stone cells intrigue visitors, but the island’s vistas are simply breathtaking, showcasing how resilient ancient structures have stood the test of time against the elements.
Spectacular Views from Skellig Michael
Traversing the grounds reveals why Christian monks selected this secluded locale for refuge. The isolation and stunning landscape create a serene ambiance, enhancing the overall experience.
The island features seven beehive huts, each offering unique viewpoints. We ventured both above and below to witness them in all their glory.
What to See at Skellig Michael
There’s more to explore than just the beehive huts; Skellig Michael also features a church, a cemetery with stone crosses, terraces, and gardens. Reaching the summit provides ample opportunity to appreciate its historical significance.
Star Wars Filming Location
Skellig Michael draws not only history enthusiasts but also a wave of film buffs and ardent fans. In recent years, it has emerged as a favored destination in Ireland, largely due to its inclusion in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Rise of Skywalker, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
The Skellig Islands have fascinated explorers for centuries, yet only a handful of adventurers embark on this journey to set foot on Skellig Michael.
About Skellig Michael, Ireland
Skellig Michael is situated in County Kerry, just off the coast of Portmagee. Visiting here offers a sense of stepping back in time, as it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site established 1400 years ago.
The Skellig Rocks were home to a community of Christian monks who constructed a monastery atop Skellig Michael between the 6th and 9th centuries. These monks lived in handmade beehive huts, weathering harsh conditions and Viking invasions until the 12th century.
The determined monks subsisted on rainwater, seabirds, and occasionally sea lions, facing tremendous challenges during this early Christian era, but achieving the seclusion they sought.
Where to Stay Near the Skellig Islands
Port Magee serves as the ideal gateway to Skellig Michael, making it a great base while exploring the area or cruising along the Ring of Kerry.
A recommended place to stay while visiting Skellig Michael is The Moorings in Portmagee. Owned by Gerard and Patricia, this establishment includes a hotel, pub, and restaurant. Enjoy local traditional music at the Bridge Bar and storytelling about the village’s history and the Skellig Islands during the summer months.
The Moorings can arrange a Skellig Michael Island Tour for you, and their proximity to the Skellig Visitors Centre makes them a convenient choice. They also provide valuable insights on what to see and do in the area.
Portmagee is located along the Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Route. Be sure to include both Portmagee and the Skellig Islands in your travel itinerary while journeying up the West Coast of Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skellig Michael
Is Skellig Michael Dangerous?
Reaching 200 meters (600 feet) above sea level, Skellig Michael presents steep drops, and the climb can be a bit harrowing. Always keep a safe distance from the edges and proceed carefully while climbing the uneven, rocky path, which dates back to the 6th century.
What if Tickets Are Already Booked for Skellig Michael?
If tickets for landings on Skellig Michael are fully booked, sightseeing tours are available that take you around both Skellig Islands.
Can You See Skellig Michael from Land?
While viewing Skellig Michael from land is possible, it lies 12 km (7.5 miles) offshore. The best vantage point is from the Kerry Cliffs near Port Magee, just off the Ring of Kerry.
Why Are the Skellig Islands Difficult to Visit?
Accessing Skellig Michael is challenging due to the limited number of boats operating during a short season, compounded by unpredictable weather conditions and high winds that may hinder landings.
Visiting Skellig Michael is undoubtedly an incredible experience—if you find yourself in Ireland, don’t miss this outstanding attraction. It’s one of the most captivating places we’ve encountered in the country.
