We were a little upset that we didn't see any Jedis but that's not the fault of the island. there are two toilets on the island and all of the boats that take you there have a "toilet" but good luck with 6+ foot swells. I have a pretty decent fear of heights and I made it just about to the top. The last chain rail on the right side about 60 steps or so from the top. I had to turn around and go back down. On my way up I kept looking back to make sure I could handle the decent because that's actually the most terrifying part. I kept telling myself I was good until I finally made my decent. I just have broken a world record making it down in ten minutes. The decent is extremely steep and frightening if you look anywhere but your feet. Regardless the experience was incredible and I would probably do it again medicated read more

Due to the weather and timing, we only stopped by the visitor center. There was an interesting movie to watch that gave some good information about the island, monks and wildlife. It looked beautiful but challenging to see as part of an island tour. The exhibits about the Skellig monastery and details about how the monks eeked out a living were quite good. Very amazed about their perseverance to live on such a remote and isolated island. A small cafe was also onsite and one could take in views of Portmagee here or outside the center. Hopefully next time we will have time and good weather to see the island. read more

See all

Best boat ride in the world. it was really fun even though I got sea sick the view was awesome too

I had read that this was everyone's favorite part of their trip to Ireland, so I knew I had to try to get tickets. There are only about 12-15 boats allowed to go per day and each holds only 12 people. We looked into booking two months in advance and over half of the boats were sold out already. Some of the boats have websites but most you just have to email. It's 85 euros per person and you pay in cash only on the boat. It is very dependent on the weather. They say only about 70% of boats go out because of bad weather. If your trip is cancelled because of weather you don't have to pay, but you won't be able to rebook. All but one of the boats leave from Portmagee and there is no ATM in that town, so bring your cash with you. The ride over to the island is 1-1.5 hours. You first go around Little Skellig which is a great view. There are so many birds around that island. Since we had good weather, they took us around Skellig Michael before we landed which was really cool to see. If you get motion sick, come prepared because it is a choppy ride. We apparently had one of the smoothest trips, but it was still really rocky to me. I took Dramamene before and I still felt kind of nauseous 2/3 of the way through the trip. Once you land, you walk up a short path with a hill where you meet a guide and a couple of other boats. The guide gives you many safety precautions before you start your climb. The climb up to the monasrery is around 600 steps. There steps are very steep and narrow on the edge of a cliff. It's a bit scary, but if you pay attention to the ground, it's not too bad. It's a challenging climb, but it only takes 20 minutes or so to get to the top. There are good views the whole way up (make sure to stop before looking around). You are not allowed off the path. We got lucky with the weather and it was sunny, but they say the stairs are slippery when they are wet. Once at the monastery, you are free to explore and enjoy the views. Once everyone from your group is at the top, there is a guide that will tell you about the history of the monks lives at the monastery. It was very informative and interesting. You get about 2-2.5 hours on the island before you have to be back at the dock to catch your boat back. There are no toilets on the boats or on the island, so make sure to go before you leave and not to drink much on the trip. There is no food or drink on the island or boats, but you can bring your own with you. You aren't allowed to eat in the monastery, but you can eat before or after. You will probably get wet on the boat, so waterproof clothing is a good idea. We only got a little bit of spray, but with worse weather, you would get more. The trip lasted from about 9:45-3 for us, so it takes most of the day. Fun fact: this is the island featured in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. This completely lived up to my high expectations. So far, this has been my favorite thing that we've done on our Ireland trip (we have Northern Ireland remaining). If you have to pick one thing to do, I would definitely make it this! read more

See all

In a galaxy far far away, there were puffins... Jedi puffins! (Sorry, I couldn't resist) So I was on the Skelligs last week, fives stars all the way. A must see and if you can, go in breeding season to see the puffins in all their colourful glory. Booking a seat on a boat to get there is essential as the place is very popular, so we booked with Roddys on the recommendation of the Goldens of Kells. On this day, the Roddys seem to be the first two boats to leave Portmagee for the Skelligs, so if you are keen to get there early, book with Roddys. The boat trip was a bit testing due to the sea conditions and I was feeling a bit queasy by the time we got there. A bit wet too, so I recommend you wear rain gear on the crossing to the Islands. But once we got to Skellig Micheal and onto solid ground, my stomach settled and we took in everything. It was wonderful: the scenery, the views, the monastry, Little Skellig and especially the puffins. What I was really looking forward to seeing. They were wonderful. And everywhere. Bring a camera and binoculars if you want to see the puffins and the other bird life. Little Skellig has a most impressive Gannet colony and after leaving Skellig Michael the boat did a round trip of that. Coincidently an Air Corp helicopter flew around the island a few times, to the point it was getting annoying, when it finally landed. The crew were escorting an older American fellow around the island. After the news yesterday, I'm putting two and two together and getting LucasFilms executive :) read more

See all

UNESCO world heritage listed site. One of the most spectacular places I have visited in my life. 12-13km out at sea in the Atlantic this island is pure rock and 600 steps later a 6th century monastery that has survived to this day. Words cannot describe or do justice to the experience. It was on my list of 100 things to do before I die. I am so glad we made it :-) The view from above is amazing and to just get an appreciation of the effort required to get up the hill let alone build a monastery and live there is a great example of human achievement and drive. read more

See all

The biggest drawcard for this part of the coastline is a trip out to the Skellig Islands (Skellig Michael and Little Skellig) during the summertime. Boat trips can be booked in advance through many different boat operators, but I used the one recommended by the hostel, Brendan Casey - mobile number (087) 239 5470. He saved me a place on the boat (which holds up to 15 people) then I had to call him at 8:45am on the day to re-confirm. If the weather is bad/windy then they don't go. I then arrived at the harbour at 9:45am and asked around 'til I found him, and hopped on the boat. IMPORTANT: All boat operators only accept CASH and the nearest ATM is in Cahirciveen (15km away). Also, there is no toilet (on the island or boat), food or drinking water, so be prepared. The boat ride to Skellig Michael lasted about an hour, then we had about 2 hours to explore the monastery ruins and observe the birds nesting on the cliff faces. There were tour guides at the ruins, giving talks about the history of the island, the monks and the birdlife. On the boat ride back we did a circle around Little Skellig (where the gannet colony is), slowing down for photos. I arrived back at the harbour at about 2:30pm. If the sea looks rough, I'd recommend taking some sea-sickness pills beforehand, and jackets were provided to keep you dry during the journey. It was worth the €45, the islands are spectacular up close, highly recommended. read more

Skellig Michael - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portmagee, Kentucky

See all

We definitely got the best tour company! We were the ONLY boat that had an inside enclosure for all passengers and an outside area if you wished. Amazing captain! Very entertaining. He had been doing trips to Skellig for 40 years. We were very well taken care of. We had lots of opportunities for outside photos on our way there and on the way back with the change of the wind, we needed to be inside. You can definitely tell our captain knows his stuff and is very passionate about it. We would definitely do this experience again! read more

Just go. There are not words to fully give this sight and hike justice. An island of rock that was once the home to religious monks. It's unreal the boat ride to get there and the piece of earth you climb. This is unlike any other island you will ever step foot on. As if you're still on the fence, there are puffin birds living there too! read more

2012 is my year of climbing things, sometimes against my will. My Dad decided to celebrate his 63rd birthday by driving to Ballinskelligs in Kerry and then getting a boat across to the Skelligs to climb 618 steps up a sheer cliff to view the sixth century monastic settlement of Skellig Michael. All good, except he dragged me along after him. Actually, I'm just annoyed that I had to stop and catch my breath every few steps whereas he hared up liked, well, a hare. He's sixty three! This is a really spectacular nature and wilderness site, as well as a fascinating insight into how the monks of the early Celtic church lived. It's a hell of a climb though and not all of our fellow travellers made it to the top. There's a very reassuring member of staff from Heritage Ireland at the base of steps who underlines the necessity to be careful and points you to the prominent notice which explains how to keep safe on the climb. There have been fatalities and it's easy to see why. If you're reasonably fit and not phobic about heights, you should be fine. There were adults of all ages at the top and me own Da is no spring chicken and he was fine. We had a lovely prepacked lunch overlooking the sea and of course were careful about taking our debris back with us. I don't think there are any toilet facilities around the monastery itself so go easy on the liquids before getting there. It took us over an hour to get there by boat, it's further out than I had realised, and of course I got spectacularly sea-sick about 40 minutes in. Oh well. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am delighted that I made it to this beautiful place. read more