Discover the Tranquil Beauty of Illaunloughan
Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Illaunloughan, a hidden monastic gem off the coast of Portmagee, County Kerry.
Nestled off the coast of Portmagee in County Kerry, Illaunloughan is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Ireland's rich monastic history. This serene island, accessible by boat, is home to well-preserved ruins of an ancient monastery, enveloped in stunning natural landscapes and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, Illaunloughan promises a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
A brief summary to Illaunloughan
- Portmagee, Co. Kerry, IE
Local tips
- Plan your visit during low tide for easier access to the island.
- Bring a camera; the stunning landscapes and ruins are perfect for photography.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the rocky terrain.
- Check local boat schedules in advance, as service may vary.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car, start from the village of Portmagee, Co. Kerry, which is the most common departure point for accessing Illaunloughan. Drive towards the Skellig Ring road (R565) and follow the signs for the Skellig Michael visitor center. Once you reach the harbor in Portmagee, you can park your car in the designated parking area. Please note that there may be a parking fee. From the harbor, you'll need to take a boat to Illaunloughan, as there is no direct road access to the island.
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Public Transport
If using public transport, take a bus to Portmagee from Killarney or Kenmare. The bus services are limited, so check the schedule in advance. Once you arrive in Portmagee, head to the harbor where you can find boat services that operate to Illaunloughan. Be sure to check the boat schedule as it may vary depending on the weather and the season. There is typically an additional cost for the boat ride, which you should be prepared for.
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Boat
Once at the harbor in Portmagee, you will need to board a boat (usually operated by local tour companies) that will take you to Illaunloughan. The journey will provide scenic views of the surrounding waters and islands. The boat ride usually lasts about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to confirm the return trip schedule with the boat operator, as it’s important to know when the last boat will return to Portmagee. The cost for the boat ride can vary depending on the operator, but expect to pay around €20-€30 per person.
Discover more about Illaunloughan
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre
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Great Skellig
0.5 km
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Skelligs Rock Cruises
0.6 km
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Donnybrook
2.4 km
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Tobar Fionáin (Holy Well)
5.1 km
Explore the mystical Tobar Fionáin, a historic holy well in Co. Kerry, known for its tranquil surroundings and healing waters.
Ballinskelligs Abbey
10.6 km
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Top Of The Rock Viewing Platform
11.8 km
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Daniel O'Connell Memorial Church
12.2 km
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Little Skellig
14.4 km
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Sceilg Mhíchíl/ Great Sceilig
16.9 km
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Sceilg Mhichíl / Skellig Michael
17.3 km
Explore Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its ancient monastic ruins, stunning cliffs, and vibrant wildlife amidst Ireland's breathtaking scenery.
Slea Head
24.1 km
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Ceann Sléibhe
24.1 km
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Bee Hive Hut Structures, Dingle Peninsula
24.1 km
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Cashel Murphy
24.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Skellig Walker Cruises
0.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Valentia Island's coastline with Skellig Walker Cruises, offering unforgettable boat tours to the stunning Skellig Islands.
Skellig Michael Tours - Skellig Michael Landing Tours and Boat Tours - Casey's Skellig Island Tours
0.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich heritage of Portmagee Marina, your gateway to the iconic Skellig Michael tours in County Kerry.
Skellig Michael tours- Skellig Michael landing tours - Skellig Island Eco tours - Skellig Boats - Skellig Michael Cruises
0.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Skellig Michael with unforgettable boat tours from Portmagee, where nature and history intertwine in stunning coastal scenery.
Skellig Michael Boat Trips
0.6 km
Explore the breathtaking Skellig Islands with Skellig Michael Boat Trips, an unforgettable adventure in County Kerry, Ireland.
Skellig Michael Voyage
0.6 km
Discover the breathtaking Skellig Michael on an unforgettable boat tour from Portmagee Marina, where adventure meets stunning Irish scenery.
Portmagee Whiskey
0.8 km
Explore Portmagee Whiskey, where tradition meets craftsmanship in the heart of County Kerry, Ireland's beautiful coastal landscape.
Telegraph Field Valentia Island (First Atlantic Undersea Cable for Communications)
1.4 km
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Bray Head (Co. Kerry) Loop Walk(Siúlóid Lúb Ceann Bhré)
1.7 km
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Kerry Cliffs (Aillte Chiarraí)
2.2 km
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Valentia Island
3.0 km
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Tobairin Holy Well
3.1 km
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St. Brendan's Well
3.1 km
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Fogher Cliffs(Aillte Fogher)
4.1 km
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Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs
4.4 km
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Skellig Falcon
4.6 km
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Essential places to dine
Fisherman's Bar & Skellig Restaurant Portmagee
0.5 km
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The Moorings Guesthouse & Seafood Restaurant @ The Bridge Bar
0.5 km
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Skellig Seafront Cafe
0.5 km
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The Ring Lyne Bar & Restaurant
3.4 km
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Driftwood Surf Cafe
5.1 km
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Royal Valentia Hotel Bar and Restaurant
7.3 km
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O'Neills The Point Seafood Bar
8.1 km
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Skellig Cafe
9.5 km
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The Atlantic Grill
9.7 km
Experience delightful fast food with breathtaking views at The Atlantic Grill in Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry.
Cable O'Leary's
9.7 km
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Eva's
11.9 km
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Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Hotel & QC’s Seafood Restaurant
12.0 km
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Cahersiveen Restaurants | Camo's
12.2 km
Discover authentic Irish flavors at Camo's Restaurant in Cahersiveen – where local ingredients meet culinary excellence.
Apache Pizza Cahersiveen
12.5 km
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The Smugglers Inn
13.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cois Cuain gifts
0.5 km
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Skellig Coast Adventures
0.6 km
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Skellig Coast Tourism Network
2.4 km
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Murphy's Marine
4.9 km
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Walsh's SuperValu Caherciveen
11.1 km
Discover the best of local flavors at Walsh's SuperValu Caherciveen, your go-to supermarket for fresh produce, baked goods, and Irish specialties.
Nautical Antiques by Michael Walsh
11.9 km
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Skellig Soaps
12.1 km
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Skellig Gift Store Caherciveen
12.2 km
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An Tigin
15.4 km
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Great Blasket Island Coffee Shop
26.1 km
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Holden Leathergoods
27.2 km
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LilyMais
28.7 km
Discover unique beachwear and fashionable apparel at LilyMais, the premier clothing store in Dingle, Co. Kerry.
The Coach House
28.9 km
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Kerry Woollen Mills
28.9 km
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Morans Supermarket
28.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Bridge Bar
0.5 km
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The Cafe Portmagee
0.6 km
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Sigerson's Bar - Tig Rosie
9.6 km
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The Fertha
12.1 km
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Mike Murt's
12.4 km
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Blind Piper
22.8 km
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Krugers Bar
28.1 km
Discover the heart of Tralee at Krugers Bar, a quintessential Irish pub offering great drinks, delicious food, and lively entertainment.
Jimmy's Pub
28.8 km
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The Green Room Dingle
28.9 km
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O'Flaherty's Bar
28.9 km
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Paudie's Bar
28.9 km
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Paddy Bawn Brosnan’s
29.0 km
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Hannie Agnes's
29.0 km
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O'Sullivan's Courthouse Pub
29.1 km
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Dick Mack's Pub
29.2 km
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