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Discover the Skellig Islands: A blend of ancient monastic heritage, thriving seabird colonies, and stunning natural landscapes off Ireland's rugged coast.

Located off the coast of County Kerry, the Skellig Islands invite you to a journey through time and nature's untouched beauty. These rugged islands, Skellig Michael and Little Skellig, are renowned for their dramatic landscapes and historical significance.

When is the best time to visit The Skelligs?

Best: June–August · 16–17°C

10° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 5°C, High: 10°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 80 mm, High: 120 mm J

11° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 5.5°C, High: 10.5°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 70 mm, High: 110 mm F

11° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 6°C, High: 11°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 60 mm, High: 100 mm M

12° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 7°C, High: 12°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 50 mm, High: 90 mm A

14° Temperature Range for MayLow: 9°C, High: 14°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 40 mm, High: 80 mm M

Best 16° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 11°C, High: 16°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 30 mm, High: 70 mm J

Best 17° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 12°C, High: 17°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 30 mm, High: 70 mm J

Best 17° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 12°C, High: 17°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 40 mm, High: 80 mm A

16° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 11°C, High: 16°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 50 mm, High: 90 mm S

14° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 9.5°C, High: 14°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 60 mm, High: 100 mm O

12° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 7.5°C, High: 12°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 70 mm, High: 110 mm N

11° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 6°C, High: 11°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 80 mm, High: 120 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	10	100
February	11	90
March	11	80
April	12	70
May	14	60
June (best)	16	50
July (best)	17	50
August (best)	17	60
September	16	70
October	14	80
November	12	90
December	11	100

Getting to and around The Skelligs

How to get there

The Skelligs are located off the southwestern coast of Ireland, near Portmagee in County Kerry. The nearest airport is Kerry Airport, approximately 75 kilometers away. From Kerry Airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to Portmagee. Boat tours to the Skelligs operate from Portmagee, generally from April to September, weather permitting. It is advisable to book these tours well in advance as they are very popular and have limited availability.

Transportation

To explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is the most convenient option. Public transport is limited, but local buses do operate from major towns to Portmagee. Once in Portmagee, boat trips to the Skelligs are the primary mode of transportation. These boats are operated by licensed tour companies. Walking is the only way to explore the islands themselves, and be prepared for steep and uneven terrain.

Best landmarks in The Skelligs

The Skelligs offer visitors a unique and breathtaking experience with its ancient monastic settlement perched high on a rocky island, providing stunning views of the surrounding rugged coastline. The Skellig Michael also serves as a filming location for popular movies, adding to its allure. Visitors can explore the well-preserved beehive huts and learn about the history and culture of the monks who once inhabited the island. The Skelligs are also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to see puffins, seals, and other seabirds in their natural habitat. A visit to The Skelligs promises an unforgettable adventure filled with history, natural beauty, and a sense of wonder.

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The Skelligs essentials

Currency and Payment

The official currency in Ireland is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Portmagee and other towns. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and for tips. ATMs are available in Portmagee but may be limited on the islands.

Safety

The Skelligs and Portmagee are generally safe for tourists. However, due to the rugged and remote nature of the islands, it is essential to follow safety guidelines provided by tour operators. There are no high-crime areas targeting tourists, but basic precautions such as not leaving belongings unattended and being aware of your surroundings are advisable.

Emergency Situations

In case of an emergency, dial 112 or 999 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facilities are in Cahersiveen, about 15 kilometers from Portmagee. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. On the Skelligs, there are no medical facilities, so it is crucial to be cautious and well-prepared before embarking on a tour.

Do's and Don'ts

Fashion: Do wear sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for hiking. Avoid high heels or open-toed shoes. Religion: Do respect the sacred nature of the Skellig Michael monastery. Be mindful and respectful when exploring these ancient sites. Public Transport: Do check the local bus schedules in advance as they can be infrequent. Don't rely solely on public transport for your trip. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' The Irish are known for their hospitality. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and traditional Irish dishes. Don't forget to sample some local brews and whiskeys responsibly.

Local Tips

To experience The Skelligs like a local, engage with the local community in Portmagee. Visit the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre to learn about the history and significance of the islands. Try to participate in local events or festivals if your visit coincides with them. For a unique dining experience, sample fresh seafood at the local restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to stargaze, as the remote location offers spectacular night skies.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Dia duit	[dee-ah gwit]
Goodbye	Slán	[slawn]
Yes	Tá	[taw]
No	Níl	[neel]
Please/You're welcome	Le do thoil	[leh duh hull]
Thank you	Go raibh maith agat	[guh rev mah ag-at]
Excuse me/Sorry	Maith thú	[mah hoo]
How are you?	Conas atá tú?	[kun-us ah-taw too]
Fine. And you?	Tá mé go maith. Agus tú?	[taw may goh mah. ah-gus too]
Do you speak English?	An labhraíonn tú Béarla?	[ahn law-vree-un too bayr-lah]
I don't understand	Ní thuigim	[nee hug-im]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Ba mhaith liom an ménu a fheiceáil, le do thoil	[bah wy luhm on may-noo ah eck-ahl, leh duh hull]
I don't eat meat	Ní ithim feoil	[nee ih-him foh-il]
Cheers!	Sláinte!	[slawn-cheh]
I would like to pay, please	Ba mhaith liom íoc, le do thoil	[bah wy luhm ee-uk, leh duh hull]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Cabhraigh!	[kah-vree]
Go away!	Imigh uaim!	[ih-mee oom]
Call the Police!	Glan an Garda!	[glahn ahn gahr-dah]
Call a doctor!	Glan dochtúir!	[glahn dohk-too-ir]
I'm lost	Táim caillte	[taw-im kahl-cheh]
I'm ill	Tá tinneas orm	[taw chin-uss urm]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Ba mhaith liom ceannach...	[bah wy luhm can-uk]
I'm just looking	Níl mé ach ag breathnú	[neel may awk egg bronth-noo]
How much is it?	Cé mhéad atá air?	[kay vayd ah-taw air]
That's too expensive	Tá sé ró-dháiríre	[taw shay row-daw-reh]
Can you lower the price?	An féidir leat an praghas a ísliú?	[ahn fay-dur lat on prah-gus ah eesh-loo]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Cén t-am é?	[kayn tahm ay]
It's one o'clock	Tá sé a haon a chlog	[taw shay ah hayn ah klog]
Half past (10)	Leathuair tar éis (10)	[la-hoo-er tahr aysh (10)]
Morning	Maidin	[mah-jin]
Afternoon	Tráthnóna	[traw-noh-nah]
Evening	Tráthnóna	[traw-noh-nah]
Yesterday	Inné	[in-ay]
Today	Inniu	[in-yoo]
Tomorrow	Amárach	[ah-maw-rahk]
1	Aon	[ayn]
2	Dó	[doh]
3	Trí	[tree]
4	Ceathair	[ka-hur]
5	Cúig	[koo-ig]
6	Sé	[shay]
7	Seacht	[shokht]
8	Ocht	[uhkht]
9	Naoi	[nee]
10	Deich	[deh]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Cá bhfuil a/an...?	[kaw will ah/ahn]
What's the address?	Cad é an seoladh?	[kahd ay ahn shul-ah]
Can you show me (on the map)?	An féidir leat mé a thaispeáint (ar an léarscáil)?	[ahn fay-dur lat may ah hash-paynt (ahr ahn layr-skawl)]
When's the next (bus)?	Cathain atá an chéad (bus) eile?	[kah-hayn ah-taw ahn khayd (bus) ell-eh]
A ticket (to ....)	Ticéad (go dtí ....)	[tic-ayd (goh dee ....)]

History of The Skelligs

Early Monastic Settlement

The Skelligs are renowned for their early Christian monastic settlement, which was founded between the 6th and 8th centuries. Skellig Michael, the larger of the two islands, features a well-preserved monastic complex with beehive huts, oratories, and stone steps. These structures were built by monks who sought solitude and a closer connection to God in this remote and rugged environment.

Viking Raids

The remote location of the Skelligs did not shield it from Viking raids. Historical records indicate that Skellig Michael was attacked by Norsemen in the 9th century. Despite these incursions, the monastic community persisted, demonstrating the resilience and dedication of the monks who inhabited the island.

Medieval Pilgrimage Site

Throughout the Middle Ages, Skellig Michael became an important pilgrimage site. Pilgrims would undertake the challenging journey to the island to pay homage to the monastic settlement and seek spiritual solace. The island's isolation and the monks' austere way of life added to its mystique and allure as a holy site.

Decline and Abandonment

By the 12th century, the monastic community on Skellig Michael began to decline. The exact reasons are not fully known, but factors likely included harsh living conditions, the shift of religious life to the mainland, and changing political landscapes. By the 13th century, the island was largely abandoned as a monastic site.

Lighthouse Construction

In the 1820s, Skellig Michael took on a new role with the construction of two lighthouses to aid in maritime navigation. The challenging terrain and harsh weather made the construction process arduous. The lighthouses played a crucial role in guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the Atlantic.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1996, Skellig Michael was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlighted the island's cultural and historical significance, as well as its remarkable natural beauty. The site is now carefully managed to preserve its unique heritage and ensure its protection for future generations.

Modern Cultural Impact

The Skelligs gained international fame in recent years due to their prominent feature in the Star Wars film series. Skellig Michael served as the filming location for scenes in 'The Force Awakens' and 'The Last Jedi.' This brought a new wave of tourism to the islands, blending ancient history with modern pop culture.

The Skelligs in Photos

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