Great Skellig: A Gateway to Ancient Wonders
Discover the ancient monastic ruins and breathtaking vistas of Great Skellig, a UNESCO World Heritage site off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland.
Perched off the rugged coast of County Kerry, Great Skellig is a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates visitors with its dramatic cliffs, rich history, and stunning views. A pilgrimage site for centuries, it features the remarkable beehive huts of the early Christian monks who inhabited it. The breathtaking landscape and the call of seabirds provide an unforgettable experience for those who venture to explore this majestic island.
A brief summary to Great Skellig
- Portmagee - Skellig Michael, Portmagee, Co. Kerry, IE
Local tips
- Book your boat trip in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as spots fill up quickly.
- Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, as the hike to the monastic site can be challenging.
- Check the weather conditions before your visit, as boat trips can be affected by rough seas.
- Take your time exploring the site; the tranquility and views are worth savoring.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving, start from Killarney, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Portmagee. Head west on the N72 and then take the N70 towards Cahersiveen. Continue on the N70 until you see signs for Portmagee. Once in Portmagee, park in one of the designated parking areas. Note that parking may incur a small fee.
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Public Transportation
To reach Portmagee by public transport, take a bus from Killarney to Cahersiveen. Bus Eireann operates this route. Once in Cahersiveen, transfer to a local bus or taxi to Portmagee. Be sure to check the bus schedules in advance, as they may vary, especially during off-peak seasons.
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Boat Tour
Once in Portmagee, you will need to catch a boat to Great Skellig (Skellig Michael). Several companies offer boat tours, including Skellig Michael Cruises and Murphy's Boat Trips. Tickets for the boat tours can typically be purchased at the local ticket office or online in advance. The cost is usually around €60 for a round trip. The boat ride takes approximately 30 minutes, weather permitting.
Discover more about Great Skellig
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Donnybrook
2.0 km
Explore Donnybrook, a captivating historical landmark in Co. Kerry, where the beauty of nature meets rich Irish heritage.
Tobar Fionáin (Holy Well)
4.8 km
Explore Tobar Fionáin, the historic Holy Well in Co. Kerry, a serene retreat steeped in rich Irish spiritual heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.
Top Of The Rock Viewing Platform
11.4 km
Explore the stunning Top of the Rock Viewing Platform in Co. Kerry, where breathtaking views and serene landscapes await every traveler.
Daniel O'Connell Memorial Church
11.8 km
Explore the serene beauty and historical significance of Daniel O'Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen, a treasured gem in County Kerry, Ireland.
Birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, Cahersiveen, Kerry, Ireland
13.2 km
Explore the birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, a key figure in Irish history, set against the stunning backdrop of County Kerry's natural beauty.
Little Skellig
14.7 km
Explore Little Skellig, a stunning rocky island off the coast of Ireland, famous for its breathtaking views and vibrant seabird colonies.
Sceilg Bheag (Skellig Rock Small)
15.3 km
Experience the serene beauty of Sceilg Bheag, a stunning nature preserve in County Kerry, Ireland, rich in wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Skellig Rocks
16.9 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Skellig Rocks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Irish coast, famous for its rugged cliffs and ancient monastery.
Sceilg Mhíchíl/ Great Sceilig
17.2 km
Explore the stunning Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient ruins, breathtaking cliffs, and vibrant wildlife in County Kerry, Ireland.
Mainistir Fhionáin (St. Fionan’s Monastery)
17.4 km
Explore the ancient St. Fionan's Monastery on Skellig Rock, a historical landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into Ireland's rich monastic past.
Sceilg Mhichíl / Skellig Michael
17.6 km
Explore Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to stunning cliffs, ancient monastic ruins, and rich wildlife in County Kerry, Ireland.
Skellig Michael
17.6 km
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Loher Stone Fort
17.7 km
Experience the ancient charm of Loher Stone Fort in County Kerry, where history meets breathtaking views of the Irish landscape.
Skellig Michael Lower Lighthouse
17.8 km
Explore the breathtaking Skellig Michael Lower Lighthouse, a historic gem surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich maritime heritage.
Skellig Tours
19.9 km
Embark on a breathtaking adventure with Skellig Tours, exploring Ireland's stunning coastal landscapes and rich history on the Atlantic waters.
Unmissable attractions to see
Skellig Michael Tours - Skellig Michael Landing Tours and Boat Tours - Casey's Skellig Island Tours
0.0 km
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and rich history of Skellig Michael with Casey's Tours, a must-see destination for every traveler to Ireland.
Skellig Michael tours- Skellig Michael landing tours - Skellig Island Eco tours - Skellig Boats - Skellig Michael Cruises
0.0 km
Explore Skellig Michael, Ireland's breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient monastery and stunning coastal scenery.
Skellig Michael Voyage
0.0 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Skellig Michael on an unforgettable boat tour in County Kerry.
Skellig Walker Cruises
0.0 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Valentia Island and the Skellig Islands with Skellig Walker Cruises, your gateway to Ireland's stunning marine landscapes.
Skellig Michael Boat Trips
0.0 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Skellig Michael through unforgettable boat trips from Portmagee, a gateway to Ireland's historic treasures.
Skelligs Rock Cruises
0.0 km
Discover the magic of the Skellig Islands with Skelligs Rock Cruises - a breathtaking journey through history and nature in County Kerry.
Skellig Coast Adventures
0.0 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Ireland's Skellig Islands with Skellig Coast Adventures, offering unforgettable boat tours from Portmagee Marina.
Skelligs Michael - Landing Boat Tours with Pat Joe Murphy
0.1 km
Explore the breathtaking Skellig Michael with boat tours that reveal the island's rich history and stunning natural beauty, a true gem of Ireland.
Skellig Rock Boat Tours (@timmysboat)
0.3 km
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Portmagee Whiskey
0.4 km
Experience the rich heritage of Irish whiskey at Portmagee Whiskey, a must-visit attraction in the heart of Co. Kerry, Ireland.
The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre
0.4 km
Explore the stunning Skellig Islands and uncover their rich history at The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre on Valentia Island, County Kerry.
Illaunloughan
0.5 km
Discover the serene beauty and rich heritage of Illaunloughan, a tranquil monastic site nestled in the stunning landscapes of Co. Kerry.
Telegraph Field Valentia Island (First Atlantic Undersea Cable for Communications)
1.9 km
Discover the Telegraph Field on Valentia Island, where the first transatlantic undersea cable transformed communication history amidst stunning coastal beauty.
Bray Head (Co. Kerry) Loop Walk(Siúlóid Lúb Ceann Bhré)
2.2 km
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Kerry cliffs view point (north)
2.4 km
Explore the majestic Kerry Cliffs in County Kerry, Ireland, where stunning views and diverse wildlife await nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Essential places to dine
Skellig Seafront Cafe
0.0 km
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The Moorings Guesthouse & Seafood Restaurant @ The Bridge Bar
0.0 km
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Fisherman's Bar & Skellig Restaurant Portmagee
0.1 km
Experience authentic Irish seafood with stunning harbor views at Fisherman's Bar & Skellig Restaurant in Portmagee.
The Ring Lyne Bar & Restaurant
3.0 km
Experience authentic Irish cuisine and warm hospitality at The Ring Lyne Bar & Restaurant on Valentia Island.
Driftwood Surf Cafe
4.8 km
Experience fresh local flavors at Driftwood Surf Cafe in St. Finian's Bay, where stunning ocean views meet delicious culinary creations.
Royal Valentia Hotel Bar and Restaurant
6.9 km
Experience authentic Irish cuisine at the Royal Valentia Hotel Bar and Restaurant on Valentia Island, where local flavors meet stunning scenery.
O'Neills The Point Seafood Bar
7.7 km
Discover authentic Irish seafood at O'Neills The Point Seafood Bar in Co. Kerry—where fresh flavors meet stunning coastal views.
Skellig Cafe
9.0 km
Discover culinary artistry at Skellig Cafe in Ballinskelligs - where delicious pizza meets inspiring art amidst breathtaking scenery.
The Atlantic Grill
9.3 km
Experience delightful fast food with breathtaking views at The Atlantic Grill in Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry.
Cable O'Leary's
9.3 km
Discover authentic Irish hospitality at Cable O'Leary's – enjoy local cuisine, craft drinks, and live music in scenic Ballinskelligs.
Eva's
11.4 km
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Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Hotel & QC’s Seafood Restaurant
11.6 km
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Cahersiveen Restaurants | Camo's
11.8 km
Discover authentic Irish flavors at Camo's Restaurant in Cahersiveen – where local ingredients meet culinary excellence.
Apache Pizza Cahersiveen
12.0 km
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The Smugglers Inn
12.9 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cois Cuain gifts
0.1 km
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Skellig Coast Tourism Network
2.1 km
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Murphy's Marine
4.5 km
Explore the unique offerings of Murphy's Marine, a charming store in Co. Kerry, specializing in marine supplies and local crafts.
Walsh's SuperValu Caherciveen
10.7 km
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Nautical Antiques by Michael Walsh
11.4 km
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Skellig Soaps
11.6 km
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Skellig Gift Store Caherciveen
11.8 km
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Skellig Gift Store
14.3 km
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An Tigin
14.9 km
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Great Blasket Island Coffee Shop
26.4 km
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Holden Leathergoods
27.1 km
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LilyMais
28.7 km
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The Coach House
28.8 km
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Kerry Woollen Mills
28.8 km
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Morans Supermarket
28.8 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Bridge Bar
0.0 km
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The Cafe Portmagee
0.1 km
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Sigerson's Bar - Tig Rosie
9.1 km
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The Fertha
11.7 km
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Mike Murt's
12.0 km
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Blind Piper
22.3 km
Experience the heart of Irish culture at Blind Piper, where tradition meets warm hospitality in the beautiful County Kerry.
Krugers Bar
28.2 km
Discover the heart of Tralee at Krugers Bar, a quintessential Irish pub offering great drinks, delicious food, and lively entertainment.
Jimmy's Pub
28.7 km
Discover the authentic Irish pub experience at Jimmy's Pub in Dingle, where warmth, hospitality, and local brews await every visitor.
The Green Room Dingle
28.8 km
Discover The Green Room Dingle: where expertly crafted cocktails meet live music in a cozy, speakeasy-inspired setting.
O'Flaherty's Bar
28.9 km
Discover the charm of O'Flaherty's Bar in Dingle, where Irish hospitality meets a lively atmosphere and delicious local brews.
Paudie's Bar
28.9 km
Discover the charm of Paudie's Bar in Dingle, a perfect blend of traditional Irish music, local flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Paddy Bawn Brosnan’s
28.9 km
Discover the heart of Dingle at Paddy Bawn Brosnan’s, where traditional Irish hospitality meets a vibrant bar scene in a picturesque coastal setting.
Hannie Agnes's
28.9 km
Discover the charm of Hannie Agnes's, a cozy bar in Dingle, offering a warm atmosphere and a selection of local drinks to enjoy.
O'Sullivan's Courthouse Pub
29.1 km
Discover the charm of Dingle at O'Sullivan's Courthouse Pub, where authentic Irish food meets lively music in a cozy setting.
Dick Mack's Pub
29.1 km
Discover the historic Dick Mack's Pub in Dingle, where traditional Irish hospitality meets a vibrant atmosphere and delightful local brews.
