How to Visit the Skellig Islands: Planning Your Adventure

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland. These remote, majestic islands offer a unique blend of ancient history, breathtaking natural beauty, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. Planning your visit carefully is essential to ensure a smooth and memorable adventure to one of Ireland's most iconic destinations.

What are the Skellig Islands?

The Skellig Islands comprise two dramatic rock formations: Skellig Michael (Sceilg Mhichíl) and Little Skellig (Sceilg Bheag). Skellig Michael is world-renowned for its incredibly preserved 6th-century monastic settlement, perched precariously on its steep slopes. This ancient Christian monastery, accessible via over 600 stone steps, offers a profound glimpse into the lives of early Christian monks who sought spiritual solace in this isolated outpost.

Little Skellig, the smaller of the two, is home to Ireland's largest gannet colony, a spectacular sight with tens of thousands of these magnificent birds nesting on its ledges. Both islands are Special Protection Areas for birds, teeming with diverse marine life, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots during breeding season, making them a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Choosing Your Skelligs Experience: Landing vs. Eco Tour

Your visit to the Skellig Islands can take one of two primary forms, each offering a distinct experience:

Landing Tour (Skellig Michael)

A landing tour allows you to step ashore on Skellig Michael itself, explore the ancient monastic settlement, and climb the historic stone steps. This is an unparalleled opportunity to walk in the footsteps of monks and witness the breathtaking architecture and panoramic views from the island's summit.

• Experience:Physically demanding, involving a climb of over 600 steep, uneven steps. Visitors typically have 2.5 to 3 hours on the island.
• Availability:Strictly limited to protect the fragile ecosystem and historical site. Tours operate seasonally, typically from May to September, weather permitting.
• Booking:Absolutely essential, often requiring booking many months in advance due to high demand and limited licenses.
• Physicality:Requires a good level of fitness and is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, vertigo, or young children (minimum age restrictions often apply).

Eco Tour (Circumnavigation)

An eco-tour involves circling both Skellig Michael and Little Skellig by boat, without landing on either island. These tours provide magnificent views of the islands from the sea, allowing you to appreciate their scale, geological features, and abundant birdlife, particularly the gannet colony on Little Skellig.

• Experience:Less physically demanding, offering fantastic photographic opportunities and a chance to observe wildlife up close from the boat.
• Availability:More frequent and with a longer operating season than landing tours, often starting earlier and ending later in the year.
• Booking:Still highly recommended, especially during peak season, but generally easier to secure than landing tours.
• Accessibility:A great option for those who prefer not to undertake the strenuous climb or who are travelling with younger children or individuals with mobility concerns.

When to Go: Best Time to Visit

The operating season for Skellig Michael landing tours is relatively short, typically running from the beginning of May to the end of September. Eco-tours may run for a slightly extended period around these months, weather permitting.

• May-June:Excellent for seeing puffins, which are usually present on the islands during their breeding season. The weather can be unpredictable but often pleasant.
• July-August:Peak season for tourism. While puffins may start to leave by early August, the weather is generally at its warmest, though still subject to change. Booking well in advance is crucial.
• September:Fewer crowds than peak summer, and the weather can still be good. A quieter time to experience the islands.

Regardless of when you plan to visit, always remember that tours are highly weather-dependent. Atlantic swells can cause cancellations, so building flexibility into your itinerary is advisable.

Getting There: The Gateway to the Skelligs

The Skellig Islands are accessed by boat from various points along the Skellig Coast in County Kerry, part of the stunning Wild Atlantic Way. The most common departure points include:

• Portmagee:The primary departure point and often considered the gateway to the Skelligs, offering numerous boat operators, accommodation, and dining options.
• Ballinskelligs:Another popular departure point.
• Valentia Island:Connected to the mainland by bridge, offering a scenic base.
• Caherdaniel & Derrynane:Further south along the Ring of Kerry.

Driving to these coastal villages is part of the adventure, offering spectacular scenery. Consider combining your Skellig trip with explorations of nearby attractions such as Killarney National Park, the charming towns of the Ring of Kerry, or the dramatic landscapes of The Dingle Peninsula.

Booking Your Trip: Essential Steps

Landing Tour Bookings

Due to strict conservation regulations and safety concerns, only a limited number of boats are licensed to land on Skellig Michael. This means spots are extremely scarce.

1. Book Early:It cannot be stressed enough – book your landing tour as soon as your travel dates are firm, ideally 6-12 months in advance for peak season.
2. Official Operators:Book only through licensed and approved operators. A list can often be found on official heritage sites or through local tourism offices.
3. Be Flexible:Have alternative dates or a backup plan (like an eco-tour) in case of weather-related cancellations, which are common.

Eco Tour Bookings

While more readily available, eco-tours still benefit from advance booking, especially during the summer months.

1. Research Operators:Many local companies offer eco-tours, often departing from the same villages as landing tours.
2. Consider Timing:If whale or dolphin watching is a priority, inquire about the best times from your chosen operator.

"Flexibility is key when planning a trip to the Skellig Islands. The weather dictates much, so have a backup plan or an extra day in your itinerary in case your tour is postponed."

What to Expect and How to Prepare

For Landing Tours

A landing tour to Skellig Michael is an unforgettable experience, but it demands careful preparation:

• Footwear:This is paramount. Youmustwear sturdy, closed-toe walking or hiking boots with good grip. Trainers, sandals, or high heels are strictly forbidden for safety reasons.
• Clothing:Dress in layers. The weather can change rapidly from sunny to rainy and windy. Waterproof outer layers (jacket and trousers), a hat, and gloves are recommended, even in summer.
• Food & Water:There are no facilities on Skellig Michael. Bring all your own snacks, a packed lunch, and plenty of water.
• Fitness:Be prepared for a strenuous climb. The steps are ancient, uneven, and can be slippery.
• Toilets:There are no toilet facilities on Skellig Michael. Use facilities at the departure point before boarding.
• Respect:Follow all instructions from your boatman and the island guides. The site is fragile and protected.

For All Tours

• Sea Sickness:The journey can be choppy. If you're prone to sea sickness, take preventative measures before boarding.
• Photography:Cameras are welcome, but protect them from sea spray, especially on eco-tours. Consider a waterproof bag.
• Leave No Trace:The Skellig Islands are a protected natural and historical monument. Take all your rubbish with you and leave nothing behind.

"The Skellig Islands are a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Special Protection Area for birds. Respect for the natural and historical environment is paramount. Always follow guidelines and help preserve this incredible place for future generations."

Beyond the Skelligs: Exploring the Skellig Coast

Your adventure doesn't have to end with the islands. The Skellig Coast region itself is a designated Dark Sky Reserve, offering incredible stargazing opportunities. Explore the charming villages, enjoy fresh seafood, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Consider staying a few nights in Portmagee, Valentia Island, or nearby towns to fully appreciate the beauty of this remote corner of Ireland.

Important Considerations

• Accessibility:Landing tours are not accessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges. Eco-tours are a more inclusive option.
• Children:Minimum age restrictions (often 12 years old) apply for landing tours due to safety concerns on the steep steps.
• Accommodation:Book your accommodation in the Skellig Coast area well in advance, especially during peak season, as options can be limited.
• Cancellations:Always have a contingency plan in case of weather-related cancellations. Many visitors choose to stay an extra day in the area to allow for this flexibility.

A visit to the Skellig Islands is more than just a trip; it's an immersive journey into Ireland's ancient past and vibrant natural world. With careful planning and respect for its delicate environment, your adventure to this incredible UNESCO site will undoubtedly be a highlight of your Irish travels.