Skellig Michael is a steep, jagged rock island about eleven and a half kilometres off the Kerry coast, with an early Christian monastery perched near its summit. The beehive cells, oratories and terraces were built by monks around the sixth to eighth centuries, and they survive remarkably intact, which is why the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors climb about six hundred and eighteen steep, uneven stone steps from the landing, and the walk takes around forty minutes, with no handrail in places. Boats depart from Portmagee, Valentia Island, Ballinskelligs and Derrynane in the main season. Status for now: the landing season is short and weather dependent, generally from May to September, and the 2026 season has ended. Do not expect any landings in November, and expect to book early for the next season. Children under twelve are not allowed on the island, and the crossing can be rough, with trips cancelled when the sea is too high.
The island's story runs from monastic isolation to film fame: it was occupied for several hundred years before the monks moved to the mainland in the twelfth or thirteenth century, and the site then became a pilgrimage destination. Little Skellig, its neighbour, is now a huge gannet colony. In recent years it also appeared in the Star Wars films as Luke Skywalker's island, which has increased demand. Operators are limited by a permit system, and landing numbers are restricted to protect the site, which is why places sell out months ahead.
Choosing a trip
Landing trips give about two hours on the island, with a short briefing from an on site guide, then free time to explore the monastery. Cruise only trips circle the islands without landing and are useful if you cannot manage the steps or if the sea is too rough, and these are often marketed as eco cruises.
Check the product details carefully, because one tour says that it can be cut short by rough seas to a coastal trip. The tour linked here is a boat trip that includes landing access to Skellig Michael, sold as non refundable.
Plan it as a seasonal project
Pick a date in summer, book as soon as the new season opens, carry waterproofs, wear grippy shoes, bring snacks and water because there are no facilities on the island, and have a backup day in your itinerary in case of cancellation. From Killarney, the drive to Portmagee takes around two hours, so many visitors stay near Portmagee or on Valentia the night before. If you are in Killarney now in November, consider the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring day tour as a way to see the coast and the Skellig views from the mainland.
What to expect
The experience
A boat crossing of about an hour from the Iveragh coast, then a steep stepped climb to the monastery on a guided, weather permitting landing.
Best time
Calm, clear summer mornings, with a spare day in the schedule in case of cancellations.
How long
Five to six hours including the transfer from Killarney, or around two hours on the water for most boat trips.
Tips
Book months ahead, expect cancellations in rough seas, bring waterproofs and water, and note that children under twelve cannot land.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Fit travellers with a head for heights who want the most remarkable monastic site in Ireland.
- Families
- Not for children under twelve, who are not permitted to land, and not for anyone with a fear of heights.
- Couples
- A romantic but demanding day; choose a calm morning.
- Pair with
- The Ring of Kerry and Kerry Cliffs.
- Time needed
- A full day from Killarney.
Good questions
When can I visit Skellig Michael?+
Landings run from about May to September, depending on weather and permits. The 2026 season has ended, so there are no landings now.
How many steps are there?+
About 618 steep, uneven steps climb to the monastery, rising more than 180 metres, and they are slippery when wet. There is no handrail in places.
Can children go?+
Children under twelve are not permitted on the island. Cruise only trips that do not land may accept younger passengers, so ask the operator.
What if the weather is bad?+
Operators cancel landings when the sea is too rough, and a short sheltered coastal trip may be offered instead. Keep a spare day in your plans.
How far is Portmagee from Killarney?+
About two hours by road, so an early start or a night near the coast is wise. Some tours collect from Killarney.
