The Skellig Islands are well-known by people all over the world and they have made their way to the big screen more than once. Skellig Michael and Little Skellig are located off the west coast of Ireland, and they are some of the most remote and spectacular islands in the world. Home to a wealth of wildlife, stunning landscapes and the ancient monastic settlement of Skellig Michael, the islands have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When visiting Ireland, lots of tourists want to explore these famous islands and there are a few different ways you can experience Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. If you’re planning a holiday to The Emerald Isle, below are the best ways visitors can explore the wild, rugged beauty of the islands, and discover the fascinating history and culture of this remote part of Ireland.
Take a Boat Trip
Taking a boat tour of the Skellig Islands is a great way to explore their dramatic landscapes and stunning wildlife. The Eco Tours we offer at Skellig Coast Adventures sail around the Islands, enabling you to explore both of them in one trip and our boats will get you within touching distance of these incredible islands.
When you take a boat trip out to Skellig Michael and Little Skellig, you can see the steep cliffs and iconic beehive-shaped stone structures up close. You can also spot some of the area’s amazing seabirds, from puffings to gannets. If you’re really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales.
Step Foot on The Island
Although Little Skellig is closed to the public, you can visit Skellig Michael and walk on the island. Our Landing Tour is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience and it provides you with the opportunity to disembark the vessel and climb the famous step on the island. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the perfect tour for you.
Skellig Michael is more than 350 million years old and it is truly breathtaking. Several trails lead up to the top of Skellig Michael, offering stunning views of the surrounding islands and the Atlantic Ocean. With an experienced OPW tour guide by your side, you can learn all about the history of the island and the monastic settlements. There are restricted daily visitor numbers for Skellig Michael, so book your landing tour in advance to avoid disappointment.
View From the Cliffs
If you would prefer to stay on dry land, it is possible to see the Skellig Islands from the Kerry Cliffs, which are the nearest point on the mainland to look out to the Atlantic Ocean and view these islands. These cliffs are located on the world-renowned Wild Atlantic Way and they are a very popular tourist destination.
The Skellig Islands are located approximately 12 km from the Iveragh Peninsula and although they are only accessible by boat, you can see them from the Skellig Coast. The rugged coastline is dotted with sandy beaches, rocky coves and stunning sea cliffs, making it a great destination to visit for anyone looking to explore the beauty of nature.
Explore the Skellig Islands in Ireland
When planning a trip to Ireland, if you’re interested in exploring the Skellig Islands hopefully the information above will be beneficial. These breathtaking islands are a must-visit and when you book a tour with Skellig Coast Adventures, you will have an unforgettable experience. Feel free to explore our website to find out more about both our Eco Tours and Landing tours, our FAQ page can tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Skellig Islands in Ireland.
We can assure you that you will be in very good hands when you book to explore the Skellig Islands with Skellig Coast Adventures. We have over 50 years of experience providing boat tours and our tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable. We love showing people just how amazing Skellig Michael and Little Skellig are when you get up close and personal, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard one of our vessels.