Skellig Michael
Contact Details
Address: Co. Kerry
Telephone No: +353 1 6476912 (National Monuments) +353 1 6476000 (Visitor Services)
Email: visitorservices@opw.ie
Opening Hours
May - October
Opening arrangements are variable dependant on weather conditions
Average Length of Visit:
2 ½ hours (excluding boat trip)
Admission Fees
Free of Charge
Separate charge imposed by boat operator(s).
Facilities
None (Please note that there are no toilets. Visitors are advised to carry water and to wear protective clothing)
Restaurant/Tearooms: None
The magnificent Skellig Islands lie 8 miles (12 km) off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry. Rising majestically from the sea, Skellig Michael towers 714ft (218 metres) above sea level. On the summit of this awe inspiring rock you will find a remarkably well-preserved sixth century monastic settlement.
The earliest reference in history to the Skellig Islands dates back to 1400BC. During the time of the Penal Laws, Skellig Michael and Little Skellig became a haven for many Catholics whose beliefs and rights were being suppressed. The largest of the Skelligs is Skellig Michael (Sceilg Mhichil) and was home to one of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland. These monks of St. Fionan’s monastery led simple lives and lived in stone, beehive shaped huts. They would descend the 670 steps early every morning and fish for the morning’s breakfast. They would spend most of the day praying in the church, tending to their gardens and studying. These huts, which were round on the outside and rectangular on the inside, were carefully built so that no drop of rain ever entered between the stones. The monks left the island in the thirteenth century and it became a place of pilgrimage. There is a fantastic wealth of bird life on and around the Skelligs, especially puffins in late spring and gannets on the small Skellig where 23,000 pairs nest on every available ledge making it the second largest gannet colony in the world.
Location: 11.5km boat trip from Portmagee, Valentia or Ballinskelligs
Bus Route(s): Contact Bus Eireann, Travel Centre +353 1 8366111 (for travel to Portmagee, Valentia or Ballinskelligs)
Guided Tours: No
Leaflet/Guide book: None
Seasonal Events: Please check in advance using contact details listed above
Photography / Video allowed: Yes
Additional Information:
Please note that access is dependent on tidal/weather conditions.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
This is a particularly vulnerable site and visitors are therefore asked to co-operate with our efforts to protect this monument.
