Great Skellig

This place is insane, definitely worth the visit, however I will never come back because the boat ride was SO rough. It was maybe about 1 hour 15 mins out to the island and half of us on the boat spent the entire ride throwing up. The island was incredible and fun to explore, however we didn't have enough time to fully take it in. There are so many Puffins living on the island and the buildings at the top are so freaking cool. Definitely worth the terrible ride to see, but only once.

Two of us visited the Skellig island on the last day of the 2025 season, 29 September. It happened to be a clear sunny day (following day- 30th was complete opposite), we were lucky indeed. The sea was relatively calm and we enjoyed the boat ride both ways, approximately 50 minutes each way. We had 2 hours and 15 minutes on the island, ie to climb up to the monastery and back. The flight of steps are steep at certain sections, and steps are inconsistent which makes it a difficult climb, but manageable; climbing down is more challenging with the wind gusts. OPW (Office of Public Works) staff provided security briefing before we started climbing. OPE staff provided history and additional information of the monastery once we arrived at the monastery, which was very informative. Imagine, when first group of clergy arrived in the island it’s reasonable to assume that there were no accomodation on the island. It’s also reasonable to assume it would have taken many months to build at least one beehive structure. How much sacrifice they would have gone through until the first structure was built. This is a Christian Monastery started in sixth Century and despite the exposed seascape the monks remained on the Island until the thirteenth Century. There are six beehive structures all built using stone using drywall method (no mortar). The structures remain in excellent condition as built during 6-13 century. Amazing 😻. There is a toilet facility a few meters away from the landing area contrary to security video states no toilet facility available. There’s a helipad around the same area as the toilets.

What an amazing place, our trip began at 8am in Portmagee we boarded our boat and set off the weather was dull and overcast. As we left the harbour and headed out to sea it began raining and the spray from waves splashed in over the side of the boat and soaked us. This did not diminish our enthusiasm in the slightest. Skellig Michael appeared through the mist like an apparition which added to the mystery of the island. We disembarked and were given a couple of hours to make the ascent to the monastery 661 steps from the base of the stairs. It is a magical place steeped in ancient history and totally dominated by wildlife including puffins. When we left the island we were tired and still wet but still very happy to have had the opportunity to visit Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael was one of the absolute highlights of our honeymoon in Ireland. We were so lucky to make it out—the weather had canceled tours for two days before we finally got the green light. The boat ride was intense, with big waves that had about half our boat (including us!) feeling seasick. But wow, was it worth it. As we approached Little Skellig, we were blown away by the sheer number of birds—an unbelievable sight! Thousands upon thousands covering every surface. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen. When we finally landed on Skellig Michael, we were instantly in awe. The vibrant green moss, the ancient stone steps, the pops of orange and yellow across the rock—it was otherworldly. Climbing the steep path to the top, we were blown away by the fact that people built this in 580 AD. The beehive huts, the small graveyard, and even the Jedi-style stone structures from Star Wars made the journey unforgettable. Even without the puffins (we missed their season), this place is magic. If you’re looking for true adventure, raw beauty, and a spiritual brush with history, you have to do this. Just be prepared for a wild ride getting there—it’s all part of the story!

I've been lucky to visit 3 times, each tine calm seas and great weather. I've heard from others that seasickness is something to expect! Nothing beats the feeling of walking in the footsteps of ancient monks. Seeing how they lived, imagining the hardships and pious fervour it took to survive there BEFORE waterproof and windproof clothes! Puffins were such a treat to see in person - I only saw them once: they migrate away midsummer. Be aware if you're a Star Wars fan that this is a HOLY site and UNESCO Heritage Site, so being too overzealous about Jedi Knights is quite insulting to those who are there as pilgrims, as has been going on for hundreds of years. Be respectful of this precious holy site. I've seen people eating bag lunches while sitting on protected grassy nesting areas, feigning lack of English when a guide asked them to move. Don't be that TOURON! (Tourist moron). Boats leave from PortMagee and Valentia Island and I prefer to recommend them: if weather cancels your trip, you can visit The Skellig Experience near the bridge at PortMagee. A worthwhile stop! See some more photos on IG at #TiiSkelligs

Tricky to reach: not only are there limited slots (max 180 guests per day), it's expensive to get there and your tour might be cancelled due to weather, swells, wind, rainfall. It's 600 steps up, on uneven stone slabs. It will take you about 15 to 20 minutes of nonstop climbing, with not a lot of spots to catch your breath. Then you'll need to go down again, and your knees will have something to say about that. Wonderful views, intricately built monastery with a vivid history. Lots of birds and particular plant life. Quite the experience.

This is a mind blowing tour! It only like 25-35 euro, maybe more I can’t remember, but it was dirt cheap for something that was AMAZING. it takes most of the day, you get an amazing boat ride, get to see dolphins, get to go onto a island that is gorgeous, the hike is steep, 612 steps up, but totally amazing once you get to the top!

The boat ride out there is pretty rough 😅 3 of our family members lost their breakfast on the way out. However, it was completely worth it! When you step off the boat onto Skellig, you feel like you are stepping onto another planet (a Star Wars planet). There were thousands of puffins everywhere on the ground, in their burrows, and flying through the air. The rock formations are very unique, and learning about the monasteries was fascinating. Make sure you get to your checkpoints on time so that you can hear the history. I would recommend absolutely taking motion sickness medicine (even if you think you won't get sick- trust me!), bring waterproof gear so that you can sit in the back of the boat because the waves will crash onto the boat and get you wet if it's not already raining (it made us less sick to sit outside in the back of the boat), bring layers (the boat ride was wet and cold but it was actually pretty warm and sunny on the island), and get ready to climb some steps. Have fun! 😊