Skellig Michael landing tour from Portmagee
Our Skellig Michael landing tour lasts about 5 to 6 hours and takes you by boat from Portmagee to the island and back. You have about 2.5 hours on the island, where you climb 618 stone steps to the monastery at the top.
Skellig Michael is about 12 km off the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Its early Christian monastery was founded around the 6th century.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) limits how many people can land each day, and landing is never guaranteed because it depends on the sea. If you would rather not climb, our Skellig Islands boat tour circles both islands without landing.
Book your landingPrice
- Adults. €170
- Age. 14 and over only, so children under 14 cannot take the landing tour.
- Discounts. There are no student or group rates.
To book, email info@skelligmichael.ie or send a request from our booking page.
Check availability and bookWhat to know before you go
- Season. The landing tour runs from mid-May to the end of September.
- Fitness. You need good fitness, because there are 618 stone steps up to the monastery and no handrails.
- Check-in. We confirm your exact departure time when you book, so arrive in Portmagee at least 30 minutes early to park and check in.
- Parking. Parking in the village is free and a short walk from the pier.
- On board. We provide life jackets for everyone and also have wet weather gear if you need it.
- Cancelling. If you cancel more than 48 hours before departure, you get a full refund. If you cancel within 48 hours, there is no refund unless we can fill your place.
Landing rules
- Follow the rangers. The OPW manages the island for safety and conservation, so always follow instructions from OPW staff on the island.
- Keep back from wildlife. Birds, nests and seals are protected, so keep a good distance from them.
- Take your rubbish home. There are no bins on the island, so take everything back with you to protect the site.
- No alcohol or drugs. You need a clear head and steady feet on the steps.
- Give us a phone number. We may need to reach you quickly if the sea changes our plans.
- Safety decisions. Your booking depends on availability and the sea, and we decide whether to sail and land based on safety.
Tour itinerary
Times change with the sea, but this is how the day usually runs.
- Check in at Portmagee. We confirm your departure time and you board the boat.
- The crossing. You cross open sea to Skellig Michael, and there are often seabirds and seals to see on the way.
- Landing. You step off the boat at the landing point and start the climb.
- On the island. You have about 2.5 hours to climb to the monastery, look at the views and explore at your own pace.
- Back to Portmagee. We return along the Skellig Coast, with more chances to take photos.
Is the landing tour right for you?
Skellig Michael is steep and exposed and the landing tour does not suit everyone, so these lists should help you choose.
The landing tour suits you if
- You want to set foot on Skellig Michael and see the monastery.
- You are steady on steep steps and comfortable with heights and open edges.
- You are ready for a crossing on open sea in changeable weather.
Choose the boat tour instead if
- You want to see the islands and wildlife without the climb.
- You are travelling with children under 14, or with anyone who is not steady on uneven ground.
- You mainly want to watch wildlife and take photos.
Alternative. Skellig Islands boat tour, no landing
What you will see on Skellig Michael
These are the main things you see on the landing tour of Skellig Michael, which is 218 metres high.
- The monastery. It has six stone beehive huts, called clocháns, two oratories and a church. The monks lived here until the 12th or 13th century, then moved to Ballinskelligs.
- Views. You can see back to the Skellig Coast and out over the Atlantic.
- Seabirds and seals. Gannets, guillemots, razorbills and grey seals are common here, and you may also see puffins in season.
- Little Skellig. You see it from the boat, and it has one of the biggest gannet colonies in the world.
Read more about the monks and the monastery on our Skellig Michael history page.
What to bring
Pack light, and bring what you need for the whole day.
- Footwear. Wear walking boots or shoes with good grip and a firm fit, because smooth soles are not safe on the steps. We may refuse boarding or landing if your footwear is not safe.
- Waterproof and warm layers. The weather can change quickly, even on a fine day, and the wind can make it feel cold.
- Water and a snack. There is nothing to buy on the island.
- Small backpack. Keep your hands free on the steps.
- Seasickness remedy. The crossing is on open sea, so if you get seasick, take your remedy before the boat leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is landing guaranteed?
No, we only land when the sea at the landing point is safe. If we cancel for weather, we offer you another date or a full refund.
How hard is the climb?
The steps are steep and uneven, with open edges in places. It is not technical climbing, but you need steady feet and you must be comfortable with heights. Our guide to the Skellig Michael steps explains how to prepare.
Are there toilets or shelter on the island?
No, there are no toilets, shelter, bins or shops on Skellig Michael.
When can I see puffins?
Puffins are on the Skelligs from about late April to early August, with most there in May, June and July, but sightings are never guaranteed. Our puffin guide has more detail.
Where does the tour leave from?
All our tours leave from Portmagee, County Kerry, which is about 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Killarney and 2.5 hours from Cork. Portmagee is about 3 hours from Shannon Airport and 4.5 hours from Dublin. Our guide to Portmagee has more about the village.
Book early. Landing places are limited and the season is short.
Check dates and book