There are 618 stone steps on Skellig Michael, which lead up to the old monastery near the top of the island. The Skellig Michael steps are steep and uneven, and there are no handrails.
You can climb them on our Skellig Michael landing tour, which is for ages 14 and over.
What are the Skellig Michael steps like?
The monks who lived on the island built the steps by hand, and their monastery was founded around the 6th century.
The steps are made of Old Red Sandstone, and they are narrow in places and get slippery when wet.
When you get off the boat, you walk along a path around the base of the island before the steps begin. The island rises 218 metres out of the sea, and the climb comes in several sections with places to stop for a rest.
How hard is the climb?
The climb is hard work, so you need good fitness and steady feet and should be comfortable with heights.
Go slowly and steadily and stop to rest when you need to, because it is not a race. You have about 2.5 hours on the island, so there is no need to rush.
If you do not walk much, practise on stairs or hills in the weeks before your trip.
Who can do the climb?
The landing tour is for ages 14 and over only, and it is not suitable for anyone who is unsteady on their feet.
If the steps are too much for you or your group, our Skellig Islands boat tour circles both islands without landing and suits all ages.
What to wear
- Footwear. This matters most, so wear walking boots or shoes with good grip and do not wear flip-flops, sandals or smooth-soled trainers.
- Layers. It can be chilly on the open sea, even on a warm day. Wear a light base layer with a fleece or jumper on top.
- A waterproof jacket. Always bring one, because the weather in Kerry can change quickly and mist can come in off the sea.
You will get warm on the way up, but the wind at the top can cool you fast, so keep a layer in your bag. Wet weather gear is also available on our boats.
What to bring
You carry everything you bring up all 618 steps, so pack light.
- A small rucksack. It keeps your hands free, but avoid shoulder bags, which can swing and shift your balance as you climb.
- Water and a packed lunch. There are no shops, toilets, bins or shelter on the island, so buy food and drinks in Portmagee before you set off.
- Sun cream. The sun can be strong on the water, even when it feels cool.
- Camera and medicine. Bring your camera and any medicine you need.
Please take all your rubbish home with you, because Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and leaving nothing behind helps protect it.
Staying safe on the steps
- Go slowly and watch where you put your feet.
- Give way to people coming down where the path is narrow.
- If you feel dizzy or tired, move to a wider part of the path and rest.
- Stop walking before you look at the view or the gannets on Little Skellig.
What is at the top?
The monastery is about 180 metres above sea level. Guides from the Office of Public Works (OPW) work on the island and can answer your questions.
You will see six beehive huts, called clocháns. The monks built them from dry stone without mortar, and they have stayed dry inside for over a thousand years.
There are also two oratories, which are small stone buildings for prayer, as well as a small cemetery and a medieval church.
The monks left the island in the 12th or 13th century and moved to Ballinskelligs.
Booking the landing tour
The landing tour takes about 5 to 6 hours in total, with about 2.5 hours on the island. It costs €170 per adult, and there are no student or group rates.
Tours run from mid-May to the end of September and leave from Portmagee. There is free parking in the village, a short walk from the pier. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure to park and check in.
The OPW limits how many people can land each day, so book early. Landing is never guaranteed because it depends on the sea, but if we cancel for weather, we offer another date or a full refund.
To pick your dates, read the best time to visit Skellig Michael. For more on planning the day, see our guide to planning your Skellig Michael trip.