Ireland Guide

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Skellig Michael

Category: Families, Outdoors, Nature/Wildlife, Sightseeing, Free

Type: Castles, Historic Homes & Sites, Visitor Centres, Tours, General Attractions

Ballinskellig Islands
Co Kerry
Tel: +353 1 647 6912

Please mention ireland-guide.com when enquiring.

Skellig Michael also known as Great Skellig, is a steep rocky island in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of County Kerry

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael also known as Great Skellig, is a steep rocky island and is the larger of the two Skellig islands in the Atlantic Ocean about 14.5 kilometres (9 miles) from the coast of Kerry.

Skellig Michael towers 218 metres (714ft) above the ocean, it is is one of Europe's better known but least accessible monasteries and is a designated World Heritage Site. On the summit you will find a remarkably well-preserved sixth century monastic settlement. The monks lived in stone 'beehive' huts, perched above nearly vertical cliff walls.

A visit to the monastery will entail a climb on 618 steps, it is a demanding climb and any person with health issues should consider carefully their own physical limitations before exploring this part of the site.

Along with its smaller neighbour, Little Skellig, Great Skellig is an important nature reserve.

Opening Time:

Guide Service Available: Mid May - October. At all other times this site is unmanned and visits are prohibited.

Admission Charge:

Free (separate charges for boat trip)
Skellig Michael - County Kerry Ireland
Skellig Michael - County Kerry Ireland
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Distance
  • 10km
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Directions

11.5km boat trip from Ballinskelligs, Portmagee or Valentia

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