How to Get to Skellig Michael

Where do the boats leave from?

All our tours leave from Portmagee marina in Co. Kerry. Free parking is available near the pier. Check in at the boat 30 minutes before departure.

Portmagee is a small fishing village on the Iveragh Peninsula, on the Wild Atlantic Way. It is a short drive from Cahersiveen, and the Skellig Ring and the Kerry Cliffs are close by.

How long is the drive to Portmagee?

From Killarney, Portmagee is about 77 kilometres, so allow about 1 hour 45 minutes by car. From Dingle it is about 108 kilometres, so allow about 2 hours 15 minutes. From Dublin it is about 360 kilometres, so allow about 5 hours. Roads in the area are narrow and traffic is slow in summer, and these times allow for that.

Our boats leave from Portmagee, so if you are staying in Dingle or Killarney, drive to Portmagee on the day. The Landing Tour leaves early in the morning, so if you are coming from further away it helps to stay in or near Portmagee the night before.

Can I get to Portmagee by bus?

There is no direct bus to Portmagee. TFI Local Link buses run from Killarney to Cahersiveen, about 15 kilometres from Portmagee. Check the timetable before you travel and plan a taxi for the last part of the journey.

Which tour should I book?

The Sea Tour is a 2.5 hour boat trip around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. It sails at 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm from May to September and costs €70 per adult and €60 per child. All ages are welcome.

The Landing Tour takes you onto Skellig Michael to climb the 600 steps to the monastery. It runs from mid-May to September for adults aged 18 and over and costs €170 per person. Places come from a waiting list. A full refund is issued when a tour cannot operate due to sea conditions. Not sure which to choose? Read our tour comparison.