Skellig Michael Landing Tour
A day trip to Skellig Michael with a 45 minute sea crossing each way and time to explore the island itself. Climb 600 hand-cut stone steps to the 6th century monastery 180 metres above the sea.
A day on a UNESCO World Heritage island
Skellig Michael Tours operates Landing Tours from Portmagee marina to Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 12 kilometres off the Kerry coast. It is the only tour that lets you go ashore on the island.
After a 45 minute sea crossing, passengers disembark at the small harbour and climb 600 stone steps to the 6th century monastery at 180 metres (600 feet). The trip takes most of the day from departure to return.
Landing Tours run from mid-May to September, on dates set each year by the OPW. Places are limited by OPW permit conditions and are available on a waiting list basis.
What the Tour Includes
- Departure from Portmagee marina
- 45 minute sea crossing each way
- Time to climb to the monastery at your own pace
- OPW-permitted landing at the island harbour
- Access to the 6th century monastery and beehive huts
- Skipper commentary on wildlife, history, and the sea crossing
Check-in at Portmagee
Arrive at the marina at the agreed time. The skipper assesses sea conditions and confirms departure. Passengers board the boat with waterproof gear, packed lunch, and water.
Sea crossing to Skellig Michael
The boat crosses 12 kilometres of open sea. On the way, Puffin Island and Little Skellig come into view. Dolphins, seals, and seabirds are often spotted during the crossing.
On the island
Disembark at the small harbour. The OPW guide gives a safety briefing. Visitors then walk at their own pace up the 600 stone steps to the monastery and back down again, with time at the top.
Return crossing and Little Skellig
Back on board, the return trip passes Little Skellig and its gannet colony of around 70,000 birds, time permitting. Back at Portmagee marina by mid-afternoon.
600 stone steps, cut by hand
The path from the harbour to the monastery is a climb of 600 stone steps, cut by the monks who built the settlement.
Steps are uneven, narrow in places, and exposed. There are no handrails. The ascent rises 180 metres (600 feet) above sea level and takes most visitors between 45 minutes and an hour, with pauses on the way up.
Walkers set their own pace. OPW guides are stationed on the island to advise on the climb and to turn back any visitor who should not continue. Sturdy footwear with ankle support is required.
The 6th century monastery
The monastery sits on a ledge just below the northern summit. Six dry-stone beehive huts, two oratories, and a small cemetery, all still standing after 1,400 years.
The settlement was occupied by early Christian monks from around the 6th century until the 12th or 13th century. The construction techniques, corbelled dry-stone walls with no mortar, have kept the buildings watertight through centuries of storms.
UNESCO inscribed Skellig Michael as a World Heritage Site in 1996, recognising the monastery as one of the best preserved examples of its kind in Europe. Visitors have time at the top to explore, rest and look across to Little Skellig and back towards the Kerry coast.
What to Expect on the Day
The Landing Tour takes most of the day, from the moment the boat leaves Portmagee to the moment it returns. Plan to keep the day free.
Good to Know
Minimum age 18
Skellig Michael Tours applies a minimum age of 18 on the Landing Tour, stricter than the OPW minimum of 12. The climb and the exposed nature of the site require adult judgement throughout.
Fitness required
The 600-step climb is the equivalent of walking up a 60-storey building on uneven stone. Visitors should be in good general health and comfortable with heights and exposure. Read our safety guide before you book.
What to bring
Sturdy walking shoes with ankle support, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, packed lunch, and water. There are no facilities on the island. A small backpack is useful for the climb.
Sea conditions
The skipper assesses conditions each morning. Landing at the small harbour on Skellig Michael requires calm seas. When a landing is not possible, alternative arrangements are discussed with passengers.
Meeting point
Tours depart from Portmagee marina in Co. Kerry. Free parking is available at the marina. Departure times are confirmed once booked, typically early morning. Read how to get to Portmagee.
On board
The boat is inspected every two years by the Marine Survey Office. Life jackets are available on board for any passenger who wishes to wear one. The skipper gives a full safety briefing before departure.
Consider the Sea Tour instead
The Skellig Sea Tour shows you the whole island from the water, with no climb.
How long is the Skellig Michael Landing Tour?
The Landing Tour takes most of the day. The sea crossing is 45 minutes each way, with time on Skellig Michael to climb to the monastery. Tours depart from Portmagee marina, Co. Kerry, and run from mid-May to September, on dates set each year by the OPW. Landing is subject to sea conditions and an Office of Public Works permit, which Skellig Michael Tours holds.
Who the Landing Tour Suits
The Landing Tour suits visitors who are fit, comfortable with heights and can give up most of a day. It is the only way to climb the old pilgrim path and walk among the beehive huts.
Visitors who want a shorter trip, who are travelling with children, or who have any concerns about the climb should consider the Skellig Sea Tour instead. For a side by side breakdown of both options, see the Sea Tour vs Landing Tour comparison.
Join the Waiting List
Landing Tour places are allocated from a waiting list. Submit the form below with your preferred dates and we will be in touch when places become available. If a landing place does not become available in time for your trip, we offer a discounted Skellig Sea Tour as an alternative.
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