A Guide to Visiting Skellig Michael on a Landing Tour: What You Need to Know

Tucked away off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland, Skellig Michael is one of the most remote islands you can get to. It rises dramatically from the Atlantic Oceans, its rugged cliffs and ancient stone structures barely visible when you first arrive, but once you focus in, you'll be so mesmerized by the adventure and the history that awaits. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, once home to a community of early Christian monks, offers a unique experience that combines natural beauty, history, and a little bit of a physical challenge. A landing tour to Skellig Michael is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but there are several things you need to know before you embark on this incredible journey!

A Guide to Visiting Skellig Michael on a Landing Tour: What You Need to Know

The History of Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael, also known as Great Skellig, is the larger of the two Skellig Islands, and the only one accessible to land on. The island's history dates back to the 6th century, when a group of monks established a monastery on its rugged peaks, seeking isolation and closeness to God. The monastery is perched high above sea level on a narrow terrace, and the monks who lived there led austere lives, dedicating their time to prayer, meditation, and survival in an environment that was both harsh and unbelievably beautiful. 
The island remained a monastic site for several centuries, with monks inhabiting the island until around the 12th century. After that, it became a site for pilgrimage, though it remained largely untouched by human activity until recent times. The ancient stone structures on Skellig Michael have survived remarkably well, and today they provide a glimpse into the lives of the monks who once called this remote island their home.
In more recent history, Skellig Michael gained popularity when it was featured as a key filming location in the "Star Wars" films, specifically "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi." Neither of which I've seen, but it's cool nonetheless. I was more drawn in by the beauty of the island and its historical past. If you're a movie fan, you'll be quick to note all the significant features!

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Getting to Skellig Michael

Visiting Skellig Michael is no easy feat, and that's part of what makes the experience so special. The island is only accessible by boat, and due to its remote location and the often unpredictable weather, landing tours are only available from May-September. Even during this window of time, tours are often canceled due to rough seas, so you need to be flexible in your travel plans and have a back up plan just in case!

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Booking a Tour

To visit Skellig Michael, you'll need to book a landing tour well in advance, as spots are extremely limited and in high demand. Only a handful of licensed boat operators are authorized to land visitors on the island {at the writing of this there are only 15 permitted boats}. Each boat typically carries around 12 passengers. This helps to protect the fragile environment and ensure that the island's historical sites are preserved for future generations.
When booking, make sure to choose a landing tour rather than an eco tour. An eco tour will only take you around the islands without allowing you to disembark. Landing tours usually depart from the village of Portmagee on the Iveragh Peninsula. 
The cost of a landing tour ranges from 100-150 euros per person. 
Pro Tip: You might have the Ring of Kerry on your list of things to do. Getting to Portmagee where you you board the boat to Skellig Michael is about halfway around the Ring of Kerry. You can continue and complete the other half of the Ring when you come back from your visit to Skellig Michael.

What to Expect on the Boat Ride

The boat ride to Skellig Michael takes about 50 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather conditions. Be prepared for a bumpy journey, especially if the seas are rough. Even on calm days, the Atlantic can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to take seasickness tablets if you're prone to motion sickness. I took these about an hour before our boat ride, but I don't think I really would have needed them, I had heard so many stories of whole boat loads of people throwing up the whole time that I got nervous!
The views during the boat ride are spectacular, with the dramatic cliffs of the Skellig Islands gradually coming into view as you approach. On the way, you'll likely see a lot of seabirds, and if you are lucky, you might even spot dolphins or whales!

Arriving at Skellig Michael

Once you arrive at Skellig Michael, your adventure starts! Landing on the island can be tricky, as the small pier is exposed to the elements and the boat must carefully time its approach to avoid the jagged rocks. The tide comes in and the boat bobs up and down! Once the boat docks, you are greeted by guides who will help you off the boat before wandering to the next location where you get a brief introduction of the island and some safety instructions from a heritage guide.

The highlight of a visit to Skellig Michael is the climb to the monastery, which sits 600 feet above sea level. the ascent involves climbing 618 stone steps, which were hand-carved by the monks over a thousand years ago! These steps are steep, uneven, and can be slippery, especially after the rain, so make sure you have sturdy footwear.

There are no handrails, and the climb can be challenging, particularly if you have a fear of heights or a fear of falling. But the views along the way are breathtaking, with the vast Atlantic stretching out in every direction and Little Skellig sitting just off shore.

While the climb may seem daunting, it really wasn't that bad. Just take your time. There are plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery as you head up, and a few places you can hang out in to let those coming down pass since the area can be tight and there are sheer cliffs on each side! 

Exploring the Monastery

At the top of the island, you'll reach the ancient monastic settlement, which consists of several beehive-shaped stone huts known as clochans. There's also a small cemetery. These structures were designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions, and I was shocked to learn that none of them have mortar to hold them together! It really is a testament to the craftsmanship of the monks.

As you wander through the settlement, it's easy to imagine how difficult life would have been for the monks who lived here. The island's isolation, combined with the simplicity of the stone structures, would definitely lend itself to a life of hardship and contemplation! You can step inside some of the beehive domes which are surprisingly spacious, and take in the sweeping views from the top of the island.

In addition to the main settlement, there are also several smaller sites to explore, including the monastery's graveyard and a well that provided the monks with fresh water. You'll also find the remains of two churches: St. Michael's Church, which dates from the 10th or 11 century, and an earlier, smaller church. There was a heritage guide historian who offered information at the top so that you could absorb all of the history.

You are very much allowed to wander and take your time here. We noticed that a lot of people quickly headed down after coming to the top, and at one point, we were the only ones at the top enjoying the view together, so don't be in a rush!

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The Return Journey

After spending about 2.5 hours on the island, it's time to make your way back down the steps to the pier where you'll meet your group. The descent can be just as challenging and maybe even more so. We noticed a lot more people scooching down! Some literally crawling on their backsides. No judgement! 

Once back on the boat, you'll circle the island. There are more settlements you can see on Skellig Michael that you aren't able to access. There is also a lighthouse on the backside that once had several families living at it as caretakers. 

You'll also navigate over to Little Skellig, the smaller of the two islands. This island is home to one of the largest sea bird colonies. It's incredible! It kind of looks like it's covered in snow, but it's not. Guessing you can figure out what it is!

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Tips for Visiting Skellig Michael

• Book Early: Tours to Skellig Michael fill up quickly, especially during the peak summer months. Book as far in advance as you can to secure your spot.

• Have a Backup Plan: Tours often get canceled due to weather. Tides can be unpredictable and make a landing nearly impossible. There is a heritage guide who lives on the island and checks the conditions daily before making the call if landings are safe or not. This could mean that you're already driving to the port and your trip gets canceled. Have a plan b.

• Be Prepared for Weather Changes: The weather around Skellig Michael can change quickly, and even on sunny days, it can be cold and windy on the island. Dress in layers, especially for the boat ride over and bring a waterproof jacket.

• Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip. The steps are steep and uneven. Hiking boots are ideal, but any shoe with solid support should be fine. Leave your flip flops at home! This is what I wore.

• Physical Fitness: Visiting Skellig Michael requires a moderate level of fitness. Not only do you need to be strong and secure enough to get on and off of a moving boat, but you need to be able to climb up the stairs to the top of the monastery. There are no railings, and the terrain can be rough, so make sure you're comfortable with heights and uneven surfaces.

• There are Age Limits: Because of the nature of the tour, children under the age of 14 are not allowed. 

• On the Fence?: Once you meet the safety guide at the beginning of the tour on the island, you will have a chance to walk up a set of stairs as a bit of a test to see if you can manage. Not everyone can, and that's ok. They do a great job of giving you options for things to do, like a scavenger hunt, without climbing to the top!

• Bring Snacks and Water: There are no restaurants or shops on the island. You need to bring your own food and water. We had the most amazing picnic view at the top though. Remember to pack in and pack out! Don't leave any trace of you being there! There are no trash bins on the island.

• Respect the Wildlife: Skellig Michael is home to a variety of wildlife. You are entering into their home, so respect it. Stick to the designated paths not only for your safety but to protect the delicate ecosystem on the island.

• Know When to Go: The time to visit the island is limited since tours only run from May-September. I really had my heart set on seeing the nesting puffins, but sadly, they leave the nest in early August. If you really want to see them, plan your trip around their time on the island because they really do leave the nest!

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A landing tour to Skellig Michael isn't your typical day trip. It might just end up being one of the favorite things you do on in Ireland, like it was for us! A tour can take you to one of the most remote parts of the world where history and nature collide. You really aren't going to want to miss it!

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