Skellig Michael Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Skellig Michael
Photo by Karen Grubb
Photo by Philip Rigter
Photo by Phil Rigter
Photo by Megan Conner

The Skellig Rocks, with its most famous islands Skellig Michael and Little Skellig, tower out of the Atlantic Ocean seven miles west of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. This isolated position on the very edge of Europe was chosen by a small group of monks to be the home of their remote and inaccessible monastery, sometime between the 6th and 8th centuries.

The monks moved back to the mainland in the 13th Century, but the island remained a holy place and pilgrimage destination until the 19th Century. At this time, two lighthouses were built here and Skellig Michael then became an important part of Ireland’s maritime history.

Skellig Michael was recognised by UNESCO on its World Heritage List in 1996, owing to its outstanding natural value. Today, it’s home to a large variety of breeding seabird species whose enigmatic calls characterise the island’s sense of magic and mystery.

Visitors to Skellig Michael can’t help but be in awe of the achievement of the monks, all those hundreds of years ago, who turned this remote but beautiful island into their home for so long. It retains a special spiritual appeal, which serves as a reminder of the island’s former life as monastic abode, almost as if the monks’ spirits remained.

Rising out of the ocean, these great rocky islands are a place of solitude, wonder and beauty, a place once described by George Bernard Shaw as “incredible, impossible and mad” and “part of our dream world”.

Butler Arms Hotel

Butler Arms Hotel

4 out of 5
New Line Road, Waterville, Kerry
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £157 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£157
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Waterville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions The Story of Waterville Cable Station Exhibition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (130 reviews)
"But arms is an older property that is in need of a little TLC. The staff is wonderful and nice. They’re very accommodative and helpful. Location is super convenient right in the middle of Waterville with lots of dining options and services surrounding the hotel. Parking is easy and free. But the ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Butler Arms Hotel
The Royal Valentia Hotel

The Royal Valentia Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Market Street, Knightstown, Valentia Island, Kerry
The price is £129 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
£129
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Valentia Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (99 reviews)
"Absolutely gorgeous island! Property was very nice as was the staff."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

The Royal Valentia Hotel
Valentia Skellig Rooms

Valentia Skellig Rooms

2 out of 5
17 Glór Na Farraige, Valentia Island, KY
The price is £87 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
£87
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Valentia Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and housekeeping. Popular attractions Tinnies and Valentia Heritage Museum are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (12 reviews)
"Great property and area. However when booking on Expedia it says 24km to Dingle which was misleading. There is no ferry to Dingle and it's 114km by car."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2025

Valentia Skellig Rooms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Harbour View "The Snug Apartment" - Spectacular Sea Views (Sleeps 2 - 3 people)

Harbour View "The Snug Apartment" - Spectacular Sea Views (Sleeps 2 - 3 people)

Caherdaniel
Stay at this apartment in Caherdaniel. Enjoy a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Loher Stone Fort and Derrynane House are located nearby.
Great Base
"Great base to tour ring of Kerry and fabulous beach 6km down road"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2024

Harbour View "The Snug Apartment" - Spectacular Sea Views (Sleeps 2 - 3 people)
New Luxury 5* Beachside Lodge with Sauna - 4 beds ensuite - Spectacular Location

New Luxury 5* Beachside Lodge with Sauna - 4 beds ensuite - Spectacular Location

Kerry, South West
Stay at this beach holiday home in Caherdaniel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Loher Stone Fort and Skellig Bay Golf ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Beautiful house stunning location
"The property is spacious and well equipped. The setting is stunning and a short walk leads you to the beach."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

New Luxury 5* Beachside Lodge with Sauna - 4 beds ensuite - Spectacular Location
Luxury Seaside Cottage, Stunning Ocean Views, Waterville, Ring of Kerry

Luxury Seaside Cottage, Stunning Ocean Views, Waterville, Ring of Kerry

Kerry, County Kerry
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Caherdaniel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Loher Stone Fort and Skellig Bay ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Lovely stay - gorgeous view
"Our family really enjoyed staying at this spacious property with an awesome view over the water - sheep in the field beside us bleating peacefully - house is perfect for a family of six - lots of space - and a well equipped kitchen - clothes washer is great but there is no dryer - which should be ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Luxury Seaside Cottage, Stunning Ocean Views, Waterville, Ring of Kerry
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Cities near Skellig Michael