About
Rising from the Atlantic 11.5 km off the Kerry coast, Sceilg Mhichíl is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Ireland. On its summit stands St Fionán's monastery, one of the earliest in the country, where the monks prayed and slept in beehive-shaped stone huts, many of them still standing. They left in the 13th century, but the island remained a place of pilgrimage and, under the Penal Laws, a refuge for Catholics. Reaching the monastery means climbing 618 steep, uneven stone steps more than 180 m up the rock. The surrounding seas are full of birds, with puffins on the island and the world's second largest gannet colony on neighbouring Little Skellig. Landings are allowed only from mid May to September, weather permitting, with boat operators permitted by OPW from Portmagee, Glen Pier, Valentia, Ballinskelligs and Derrynane. OPW charges no admission, but the boat is a private fare, and visitors get about two and a half hours ashore.
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- Sceilg Mhichíl (Skellig Michael)Closed for the season (2026 landings 12 May to September with permitted boat operators, weather permitting; visits prohibited at other times)
Opening times may change at short notice.
Landings run in summer only: in 2026 from 12 May to September (dates subject to change), depending on the weather; at all other times the island is unmanned and visits are prohibited. OPW says it is closed until 2027. Visitors have about 2.5 hours ashore, excluding the boat trip. Operators set their own seasons and sailings and advise booking well ahead. Recheck 1 April 2027.
The climb to the monastery is 618 steep, uneven steps rising over 180 m, slippery when wet, with falling rocks and unguarded edges; children under 12 are not permitted (some operators set 14), visitors must stay on the paths and follow OPW guides, and sturdy footwear with good grip, water and protective clothing are essential. Toilets on the island. No animals are allowed.
Photo: The monastery's beehive huts and terraces on Sceilg Mhichíl, looking across the sea to Little Skellig and the Kerry coast. NoNameIsLeft, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Skellig_Michael_Views.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. Resized and cropped for display; derivatives retain the source licence.
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