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
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! (126 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 ₹12,233 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹12,233
₹13,885 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
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! (98 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 ₹8,896 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹8,896
₹10,097 total
22 Jul - 23 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 ...
"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.
Stunning 1-bed Apartment Valentia Island

Stunning 1-bed Apartment Valentia Island

3 out of 5
Valentia Island, KY
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Valentia Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Skellig Experience Centre and St. Brendan's ...
"Booked the wrong dates and asked staright away for a refund but that wasnt a possibility even tho it was a mistake and enough time to post it up for rent again"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2023

Stunning 1-bed Apartment Valentia Island
Country Cottage Apartment, Valentia Island, Kerry

Country Cottage Apartment, Valentia Island, Kerry

3.5 out of 5
Valentia Island, County Kerry
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Valentia Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Skellig Experience Centre and St. Brendan's ...
"Super peaceful place to stay and a great base to explore the area. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 27 May 2024

Country Cottage Apartment, Valentia Island, Kerry
Ocean View

Ocean View

3.5 out of 5
Ballinskelligs
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Ballinskelligs. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Siopa Chill Rialaig and Ballinesker Beach are located ...
Ocean View
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