Skellig Michael
Key information: Skellig Michael 
- A weird - and indeed wonderful - rock off the west of the Iveragh Peninsula, famous for its exceptionally interesting and dramatically sited early Christian remains.
- A wander (or rather clamber) here is truly thrilling.
Walkopedia rating
- Walkopedia rating87
- Beauty34
- Natural interest15
- Human interest8
- Charisma32
- Negative points2
- Total rating87
- Note: Neg: likely bad weather
Vital Statistics
- Length: Your choice
- Maximum Altitude: 200m
- Level of Difficulty: Variable
WALK SUMMARY
Skellig Michael is a weird - and indeed wonderful - rock 12km off the west of the Iveragh Peninsula.
It is famous for the exceptionally interesting and dramatically sited early Christian monastic remains which are perched on its impossible flanks. It was begun in the late 6th century, expanded around 1,000 AD. It was abandoned around 1100 AD. It was violently raided by Vikings several times.
The lonely, melancholy but deeply moving and hugely atmospheric remains are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy bird life which includes puffins in season.
A wander (or rather clamber) here is truly thrilling.
Skellig Michael was featured in a recent Star Wars film, which meant (as of 2017) that the limited boats out there are booked weeks ahead.
See our Iveragh Peninsula page for more general and practical information and photos.
Other accounts: share your experiences
Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.
Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
Contents
Other great walks in Ireland
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Croagh Patrick
-
Wicklow Way
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Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Across Northern Mt Brandon Ridge
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Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Beenoskee and Stradbally Mountain
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Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Caherconree and Cliff Fort
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Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Dingle Peninsula
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Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Dingle Way
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Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Great Blasket Island
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Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Mt Brandon
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Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Sauce Creek Circuit
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Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Slievanea Ridge
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Kerry, Killarney NP, Killarney Lakes
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Kerry, Killarney NP, Killarney National Park
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Kerry, Killarney NP, Old Kenmare Road
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Kerry, Killarney NP, Purple and Tomies Mountains
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Kerry, Killarney NP, Torc Mountain
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Kerry/Cork, Beara Peninsula, Beara Peninsula
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Kerry/Cork, Beara Peninsula, Beara Way
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Kerry/Cork, Beara Peninsula, Dursey Island and Beara Far West
RESEARCH ESSENTIALS
Information and review
Finding flights, organising travel
Car hire
Accommodation
- Booking.com
Search and book the best places to stay -
TripAdvisor
Equipment & Clothing
Books and Maps
- Amazon
- Maps and guides from Maps Worldwide
- Cicerone � explore the world�s best collection of walking books
Holidays and Activities
MAGAZINE
Walking with Trees: the Kumano Kōdō Kōhechi - Stephen Barber's account and photos of one of Japan's great pilgrimage trails. March 2021
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
