Cities and regions／Ireland
Place of interest ·

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael is an exposed island off the Iveragh Peninsula, with an early medieval monastery and bird colonies. Landing requires climbing 618 uneven steps; visitors can also take a boat trip around the islands without going ashore.

Skellig Michael
Photo by Jerzy Strzelecki Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
The place

What makes it special

  • The monastery is reached by 618 steps and an ascent of about 180 metres.
  • Panoramic boat trips allow visitors to see the Skelligs without landing.
  • Little Skellig hosts an important gannet colony.
Skellig Michael
Photo by Notsmallworld Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Little Skellig
Photo by Notsmallworld Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Skellig Michael

Guides to this place

1 article

Skellig Michael

Viajalo Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Skellig Michael and the decision to land in the Atlantic

A visit to Skellig Michael is decided before you board the boat: landing involves a demanding staircase and the sea can change the plan; circling the island or visiting Valentia’s centre are meaningful alternatives.

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Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 13/09/2026