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The Skelligs: How to get to there, and how to get the most out of your trip

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  • The Skelligs: How to get to there, and how to get the most out of your trip

    Independent.ie

    There was a 70pc chance of rain. Boats hadn't sailed the previous week.

    https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/the-skelligs-how-to-get-to-there-and-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-trip-34771980.html

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There was a 70pc chance of rain. Boats hadn't sailed the previous week.

I arrived in Kerry to slumberdown skies, hulking greyly over everything. My attempt to visit Skellig Michael, 13km offshore in the maritime mulch, was looking inauspicious, to say the least.

When I woke up the following morning, however, I opened the curtains to what could have been a Fáilte Ireland ad. The skies were blue. The water was glistening. The boatmen were hustling at the pier. An hour later, I was pulling on a borrowed set of oilskins, on my way to the ultimate UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know the Skelligs feature in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017).

The rocks look stunning screen, and guides have been seeing growing numbers of visitors whipping out lightsabers and Jedi cloaks for selfies ever since.

But here's the thing. Though Star Wars has shot it into the spotlight, by the time you cross the heaving seas, climb the 618 steps, wonder at the psychadelically-beaked puffins and emerge to the cluster of beehive huts overlooking the Atlantic, Luke and Rey seem kind of irrelevant. It's jaw-dropping.

Why did the monks come here? How did they survive the inclement weather? The wind buffets you on precarious paths ('Please take care, as fatalities have occurred,' a sign warns). Headstones are ravaged, and it's pure chance as to whether you'll be caked in rain or fog or treated to resplendent sunshine.

It feels like a galaxy far, far away, but it's tantalisingly close to home.

How to do it

Boats to the Skelligs cost from around €80 to €100 for landing trips.

Star Wars fever, a short season (typically end of May to end of September) and limited visitor numbers means seats are at a premium, so book ahead where possible.

Here's a list of the Skellig Islands boat trip operators:

  • Timothy Casey, Portmagee, 087 142-7137; 087 958-2198
  • Fionan Murphy, Valentia, 087 280-9861, 066 947-6883
  • Paul Devane, Portmagee, 087 617-8114
  • Gearoid Moran, Portmagee, 066 947-7108; 086 308-9491
  • Donal MacCrohan, Valentia, 087 290-6168
  • Seanie Murphy, Valentia, 087 236-2344
  • Dermot J Walsh, Valentia, 086 833-9549; 066 947-6120
  • Brendan Casey, Caherciveen, 087 450-1211; 066 947-2437
  • Michael B Casey, Portmagee, 087 144-6230
  • David Walsh, Ballinskelligs, 087 238-5610
  • Nealie Lyne, Valentia, 087 687-1261
  • James Duff, Valentia, 087 464-5824
  • Patrick Murphy, Portmagee, 087 234-2168, 087 676-2983
  • Michael O'Sullivan, Waterville, 066 947-4800
  • John O'Shea, Caherdaniel, 087 689-8431

See the OPW's official website here for the latest details.

Boat trips are weather-dependent, with decisions made based on sea conditions on the morning of travel. Even when trips go ahead, the crossings can be rough – so think twice before wolfing down that Full Irish breakfast an hour before your trip.

Some passengers do cancel, or fail to show, so it can be worth pitching up in the morning to try for tickets – but don't depend on this.

What to pack

Skellig Islands, Co. Kerry DSC_0889.jpg
Little Skellig from Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry. Photo: Pól Ó Conghaile

Trips last from around 9.30am to 3.30pm, and there are no toilets or shelter on the rock – so bring sunscreen, layers, waterproofs and food (watch out for sniping gulls, though). It's a good idea to bring a backpack, so your hands are free on the uneven steps.

Skellig Michael is a wilderness site. If you feel the climb may be a challenge, or have medical conditions that could be a concern, think seriously before you travel.

Any other tips?

Skellig Michael Puffin1.png
Skellig Michael is home to thousands of Atlantic puffins, at least from March to September. These colouRead More – Source
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