Casey Skellig Michael Tours

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About

A family-run boat operator with over 60 years on these waters, running the only two ways to experience the UNESCO-listed Skellig Islands: a landing tour that puts you on the rock itself, or an eco cruise circling both islands at close range.

Things to Do

Skellig Michael Landing Tour

The full experience: a 45-minute Atlantic crossing, then 2.5 hours ashore to climb 618 uneven monk-built stone steps to the 6th-century monastery near the summit. OPW heritage guides brief you at the base and are stationed at the top. You pass through puffin-nesting ground on the lower slopes and rest at Christ's Saddle, the grassy plateau between the island's two peaks. The climb is steep and exposed — no handrails — and demands a good head for heights. Minimum age 14. Max 12 passengers. €145 per person (excl. booking fee). Season: 9 May – 30 September.

Skellig Islands Eco Boat Tour

A 2.5-hour cruise that circles both Skellig Michael and Little Skellig without landing. The boat passes within metres of Little Skellig's gannet colony — one of the world's largest, with around 30,000 breeding pairs — and gives clear views of the beehive huts and monastery from the water. Puffins are visible on the lower cliffs between late March and early August. Dolphins, seals and occasional whales appear on the crossing. No age or fitness restrictions; dogs allowed on leads. Adults €65, children €55, family (2+2) €210 (excl. booking fee). Season: 29 April – 4 October. Three daily departures at 10:00, 12:30 and 15:00, plus extra sailings.

Puffin & Seabird Watching

Atlantic puffins nest on Skellig Michael from late March until early August — over 3,000 pairs. The lower steps of the landing tour and the water-level views on the eco tour both offer close sightings. Beyond puffins, the islands host guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, Manx shearwaters and fulmars. Little Skellig's gannet colony is visible from March through October.

Star Wars Filming Location

Skellig Michael stood in for Ahch-To in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi — the place where Rey found Luke Skywalker. Casey's boats transported crew and equipment for both productions. The monastic beehive huts you see on the landing tour are the ones that appear in the films.

Explore Portmagee & the Skellig Coast

Portmagee is a colourful award-winning fishing village and the departure point for all tours. Arrive early to soak up the harbour atmosphere. The village sits on a narrow channel facing Valentia Island, with Bray Head, the Kerry Cliffs (300m+), and Puffin Island all visible on the crossing out. Stay locally the night before — accommodation in Portmagee and on Valentia Island is recommended, as morning departure times can shift.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Landing Tour season: 9 May – 30 September, one daily departure between 08:00 and 12:30 (exact time confirmed via online check-in the day before). Eco Boat Tour season: 29 April – 4 October, departures at 10:00, 12:30, 15:00 plus extra sailings between 13:00 and 17:00.
Admission: Landing Tour €145/person; Eco Boat Tour adults €65, seniors/students €60, children €55, family (2+2) €210. All prices exclude online booking fee.
Parking: Free public parking in Portmagee: near the marina, at the village entrance, and beside the church. All a short walk from the marina. Can get busy in peak summer — arrive early.
Food: No food outlets on Skellig Michael — bring a packed lunch and water. In Portmagee, the Skellig Seafront Restaurant sits right at the marina entrance, with pubs and shops a short walk away in the village.

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