FARRANREAGH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Almost 700 Steps Above the Atlantic: Landing Skellig Michael from Farranreagh
Land on Skellig Rock, climb the near-700 carved steps to 6th‑century beehive huts, and watch dolphins and gannets on a roughly five‑hour cruise out of Portmagee.
Almost 700 Steps Above the Atlantic: Landing Skellig Michael from Farranreagh.
The Skellig Landing Cruise lifts you out into the bracing Atlantic for a direct encounter with one of Ireland’s most dramatic monastic sites. From a custom-built boat with panoramic windows and outside seating you make passage to Skellig Michael, land on the rock and ascend the ancient, nearly 700 steps to view the 6th‑century beehive huts and broad ocean panoramas. The outing blends raw seascape, wildlife encounters and close-up history — but it is not for the faint‑hearted and demands a good level of fitness and tolerance for heights.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dolphins, and the occasional Humpback
On the passage from Portmagee the boat commonly meets bow‑surfing dolphins and, on rare occasions, a humpback whale — vivid, moving wildlife encounters that set the tone for the day.
Stewarded visits on Skellig Michael
When you land on the Skelligs you are met by OPW tour guides who provide information and guidance for your time on the island, ensuring a managed and informative visit.
Small Skelligs: gannets, seals and sheer cliffs
On the return passage the cruise visits Small Skelligs, home to tens of thousands of nesting gannets — a thunder of birds and dramatic dives — with seals hauled out in the coves below.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You board a custom-built boat with a totally enclosed cabin and panoramic windows, plus outside seating and plenty of room to move. The trip allows time for passage to and from the Rock and for a 2.5‑hour guided visit ashore; there is a toilet on board. Expect a brisk Atlantic crossing, wildlife sightings from the deck, then a physically demanding climb on the island itself — an intense, elemental half‑day that juxtaposes sea life with ancient stone.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The total outing is approximately five hours, with departures and landing time slots that usually fall between about 07:30 and noon; the operator will notify your allocated departure time the day before and may change or cancel times due to sea conditions.
Meet at The Skellig Experience and The Marina, Portmagee, Co. Kerry; you must be contactable the day before so the operator can confirm your departure time.
Warm clothing including a rain jacket; sturdy footwear with good grip and ankle support (flip‑flops, sliders, strappy sandals or heels are not suitable and will lead to cancellation without refund); a wide‑brimmed hat, sunscreen, water and snacks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Skellig Landing Cruise?
The outing takes approximately five hours in total.
When will I be told my exact departure time?
You will be notified of your allocated departure time by email the day before the trip; the operator must be able to contact you the day before.
What happens if the weather changes?
Departure times change weekly due to sea conditions and can be changed or cancelled on the morning of the trip if conditions require it.
Are children allowed?
No — the trip is not suitable for children under the age of 12.
Can I bring alcohol onboard?
No — alcohol is not allowed onboard.
What footwear is required?
Sturdy footwear with good grip and ankle support is essential; inappropriate footwear (flip‑flops, sliders, strappy sandals or heels) will result in cancellation without refund.