I recommend June as the best time to visit Skellig Michael, especially if you want to see puffins as well as the monastery. It falls within both the landing season and the birds’ breeding season, but you still need a boat reservation and suitable sea conditions.
Choosing the best time to visit Ireland usually involves balancing weather, crowds, and your budget. For Skellig Michael, first check that landing trips will be operating during your visit. The island has a short visitor season, and a booked boat can still be canceled.
As an Irish native, I usually recommend May for a trip around Ireland. For this visit, I would leave some room after the landing season opens and allow a few days in Kerry. That gives you time to enjoy the coast even if the boat cannot sail.
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Quick Answer:
June is my first choice for landing access and puffin viewing; May and July also suit the birds. Landings generally run from around mid-May to the end of September. Book with a permitted operator and allow extra days nearby if possible. No month guarantees suitable sea conditions, and a replacement seat after a cancellation may be difficult to find.
When Skellig Michael Is Open for Landings
The landing season generally runs from around mid-May to the end of September. Outside the official opening period, the island is unmanned and visits are prohibited. An April road trip through Kerry therefore needs a different plan if you hope to visit the monastery.
The Office of Public Works, or OPW, manages the site and publishes its current opening arrangements. Check those alongside your operator’s schedule, then reconfirm your departure instructions before traveling to the pier.
Non-landing cruises can have a slightly longer season. Casey’s advertises trips from late April into early October, but that does not give you access to the monastery. The extra dates are useful when your Kerry trip falls just outside the landing season.
Landing Tours and Eco Tours Run Different Seasons
Check the trip description carefully when booking a boat to the Skelligs. A landing tour includes time ashore on Skellig Michael. An eco tour stays on the water and circles the islands, so it will not include the steps or monastery.
A landing visit allows about two and a half hours ashore. Casey’s advises allowing approximately five hours overall, including the crossing and boarding arrangements. The boat journey from Portmagee takes around 45 minutes each way, but conditions and the allocated landing time affect the schedule.
As a price guide, Casey’s lists its landing tour at €145 per person, excluding the online booking fee. Admission to Skellig Michael itself is free. You pay the operator for the boat trip and book directly with them; the OPW does not take reservations.
Seeing the islands on an eco tour
Casey’s eco tour lasts about two and a half hours in total and costs €65 for an adult, excluding the online booking fee. It circles Skellig Michael and Little Skellig without landing on either. Check the fare and duration for the particular departure you choose.
Little Skellig supports Ireland’s largest gannet colony, with tens of thousands of breeding pairs. Visitor tours do not land there. I would consider the boat-only trip for someone whose main interest is seabirds, provided they are comfortable with an exposed sea crossing.
An operator may offer an eco tour when conditions prevent a landing, but the cruise also depends on the weather. Ask whether it is running and whether you want that alternative before accepting a change to your booking.
Best Time to Visit Skellig Michael: May to September
June is my first choice for the overlap between landing access and puffin season. No month guarantees a successful sailing. Casey’s specifically advises that there is no consistently better month for avoiding cancellations, so I would choose around the birds and your wider itinerary.
May
Late May would be my second choice after June. Puffins are already present, so it works well for a spring trip through Kerry. Choose dates after the island’s planned opening and reserve a landing seat before arranging the rest of your stay.
June and July
June and July are the months Casey’s recommends for watching puffins feeding their chicks. That breeding activity is why I favor this part of the season.
Leave the rest of the day free for the excursion because the departure time can move. Dinner back in Portmagee is a more practical plan than a second prepaid activity that afternoon.
August
August is less dependable for puffins because they begin leaving during the first two weeks of the month. Their departure varies, so there is no exact day you can use as a cutoff. An early-August booking may overlap with the end of their season.
For a trip later in August, plan around the monastery, the stone steps, and the island’s setting. I would choose an earlier month if seeing puffins were a priority, rather than relying on birds remaining after their usual departure period.
September
September works for the monastery and the climb, but puffins will have left. Confirm the final operating dates before booking late in the month, and allow the same flexibility for cancellations that you would in summer.
When the Puffins Are on Skellig Michael
The puffins return to the Skelligs in spring, before visitors can land. Operators recommend May through July for viewing them, before the birds begin leaving in early August. That overlap between the breeding season and the landing season is what matters when choosing a date.
Puffins nest in burrows on the island’s grassy slopes. Keep to the visitor path and leave space around the birds and their burrow entrances. A close view does not require approaching them, and stepping off the path can disturb nesting habitat.
The Skelligs are also protected for other seabirds, including gannets, storm petrels, and Manx shearwaters. Their inclusion in a protected site does not mean every species will be visible from a daytime boat trip. Ask the operator about the birds you particularly hope to see.
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May and early June cover the egg-laying period, while June and July are associated with chick feeding, according to Casey’s seasonal guidance. The colony changes through the summer; seeing birds in May does not depend on waiting for chicks to hatch.
How Far Ahead You Need to Book a Landing Trip
Check landing availability as soon as you know your likely Kerry dates. Reservations are made with permitted boat operators, and the limited number of seats makes this one of the bookings I would arrange early.
Casey’s describes a daily maximum of about 180 visitors, based on 15 permitted boats carrying up to 12 passengers each.
The operator warns that landing places can sell out months in advance. If landing is a priority, check boat availability before fixing your Kerry accommodation. Keep cancellation terms in mind when coordinating those bookings.
Booking calendars are set by individual operators. Check their own websites for releases and available dates instead of relying on a single annual booking-opening month. The OPW’s permitted-operator list is a useful starting point.
Before paying, confirm that you have selected a landing tour, the departure pier, and the age restrictions. Also read the weather cancellation policy. Boats leave from several places around the peninsula, so a booking for the Skelligs does not automatically mean Portmagee.
Sailing Cancellations and How Many Spare Days to Allow
Sea conditions can prevent a safe crossing or landing in any month of the season. A forecast for the mainland alone will not settle that question. Follow your operator’s instructions about confirmation, check-in, and changes to the sailing time.
A calm-looking morning in Portmagee does not guarantee that a boat can land on the island. The skipper has to consider the crossing and the landing point, and a trip can be canceled in midsummer just as it can at either end of the season.
On a trip that includes both attractions, I would reserve the Skellig landing first, then decide on the best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher. That keeps the mainland plans flexible around the limited number of landing seats.
I would allow two or three days in this part of Kerry and book the boat near the start of that stay. This leaves time to ask about another departure after a cancellation, without making a second attempt the only purpose of the remaining days.
The Skellig Experience Centre advises visitors to stay in the area for a few days if possible. It says a later seat may become available. Casey’s is more cautious and warns that finding a replacement landing date is unlikely.
Extra days give you an opportunity to try again, but they cannot create a spare seat or suitable conditions. Choose mainland activities you would enjoy anyway, and avoid making the success of your whole Ireland trip depend on reaching the island.
The 618-Step Climb and Visitor Restrictions
The route to the monastery includes 618 steep, uneven steps and an ascent of more than 600 feet, or about 180 meters. The OPW describes it as a demanding climb. Review its visitor safety guidance before deciding that a landing tour suits you.
Much of the route has no handrail. The OPW also identifies falling rocks and slippery steps among the hazards. Allow time for both the ascent and descent, follow the guides’ directions, and stay on the designated route.
Children under 12 are not permitted by the OPW. Individual operators can set stricter limits: Casey’s landing tour requires passengers to be at least 14. Check this before booking, even if a child would otherwise be comfortable with the walk.
I would choose an eco tour if the exposed steps are a concern. It allows you to see the islands from the water, although you should still consider your comfort with the boat crossing. Anyone with health concerns should read the OPW advice carefully.
Wear the right shoes, and bring layers
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, such as hiking boots or treaded sneakers. The OPW does not allow unsuitable footwear, including sandals and smooth-soled shoes. Pack warm layers, waterproof clothing, food, water, and sunscreen for the time away from the mainland.
Toilet facilities are listed by the OPW on the island, and Casey’s also has toilets aboard its boats. Ask the guides or crew about access. Bring what you need for the visit rather than depending on buying supplies after you land.
Your time ashore includes the climb and the early medieval monastery. Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a seabird habitat, so keep to the approved visitor areas even if another spot looks better for a photograph.
What to Do When Your Sailing Is Canceled
Check your messages and follow the confirmation process given by your operator. If the landing is canceled, ask about refunds, any alternative trip being offered, and whether another landing date is available during your stay.
Casey’s promises a full refund, including its booking fee, when it cancels for weather or sea conditions. It may offer an eco tour with the price difference refunded. Other operators’ terms can differ, so use the policy attached to your own booking.
I would choose an indoor activity if conditions are poor enough to make coastal walks unpleasant. The Skellig Experience Centre on Valentia Island explains the monastery, lighthouse history, and seabirds. Check its opening hours and admission price before heading over.
For a separate day on the Ring of Kerry, Kenmare is another option for a meal and time in town. Keep longer drives separate from any possible replacement sailing, and check local weather advice before setting out.
Visiting Valentia after a cancellation
Valentia is connected to Portmagee by a bridge, so reaching the visitor center does not involve another boat crossing. Keep any coastal viewpoints or walks for a day when the weather is suitable.
Where to Stay Near Portmagee
For a Portmagee departure, I would stay in the village or nearby the night before. Departure times can change, and staying close makes it easier to follow updated instructions without a long early drive.
The Moorings Hotel & Seafood Restaurant
The Moorings Hotel & Seafood Restaurant is on the waterfront in Portmagee, with the Bridge Bar in the same building.
Check which room you are booking and where your boat leaves. Ask about breakfast timing before relying on it for an early departure.
👉 View The Moorings Hotel & Seafood Restaurant Availability and Pricing
Royal Valentia Hotel
Royal Valentia Hotel is in Knightstown on Valentia Island. The hotel has a bar and dining areas. Its location suits a stay that includes time around Knightstown and the rest of Valentia, as well as the boat trip.
Knightstown is farther from Portmagee than the island’s bridge. Check the drive to your actual departure point before booking, especially if your operator needs you there early.
👉 View Royal Valentia Hotel Availability and Pricing
Ring of Kerry Hotel
Ring of Kerry Hotel is on Valentia Road in Cahersiveen. The rooms have private bathrooms, and the hotel also has a bar and outdoor seating. I would consider Cahersiveen if its location also works for the rest of your Kerry trip.
You will need to drive to Portmagee for a departure there. Compare that route with your boat’s check-in instructions, and read the room’s cancellation terms separately from the sailing policy.
👉 View Ring of Kerry Hotel Availability and Pricing
Staying in Killarney
Killarney suits a broader Kerry itinerary, but it involves a substantially longer drive to Portmagee. I would avoid that early journey when a landing trip is the priority, especially if the operator needs you available for a changed departure time.
Check the accommodation’s cancellation terms alongside the boat booking. A boat refund does not automatically cover your room, and the extra nights should fit mainland plans you would still enjoy if you cannot land.
Best Tours of Skellig Michael and the Ring of Kerry
A non-landing cruise and a Ring of Kerry bus tour can each fit into a stay in the area. Keep them on separate days from a planned landing, whose departure time may change. Check the description of each boat trip for an explicit statement about landing.
The two cruises below leave from Portmagee and do not include time ashore on Skellig Michael. They are options for seeing the islands from the water. For the monastery, use the OPW list to find a permitted landing operator and book that specific trip.
Skellig Michael: Great Skellig Panoramic Boat Tour
This non-landing cruise travels around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig from Portmagee Marina. Allow about two and a half hours for the trip. It suits a visit focused on the islands and seabirds, with no climb to plan for.
👉 Check Skellig Michael: Great Skellig Panoramic Boat Tour Availability and Reviews
Portmagee: Skellig Michael Premier Tour with Personal Guide
This is also a non-landing trip from Portmagee, with guided commentary about the islands. The listed duration is two hours and 15 minutes. Despite the word “Premier” in the title, it does not include access to the monastery.
👉 Check Portmagee: Skellig Michael Premier Tour with Personal Guide Availability and Reviews
Self-drive the Ring, or take the bus tour?
Driving the Ring of Kerry yourself gives you control over stops and how long you spend at them. I would choose a car if I wanted to keep the day flexible around a possible replacement sailing.
A bus tour suits travelers who prefer to leave the driving to someone else. Check its pickup point and full itinerary; a tour departing from Killarney requires you to get there first if you are staying near Portmagee.
For a shorter outing, stay near Portmagee and Valentia. You can decide how far to go once you know whether another sailing is available.
From Killarney: Ring of Kerry Full-Day Tour
I would choose this full-day Ring of Kerry tour if I were staying in Killarney and wanted to leave the driving to someone else. From a Portmagee base, the journey to its Killarney departure point makes it less convenient than exploring closer to the pier.
This is a mainland excursion and does not include a Skellig Michael landing.
👉 Check From Killarney: Ring of Kerry Full-Day Tour Availability and Reviews
Doing both on the same trip
Book the landing near the beginning of your Kerry stay, then leave the following days flexible where possible. If the boat sails as planned, you can use them for the Ring of Kerry and other mainland visits.
I would keep a full Ring of Kerry drive off the landing day. The boat trip takes several hours, and a delayed departure can use more of the day than expected. Separate days give you time for both without rushing between them.
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Before you book:
- June is my first choice, with May to July the recommended puffin-viewing period.
- Landings generally operate from around mid-May to the end of September.
- Book a landing tour with a permitted operator; eco tours stay on the water.
- Extra days allow a possible second attempt, but another seat is not guaranteed.
- Read the safety advice before committing to the 618-step climb.
Skellig Michael FAQs
What is the best time to visit Skellig Michael?
June is my first choice for the overlap between landing access and puffin season. May and July also suit puffin viewing. Landings generally run from around mid-May to the end of September, but every month is subject to weather cancellations.
Can you visit Skellig Michael without booking a boat?
Visitor landings must be arranged with a permitted boat operator. The OPW does not take bookings, and admission to the island is free. You pay the operator for the boat trip; an eco tour does not include a landing.
How much does a Skellig Michael trip cost?
Casey’s lists its landing tour at €145 per person and its adult eco tour at €65, excluding online booking fees. Other operators may charge different amounts, so check the full price and inclusions before paying.
Can children go to Skellig Michael?
The OPW prohibits children under 12, and Casey’s requires landing passengers to be at least 14. Casey’s eco tour has no minimum age. Check the age policy of your chosen operator before booking either trip.
What happens if my sailing is canceled?
Casey’s offers a full refund, including its booking fee, for weather cancellations. It may offer an eco tour with the difference refunded. Check your operator’s terms, and ask about later availability without assuming another landing seat will be available.
Will I see puffins?
May through July is the recommended viewing period. Puffins begin leaving in early August, with timing varying each year. Choose a date within that window if they are a priority, while remembering that wildlife sightings and sailings are never guaranteed.
How fit do you need to be for the climb?
You need to manage 618 steep, uneven steps and a descent on the same exposed route. Much of it has no handrail. Read the OPW safety advice and consider your own limitations before booking; the eco tour avoids the climb.
Is Skellig Michael Worth Planning a Trip Around?
I would plan a Kerry trip around a Skellig Michael landing, with enough time on the mainland to enjoy the visit even if the boat is canceled. The early medieval monastery and seabird colony justify the preparation, provided you are comfortable with the climb.
For puffins, I would choose June, then look for a landing seat before reserving accommodation. May and July also work well. Later in the season, the monastery is the main reason I would make the trip.
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Photo and image credits
Photographs are credited below. Images were resized for this page. The month comparison and Pinterest images also use crops, added text, and branding.
- Skellig Michael's cliffs and lighthouse rising out of fog by psyberartist (CC BY 2.0). Also used in the month comparison’s August card and the first Pinterest image.
- Stone beehive huts on Skellig Michael with Little Skellig visible across the water by Stinglehammer (CC BY-SA 4.0). Also used in the month comparison’s June card.
- Ballinskelligs Bay on the Kerry coast by Gerd Eichmann (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Beehive huts on Skellig Michael beneath a cloudy sky by NoNameIsLeft (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Little Skellig seen from Skellig Michael, with a gull in the foreground by Raul Corral (CC BY 3.0).
- Wildflowers on the Ring of Kerry coast with the Skelligs on the horizon by Marathon (CC BY-SA 2.0).
- Tour boats moored beside the pier at Portmagee by NTF30 (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Portmagee harbor and village viewed from Valentia Island by D Gore (CC BY-SA 2.0).
- A Skellig Michael tour boat crashing through rough Atlantic swell near Portmagee by JoachimKohler-HB (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Rocky islands off the Kerry coast near Parknasilla by Tobias Helfrich (CC BY-SA 3.0).
- Tourists climbing the stone steps up Skellig Michael by Stinglehammer (CC BY-SA 4.0). Also used in the month comparison’s May card.
- Colorful shopfronts and pub on the main street in Portmagee by JoachimKohlerBremen (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Coastal cliffs and sea view on Valentia Island by Keith (CC BY 3.0).
- The bridge connecting Portmagee to Valentia Island by Rauenstein (CC BY-SA 3.0).
- Lake and mountains in Killarney National Park by ChocoElephant (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Pine trees framing a calm bay on the Ring of Kerry by DI Florian Fuchs (CC BY 3.0).
- Rocky headlands and islands viewed from the Ring of Kerry coast by Robert Linsdell (CC BY 2.0).
- Ladies View, a mountain and lake viewpoint on the Ring of Kerry by Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0).
- Stone beehive monastic huts on Skellig Michael by An-vogt (CC BY-SA 4.0). Also used in the month comparison’s September card and the second Pinterest image.
- Atlantic puffins on rocky ledges on Skellig Michael by Stinglehammer (CC BY-SA 4.0). Also used in the month comparison’s July card.
- Stone steps climbing between exposed rock faces on Skellig Michael by Katzegoesireland (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Little Skellig and a boat seen from the path on Skellig Michael by Stinglehammer (CC BY-SA 4.0).
The photo licenses are CC BY 2.0, CC BY-SA 4.0, CC BY 3.0, CC BY-SA 2.0, and CC BY-SA 3.0. The month comparison and the second Pinterest image are adaptations licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Map imagery: Esri World Imagery. Location data: OpenStreetMap contributors, under the Open Database License.
Seasonal guidance in the month comparison comes from the OPW, Casey Skellig Michael Tours, and the Skellig Experience Centre, linked in the article. Hotel and tour galleries come from their respective Booking.com and GetYourGuide listings.
