We were so lucky that we were the first trip in a week to get to go to Skellig Michael. The force was definitely with us since I did not book an extra trip the next day in case ours was cancelled. We did our tour through Skellig Michael Boat trips and our boat was Lady Clare. The skies were cloudy when we left the dock and the water was a little rough on the way there. Several people on our boat were sick, so if you have a tendency for sea sickness, bring your sea bands (the boat provides the buckets). Once on the island, we had 2 and 1/2 hours to explore, which is plenty of time. Again the force was with us because the clouds parted and we saw the sun for the first time in days. You can climb the stairs at your own pace, so take your time. My daughter is afraid of heights so she bear crawled in some spots to keep her footing. When you get to the top of the steps where all of the beehive huts are located, there is a guide that gives the history of the island and the monks that lived there. You can walk inside the huts, so we took full advantage of getting some alone time while most of our tour mates were listening to the guide. I think there was only one other tour group on the island with ours, so it really is a nice intimate experience and you are able to get many clean photos. We had started heading down long before they told us our time was up. We used the free time to use the restrooms. When it was time to leave, they gave a quick view of the side of the island, showing us where the monks used to arrive before a dock was built. They also passed by Little Skellig and talked about the birds before we headed back. This was such an amazing experience and worth the money.

We visited Skellig Michael in early June on Skellig Michael Cruises (reviewed elsewhere). First off, I want to say that this was a spectacular experience. Skellig is like nothing else I have ever seen. It is just so singular, so beautiful, and so unusual. The trip over there was a little alarming, with rough seas and thorough drenching, but disembarking was much easier than anticipated. After that, things got calmer but not less interesting. After walking around the side of the island to the stairs, we were greeted by a ranger who did her level best to convince everyone not to climb up to the top. In her defense, bad things have happened on the stairs, but our party (11-77yo) had no trouble with them. They are uneven, unstable, steep, and were wet and therefore slippery, but a little extra caution and care saw everyone safely up. The monastery at the top is so alien, so out of touch with the current world, that it is worth seeing for that reason alone. The ranger presentation on the monastery's history at the top is worthwhile, as it really puts things in perspective. You can pretty much explore the stone buildings at your leisure, and the views over Little Skellig and back to the main island are extremely beautiful. Just imagining life up there during the 500 or 600 years that it functioned as an active monastery takes one's breath away. We did most of our sighting on the way down the stairs. The island itself is so sharply angular, so unlikely, bedecked with all sorts of plants; it is absolutely fascinating and dizzyingly beautiful. In addition to the stairs that you use, the monks made two other staircases so they could keep the island between themselves and the wind when carrying things up and down from the monastery-- it's fun spotting the others from various saddles and points on the way down. And, of course, there are lots of puffins. It turns out that puffins are adorable, there are tons of them on the island, and they are not at all afraid of people, so you get to see them right up close. They do all sorts of cute things and make weird chainsaw noises that are oddly endearing. I read over this, and it really doesn't capture the experience. Skellig Michael was awesome, in the old sense: it inspired awe. It was utterly unique, it had otherworldly beauty, and it just felt so unlikely sitting out there in the ocean. Our party, children, teenagers, adults, and seniors all felt that this adventure was well worth the cost and the high seas to get to it.

Profound experience - I got there with the Force Awakens out of Ballinskelligs - brilliant boat and crew with thoughtful details like good quality marine capes to keep off the sea spray. They're unique in that they leave from right next to Ballinskelligs Abbey. Safe and sound and full of local knowledge.

What a fantastic place to visit. Wonderful crossing in high seas as the boat danced across the waves. Skellig Michael is loaded with history and teaming with wildlife. Time your visit to see the puffins. If you get the opportunity to visit its an unforgettable experience.

What an amazing experience. Though a little apprehensive about boat journey on rather “lumpy sea” with help of some sickness tablets and great skipper the boat trip was excellent with a detour via Little Skellig. But the main event of Skellig Michael was amazing with huge history and amazing puffins everywhere ( though apparently leave at end July) . Highly recommend

We took a ferry to the island. We were very lucky and were able to make it first try, but talking to some other people with it, it's very rare to be able to get on the island first try. The weather, currents, and season can all prevent ferries from docking. The island was absolutely beautiful and the puffins were super cute! They welcome you by pooping on you... so be prepared for that. The steps are high and very steep, so if you're not a fan of heights (like me) it's challenging, but it's so worth it. The monetary at the top is historic and beautiful. If you're a fan of Star Wars, it's also very cool for a different reason. I would highly recommend!!

Quite an adventure. Not for the faint of heart. We used Casey’s Skellig Michael Tours but they all looked similar at loading. It was a grey and blustery day but the guides had determined we would be able to make the landing at Skellig Michael. It was a very wet crossing and although ponchos were provided several of our co-travelers got soaked. Bouncy disembarkment went without incident and then the fun begins. 217 uneven steep steps to climb to the monastery. The wind was really blowing as we neared the top which added to the adventure. Plenty of time to roam about the old buildings and there was a guide who gave a presentation and then back to the steps for the descent! ✅ climbed Skellig Michael

Amazing. Didn’t disappoint. Was worried about the swell today but was able to get out for the landing tour. Booked through Casey’s Skellig Island Tours in Portmagee. They were great. Very communicative on the potential of cancellation and then with the messaging that we were good to go. Very informative on the ride over and back. Highly recommend their tour.