Puffins & Birds on Skellig Michael
Ireland’s Largest Gannet Colony on Little Skellig
Seabird colonies
Birdlife on the Skellig Islands
There is an incredible wealth of birdlife on and around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. The puffins arrive in late spring and gannets start to arrive on the small Skelligs in March. By April, they have covered every available ledge on the island.
The Skellig Islands support one of the most significant seabird communities on the Atlantic coast. Both Skellig Michael and Little Skellig are designated as a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive and form part of a statutory Nature Reserve. Thousands of puffins nest on Skellig Michael each spring and summer, while Little Skellig holds one of the largest gannet colonies in the world, with around 27,000 breeding pairs.
Skellig eco boat tour
Learn about the puffins, gannets, guillemots and the many birds that make their home on Skellig Michael and Little Skellig on one of our eco tours around the Skellig Islands. This Boat Tour has multiple departure times throughout the day, lasts approximately 2 and a half hours, and circles both islands getting right up close to Skellig Michael and the Little Skellig to see the wildlife and the historical sites.
Book the Eco Tour
Seasonal visitors
Puffins on Skellig Michael
Puffins are among the most recognisable seabirds in the world, with their black and white plumage, large orange-red bills and bright orange legs making them unmistakable at close range. They can be seen perched on the clifftop grasses around the monastery and flying low over the water in groups. They nest in burrows on the upper slopes of the island and are remarkably tolerant of visitors.
Skellig Michael Puffin FAQs
When do puffins arrive on Skellig Michael?
Puffins arrive on Skellig Michael in April and leave again in the first week of August. Over 3,000 puffins make their home on Skellig Michael during the season.
What is the best time to see puffins on Skellig Michael?
May and June give you the best chance. Numbers are at their peak and the birds are actively coming and going from their burrows. Puffins begin to leave the island from late July.
Can you see puffins from the boat?
Puffins are often seen from the boat, especially on the water, though they can be shy if the boat gets too close. They can frequently be seen flying between the island and the sea throughout the nesting season. Since they are quite small birds, binoculars or a camera with a good zoom are recommended.
Breeding Colony
Gannets on Little Skellig
You can recognise the gannet by its black and white colour, yellow head and long pointed wings and bill. This bird is considered to be the largest seabird in Europe, with a wingspan that reaches two metres. Around 27,000 pairs of gannets inhabit Little Skellig, making it the second largest gannet colony in the world. Gannets are strong and fast fliers and plunge-dive at high speed to catch fish below the surface.
The colony is visible from a considerable distance as you approach by boat, with the island’s dark rock almost entirely white with birds. At close range the noise and constant movement of tens of thousands of gannets coming and going from the ledges is remarkable. Little Skellig cannot be landed on, and access is restricted to protect the colony. The eco boat tour takes you right alongside the island giving you a close view of the colony.
Cliff-nesting species
Other Seabirds on the Skellig Islands
A number of other seabird species nest on or regularly visit the Skellig Islands throughout the season. You are likely to encounter some of these on any of our tours.
Guillemot
Guillemots nest in dense colonies on open cliff ledges around both islands, standing upright in tight rows. They are fast fliers and highly capable divers, feeding on fish caught well below the surface.
Razorbill
The razorbill has a distinctive thick blunt bill and a pointed tail. It shares cliff ledges with guillemots and dives for fish using its wings underwater. You are likely to see both species together on the tour.
Black guillemot
Smaller than its common relative, the black guillemot has a striking black and white appearance in summer with bright red legs visible as it takes flight. It tends to be seen closer inshore than other auks.
Arctic tern
Arctic terns are highly aerial birds with long forked tails and a buoyant light flight. They feed by hovering and diving for small fish near the surface and are often seen near the islands in summer.
Cormorant
Cormorants are large dark birds often seen perched on rocks with their wings spread to dry. They dive from the surface to catch fish and are present around both islands throughout the season.
Manx shearwater
The Manx shearwater flies low and fast over the surface, tilting from side to side on stiff wings with the tips almost touching the water. Its flickering black and white plumage makes it a distinctive sight.
Herring gull
Herring gulls are year-round residents of the Skellig coast and often the most vocal birds encountered at the island. They nest on rock ledges and are frequently seen around the landing area on Skellig Michael.
Fulmar
The fulmar looks similar to a gull but is unrelated, flying on stiff straight wings with a characteristic glide. They nest in crevices on the steeper cliff faces and are present around Skellig Michael from early spring.
Planning your visit
When to visit Skellig Michael
The timing of your visit determines which species you will see.
Puffins
April to early August
Gannets
Visible all season, March to October on Little Skellig
General seabirds
Peak activity spring and summer
Best overall window
May to July
