Explore the Skellig Region
All the towns and villages along the Skellig Coats
The Skellig Coast
On the Ring of Kerry Road
The Skellig region covers the south-west stretch of the Iveragh Peninsula in Co. Kerry, from Kells in the north to Caherdaniel in the south, with Chaersiveen, Portmagee and Valentia Island in between. It is one of the most varied coastal areas in Ireland, with fishing villages, mountain roads, Atlantic beaches and archaeological sites all within a short drive.
Portmagee is the departure point for all our tours to Skellig Michael. Most visitors spend at least one night in the area, with time to explore before or after their tour.
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Plan your visit
Departure point
Portmagee
Portmagee is a small fishing village on the Kerry coast, sitting on a narrow channel that separates the mainland from Valentia Island. The marina is the departure point for all our tours to Skellig Michael, with daily departures throughout the season.
The village has a handful of bars, restaurants and a shop. It is a quiet base that suits visitors who want to be close to the marina. The channel views and the boat activity on the water make it a pleasant place to spend an evening before or after your tour.
Across the bridge
Valentia Island
Valentia Island is accessible by bridge from Portmagee and by ferry from Cahersiveen. It is the site of the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable station, established in 1866, and the building is still visible at Knightstown today.
Bray Head on the western tip of the island offers one of the more dramatic coastal walks in Kerry, with clear views across to Skellig Michael on suitable days. The island also has the Lighthouse Museum as well as the Skellig Experience Centre, a visitor exhibition covering the wildlife and history of the Skellig Islands.
Main Service town
Cahersiveen
Cahersiveen is the main market town on the Skellig Coast, around 20 minutes from Portmagee. It has a good range of shops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants and is the most practical base for visitors who want amenities nearby. The town sits on the Fertha River estuary with the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains visible to the north-east.
The O’Connell Memorial Church is the only church in Ireland built in honour of a layperson, dedicated to Daniel O’Connell who was born in the area. The old barracks building on the edge of town houses a local heritage centre.
Atlantic coast
St Finian’s Bay
St Finian’s Bay is a sheltered Atlantic beach on the south-facing coast, roughly 15 minutes from Portmagee. It is a quiet beach with good surf and a small car park. The bay faces directly out to the Skellig Islands and is one of the most direct onshore viewpoints in the area. The Skelligs Chocolate factory is based nearby and is open to visitors throughout the season.
The road around the bay is largely undeveloped and makes for a good short drive between Portmagee and Ballinskelligs, with the islands visible offshore on clear days.
Gaeltacht village
Ballinskelligs
Ballinskelligs is an Irish-speaking village on a west-facing bay, about 25 minutes from Portmagee. It has a long sandy beach with a cafe, Cafe Cois Tra, which also has a playground making it a good stop for families. The ruins of a 15th century McCarthy castle sit at the water’s edge at the end of the beach.
The area is one of the few remaining Gaeltacht communities in Kerry, where Irish is spoken as a first language in daily life.
Ring of Kerry
Waterville
Waterville is a small town on the Ring of Kerry, around 30 minutes from Portmagee. It is located on a narrow strip of land between Lough Currane and the Atlantic. The town is well known for its association with Charlie Chaplin, who holidayed here regularly, and there is a statue of him on the main street.
The town has a good choice of restaurants and pubs and a long beach on the Atlantic side. Lough Currane is one of the most productive sea-trout lakes in Ireland and the town has a long history as an angling destination.
Also in the region
Kells, Dromid, Caherdaniel and Derrynane
These four places see fewer visitors than the main stops on the Ring of Kerry but each has its own character and is worth the detour if you have time.
Kells
A small coastal area with a sheltered bay and views across to the Dingle Peninsula. The beach at Kells Bay is one of the quieter beaches on the Skellig Coast.
Dromid
A rural Gaeltacht townland. The Kerry Way walking route passes through the area, and it is a quiet base for walkers looking for something off the main Ring of Kerry road.
Derrynane
Derrynane National Historic Park is the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell. The beach is one of the finest in Kerry, with a tidal island accessible at low water.
Caherdaniel
A small village near Derrynane with some accommodation and a pub. One of the last villages on the Ring of Kerry before the road turns north towards Sneem.
Portmagee
Where to eat and drink
Portmagee has a small but well-regarded selection of places to eat and drink, all within a short walk of the marina.
The Fisherman’s Bar
Traditional pub on the waterfront with food and live music in season.
The Moorings
Restaurant and guesthouse overlooking the channel, known for seafood.
The Bridge Bar
Long-established bar and restaurant across from the marina.
Skellig Seafront Restaurant
Casual seafront dining with views across the channel to Valentia Island.
The Cafe Portmagee
Daytime cafe serving coffee, light lunches and home baking.
O’Connell’s Foodstore
Village shop and post office. Good for provisions before or after your tour departure.
The area
Things to do near Portmagee
There is a range of things to do within a short distance of Portmagee, whether you are planning around your tour or looking for an alternative on a day when conditions prevent travel.
Walks and viewpoints
Bray Head Walk
Valentia Island, 10 min from Portmagee
Coastal walk with dramatic views across to Skellig Michael.
Kerry Cliffs
Near Portmagee, 5 min
Some of the highest sea cliffs in Ireland with views of the Skellig Islands.
Geokaun Mountain
Valentia Island, 10 min from Portmagee
Short drive to the summit with panoramic Atlantic views.
Visitor experiences
Skellig Experience Centre
Valentia Island, 10 min from Portmagee
Audio-visual exhibition on the history of the Skellig Islands and lighthouse.
Skelligs Chocolates
St Finian’s Bay, 15 min from Portmagee
Artisan chocolate factory open to visitors throughout the season.
Portmagee Whiskey
Portmagee, in the village
Local distillery with tours and tastings available.
Accommodation
Where to stay
There is accommodation available in Portmagee itself and across the peninsula in Cahersiveen, Waterville and Ballinskelligs. Most visitors arrive the evening before their tour. We have put together a guide to accommodation options close to the marina.
Where to stay near Portmagee →Ready to plan
Planning your visit to the Skellig region
Everything you need to plan your visit to Skellig Michael and the surrounding area.
Our tours
Landing Tour and Eco Boat Tour departing from Portmagee Marina throughout the season.
View our tours →Getting to Portmagee
Directions, parking and travel advice for reaching Portmagee Marina.
Getting here →Things to do near Portmagee
Walks, visitor experiences and places to eat and drink in the area.
Full guide →Ready to visit Skellig Michael?