The village of Portmagee in County Kerry serves as the primary departure point for trips to Skellig Michael. As the location is on the far southwest coast of Ireland, you should plan your travel arrangements well in advance. Portmagee is a remote destination and public transport can be difficult to coordinate, so renting a car is often the most reliable option to get there. This guide provides the practical information you need to reach Portmagee Marina and begin your trip
Travelling from Dublin City and Dublin Airport
Dublin is the most common starting point for international visitors. You have several reliable options to get from the capital to the southwest.
If you prefer to use the train, you should go to Heuston Station. From there you take the Irish Rail service toward Tralee or Killarney. You will usually need to change trains at Mallow to catch the connecting service to Kerry. The total train journey from Dublin to Killarney takes approximately three and a half hours. It is a scenic route that passes through the heart of the Irish countryside.
For those who prefer the bus, there are several coaches available. Bus Éireann operates services from Busáras in Dublin City and Dublin Airport. Private operators like Dublin Coach also run frequent services to Killarney. For the next step in the journey see the final leg from Killarney to Portmagee. The bus journey can take between four and five hours depending on the route and the number of stops.
If you are driving from Dublin, you will take the M7 motorway south toward Limerick and then follow signs for the N21 and N22 into Kerry. The drive from Dublin to Portmagee takes about five and a half hours. You should allow extra time for traffic around Adare and Abbeyfeale.
Travelling from Cork City and Cork Airport
Cork is the closest major city with an international airport to the Skellig Islands. It is a convenient gateway for visitors arriving from Europe or the UK.
From Cork Airport, you can rent a car and drive directly to Portmagee. The most direct route is the N22 through Macroom and Killarney. This drive takes about three hours. The roads are generally good but they become narrower as you enter the Iveragh Peninsula.
Public transport from Cork City is also a viable option. You can take a train from Kent Station to Killarney with a change at Mallow. Alternatively Bus Éireann operates the Route 40 coach which connects Cork City to Killarney. The bus journey takes roughly two and a half hours.
For the next step in the journey see the final leg from Killarney to Portmagee.
Travelling from Shannon and Limerick
Shannon Airport is another popular entry point particularly for visitors from North America.
From Shannon Airport, you should first take a bus to Limerick City. Bus Éireann Route 343 runs frequently between the airport and the Limerick bus station. From Limerick you can catch a connecting bus to Killarney. This entire journey to Killarney using public transport can take more than four hours.
Driving from Shannon is straightforward. You follow the N18 to Limerick and then take the N21 toward Tralee and Killarney. The drive from Shannon to Portmagee usually takes about three hours.
Travelling from Galway City
There is no direct train between Galway and Kerry. The best public transport option is to take a bus from Galway to Limerick City. From Limerick, you transfer to a bus headed for Killarney. This journey requires some coordination of timetables and usually takes about four or five hours.
If you choose to drive, the route takes you through County Clare and across the Shannon Estuary. You can use the Shannon Ferry from Killimer to Tarbert to save driving time and enjoy a short boat trip. After the ferry you follow the N69 to Tralee and then continue toward the Ring of Kerry. The driving time from Galway to Portmagee is approximately five and a half hours.
The Final Leg from Killarney to Portmagee
Getting from Killarney to the coast requires careful planning because the services are less frequent in this rural area.
If you are using public transport you can take a Bus Éireann coach to Cahersiveen or Killorglin. From there you can connect with a Local Link service to reach Portmagee. You should check the current timetables on the Local Link Kerry website but please remember that these buses do not run every day. If you find yourself in Cahersiveen without a bus connection you can book a taxi to the Portmagee Marina.
Driving is the most reliable way to reach the marina on time. You can find car rental desks at Kerry Airport and in Killarney town centre. A car allows you to travel at your own pace and enjoy the scenery of the Ring of Kerry.
Our Skellig Michael Landing Tour boats usually depart before 10:00 am while our Skellig Michael Eco Boat Tour runs at various times throughout the day. We recommend staying in Portmagee or on Valentia Island the night before your trip especially if you are booked on a morning departure. This ensures you are close to the Portmagee Marina for your check in and prevents any morning travel delays.
Arrival at Portmagee Marina
When you arrive in Portmagee you will find the village is small and easy to navigate. The Portmagee Marina is located right in the centre of the village across from the local shops and pubs.
There is public parking available near the marina but it can get busy during the peak summer months. There is also parking at the entrance of the village and next to the church. All parking is free of charge and is only a few minutes walk to the marina. You should aim to arrive at least twenty minutes before your scheduled departure time. This allows you to check in with the boat crew and receive your safety briefing.
Practicalities and Sea Conditions
The Atlantic Ocean dictates the schedule for all trips to the islands. Even in the middle of summer the sea conditions can be rough. Safety is always our absolute priority.
The Skellig tours can be cancelled at short notice if the weather forecast is unfavourable. We recommend checking your emails and staying in contact with us in the days leading up to your trip. If your tour is cancelled due to weather you will be offered a refund or the chance to reschedule if we have availability.
You should also dress appropriately for the journey. Even on a sunny day the air on the open water is much cooler than on land. Waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are essential for both the Skellig Michael Eco Boat Tour and the landing trips.
Booking Your Tour
Demand for trips is high during the season which runs from April to October. To avoid disappointment you should book your spot as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
You can view all current availability and secure your reservation on our official booking page.
Understanding the Boat Tour Options
Before you book your travel to Portmagee you should understand the two different ways to see the islands. Both options offer a deep look into the history and nature of the site.
On our Skellig Michael Eco Boat Tour, you stay in the boat as it circles both Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. You can see the islands up close from sea level and view the seabird colonies and monastic beehive huts from the boat.
Our Skellig Michael Landing Tour allows you to step onto the island and involves a climb of 618 ancient stone steps to reach the monastic site.
Both our Skellig Michael Eco Boat Tour and Skellig Michael Landing Tour depart from the Portmagee Marina. It is important to confirm your departure time for the landing tour. Departure times vary between 8:00 am and 10:30 am depending on the day while our eco tours have various slots throughout the morning and afternoon.
The journey to Portmagee is a beautiful part of visiting the southwest of Ireland. By planning your routes from Dublin or Cork and allowing plenty of time for the drive along the Ring of Kerry you can ensure a stress free start to your visit to the Skellig Islands.