Things to do near Portmagee
Places to Eat & Drink and What to Do on the Skellig Coast
Portmagee Village
What to do before or after the tour?
Portmagee is a good base for exploring this part of the Kerry coast. If you are planning to make the most of your time in the area, there are plenty of things to do within easy reach. Also, in the event that your Skellig tour does not go ahead due to sea conditions, there are several worthwhile ways to spend the day instead.
Outdoors
Walks and viewpoints
Bray Head Walk
Valentia Island (10 minutes from Portmagee)
A coastal walk to the western tip of Valentia Island with clear views across to Skellig Michael on suitable days. Allow one to two hours for the full walk.
Kerry Cliffs
Near Portmagee (5 minutes)
Some of the highest sea cliffs in Ireland with views of the Skellig Islands on a clear day. A short walk from the car park to the cliff edge.
Geokaun Mountain
Valentia Island (10 minutes from Portmagee)
A short drive to the summit of Valentia Island with panoramic views over the Atlantic and back towards the Skellig Islands and the Kerry mountains.
St Finian’s Bay
15 minutes from Portmagee
A quiet Atlantic beach on the south-facing coast. One of the most direct onshore viewpoints of the Skellig Islands. Good for a short walk or a swim on calmer days.
Bray Head, Valentia Island
Kerry Cliffs, near Portmagee
INDOORS
Visitor experiences
Portmagee Whiskey
Portmagee (in the village)
A local distillery in the village with tours and tastings. A good option when you want to stay close to the marina.
Skellig Experience Centre
Valentia Island (5 minutes)
Audio-visual exhibition on the history of Skellig Michael and the lighthouse. A good introduction to the islands.
Skelligs Chocolates
St Finian’s Bay (15 minutes)
Artisan chocolate factory open to visitors throughout the season. You can watch the chocolate being made and buy from the shop.
Eighth Wonder Cable Station
Valentia Island (10 minutes)
Immersive exhibition on the first transatlantic telegraph cable, laid from Valentia Island in 1866. Visitors can try sending Morse code messages.
Lighthouse Museum
Valentia Island (15 minutes)
The restored lightkeeper’s dwelling at Cromwell Point, now a museum and tearoom. The lighthouse has stood since 1841.
Ballinskelligs Beach and Cafe Cois Tra
Ballinskelligs (25 minutes)
A long sandy beach with a cafe and playground on site. Good for families spending a day away from the marina.
Plan B
What to do if the weather is bad or your tour is cancelled
If your tour does not go ahead or the weather limits outdoor plans, there are several good options close to Portmagee.
Indoors
Portmagee Whiskey
In the village. Tours and tastings while you wait to see if conditions improve later.
Skellig Experience Centre
Valentia Island (5 minutes away). Fully covered exhibition. Allow one to two hours.
Skelligs Chocolates
St Finian’s Bay (15 minutes away). Factory shop and viewing area. Good for families.
Eighth Wonder Cable Station
Valentia Island (10 minutes away). Indoor exhibition. Try sending a Morse code message.
Lighthouse Museum and Tearoom
Valentia Island (15 minutes away). Museum and tearoom in the restored lightkeeper’s house.
Once it clears
Kerry Cliffs
(5 minutes away). Worth doing even in light rain.
Bray Head Walk
Valentia Island (10 minutes away). Best in dry weather. The views are worth the wait.
Valentia Island drive
(10 minutes away). A circular drive around the island takes under an hour and includes Knightstown, the cable station and Bray Head.
St Finian’s Bay
(15 minutes away). Sheltered beach with views of the Skellig Islands once the rain passes.
Plan your day
Suggested Itineraries
The attractions around Portmagee cluster well depending on how much time you have. Most are within 30 minutes of the village.
A couple of hours
Stay close to Portmagee
Portmagee Whiskey distillery
Kerry Cliffs
Walk the village and channel
A half day
Valentia Island
Skellig Experience Centre
Eighth Wonder Cable Station
Bray Head Walk
All on the island
A full day
South along the coast
Portmagee Whiskey distillery
St Finian’s Bay and Skelligs Chocolates
Ballinskelligs beach and Cafe Cois Tra
Portmagee
Where to eat and drink
A short walk through the village covers most options. Here is what each place is best for.
The Fisherman’s Bar
Pub with food
Best for an evening pint and trad music. Full pub menu in the restaurant at the back.
The Moorings
Restaurant
Seafood-led menu, the place to head for a proper sit-down dinner. Booking recommended in the season.
The Bridge Bar
Bar and restaurant
A relaxed lunch or dinner spot. Bar food menu and more substantial evening dining.
Skellig Seafront Restaurant
Restaurant
Casual seafood with a view across to Valentia Island. Outdoor seating in summer.
The Cafe Portmagee
Cafe
Breakfast, coffee or a quick lunch before your tour. Closes mid-afternoon.
O’Connell’s Foodstore
Shop and post office
Snacks, sandwiches and provisions for the boat. Also the local post office.
Ready to plan
Planning your visit to Portmagee
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 →Explore the Skellig Region
Towns, villages and places to stay along the Kerry coast.
Skellig Region guide →Ready to visit Skellig Michael?