Co Kerry's magnificent Sceilg Mhichíl to reopen to visitors today
Ireland's Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced that Sceilg Mhichíl will reopen to visitors on Saturday, May 9.
Access to the site is dependent on favourable weather, sea, and island conditions, the OPW noted.
Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, said: “I am delighted to announce the reopening of Sceilg Mhichíl to visitors from 9 May 2026 for the summer season.
"Sceilg Mhichíl, featuring the remarkable early Christian monastic settlements, plays a significant role in the local rural tourism economy.
"It also serves as a sanctuary for a vibrant array of birdlife and stands as a testament to our nation’s rich heritage.
"We encourage everyone to book in advance and to respect the site’s guidelines, so that visitors can enjoy a safe and memorable experience of this iconic landmark, while also respecting its fragile ecosystem and built heritage.”
While admission to Sceilg Mhichil is free of charge, access to Sceilg Mhichíl is only available through boat operators who hold a permit. A separate charge is imposed by Boat Operators.
Boat Tour to Skellig Michael, Co Kerry. (Ireland's Content Pool)
What is Sceilg Mhichíl?
Sceilg Mhichíl, also known as Skellig Michael, is one of Ireland’s magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The OPW notes that the summit of this awe-inspiring rock is St Fionán’s monastery, one of the earliest foundations in Ireland.
The monks who lived there prayed and slept in beehive-shaped huts made of stone, many of which remain to this day. The monks left the island in the 13th century. It became a place of pilgrimage and, during the time of the Penal Laws, a haven for Catholics.
Following in the monks’ footsteps involves climbing 618 steep, uneven steps. Getting to the top is quite a challenge, but well worth the effort.
As well as the wealth of history, there is a fantastic profusion of bird life on and around the island today. Little Skellig is the second-largest gannet colony in the world.
Little Skellig. (Ireland's Content Pool)
The OPW recommends that anyone planning a visit to the Sceilg Rock should view the Skellig Michael Safety Video (below) prior to booking a visit to the island, as it is important to be fully aware of the physical challenges of visiting the island.
Officials reiterated that opening arrangements are variable, depending on weather conditions. At all other times, this site is unmanned, and visits are prohibited.
The average length of a visit to Sceilg Mhichíl is 2.5 hours, excluding the boat trip.
Visitors must stay on the recognised pathways at all times and should beware of falling rocks, steep gradients on the steps, uneven steps, and steps becoming slippery when wet. Visitors are advised to carry water and to wear protective clothing
Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the island, and no animals are allowed on this site.
This is a particularly vulnerable site, and visitors are asked to cooperate with efforts to protect this monument.
