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Great Skellig
in Ireland

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Ireland

Great Skellig

Great Skellig is an island located off the coast of Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the Skellig Islands, which are located about 11 miles (18 km) off the coast of County Kerry. The island is known for its steep cliffs and its rugged landscape. It is also home to a 6th century Christian monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The island is approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) long and 0.6 miles (1 km) wide. It is composed of two peaks, the larger of which is known as Skellig Michael and the smaller one is known as Little Skellig. The cliffs on the island reach up to a height of over 700 feet (213 m).

The monastery on the island was built in the 6th century by Saint Fionan, who is believed to have been a monk from the nearby monastery of Saint Finian. The monastery was used by monks for about 600 years until the 12th century. It is believed that the monks on the island lived in a very austere lifestyle, with little food and no luxuries.

The island has been an important site in history. It was used by the Vikings as a base for their raids on the Irish coast, and it has also been a refuge for monks during times of political unrest. The island was also a landing point for the Spanish Armada in 1588, and it was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Today, Great Skellig is a popular tourist attraction. It is accessible by boat from the mainland, and visitors can explore the monastery ruins and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The island is also home to a large number of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and guillemots.

Excursion tips for a day in Great Skellig

As a tourist visiting Great Skellig in Ireland, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained for the day. Here are some of the top things to do:

1. Visit the Skellig Islands and explore the ruins of a sixth century monastic settlement.
2. Take a boat tour and admire the spectacular views from the water.
3. Enjoy the stunning scenery and take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Visit the Skellig Experience Centre to learn more about the history of the islands.
5. Take a guided bird watching tour and spot some of the rare species that live on the islands.
6. Go fishing and catch some of the local fish species.
7. Hike the trails and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the islands.
8. Go swimming and take a dip in the crystal clear waters.
9. Visit the local pubs and restaurants and sample some of the traditional Irish cuisine.
10. Shop for souvenirs at the local stores and take home a piece of Ireland with you.

Experience Great Skellig with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Great Skellig. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Great Skellig

Great Skellig in Ireland has a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. In the winter months, temperatures range from 4°C to 8°C and there is usually some rain. In the spring, temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C and there is usually some light rain. Summer temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C, accompanied by sunshine and occasional showers. In autumn, temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C and there is usually some rain.

Cruise weather for Great Skellig

Our weather forecast for Great Skellig helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Date Icon Temperature Wind speed/gusts Cloudiness/Visibility Air humidity/pressure Sunrise/Sunset
Jan. 15th 2026 Jan. 15th 2026 max: 9.4 °C
min: 7.8 °C 		41.8 m/s
60.5 m/s		 72.7 %
20.3 m		 74.9 %
997 hPa		 08:42:21
17:01:22
Jan. 16th 2026 Jan. 16th 2026 max: 8.6 °C
min: 7.6 °C 		44.6 m/s
61.6 m/s		 88.2 %
18.0 m		 78.7 %
995 hPa		 08:41:28
17:02:57
Jan. 17th 2026 Jan. 17th 2026 max: 8.9 °C
min: 8.4 °C 		22.0 m/s
28.8 m/s		 47.0 %
22.6 m		 74.6 %
1,009 hPa		 08:40:32
17:04:34
Jan. 18th 2026 Jan. 18th 2026 max: 10.8 °C
min: 8.6 °C 		40.0 m/s
60.8 m/s		 91.4 %
23.6 m		 73.3 %
1,011 hPa		 08:39:34
17:06:12
Jan. 19th 2026 Jan. 19th 2026 max: 9.4 °C
min: 6.9 °C 		52.8 m/s
62.4 m/s		 96.5 %
22.1 m		 75.9 %
1,002 hPa		 08:38:32
17:07:52
Jan. 20th 2026 Jan. 20th 2026 max: 9.9 °C
min: 9.2 °C 		62.3 m/s
73.8 m/s		 81.7 %
20.9 m		 84.4 %
1,005 hPa		 08:37:28
17:09:33
Jan. 21st 2026 Jan. 21st 2026 max: 9.9 °C
min: 9 °C 		46.8 m/s
52.9 m/s		 92.1 %
20.2 m		 89.4 %
1,010 hPa		 08:36:21
17:11:15
Jan. 22nd 2026 Jan. 22nd 2026 max: 9.9 °C
min: 8.8 °C 		40.7 m/s
42.1 m/s		 75.6 %
21.5 m		 75.9 %
1,011 hPa		 08:35:12
17:12:58
Jan. 23rd 2026 Jan. 23rd 2026 max: 10.0 °C
min: 7.4 °C 		55.1 m/s
59.8 m/s		 82.7 %
19.8 m		 67.0 %
1,008 hPa		 08:34:00
17:14:42
Jan. 24th 2026 Jan. 24th 2026 max: 9.5 °C
min: 7.6 °C 		64.4 m/s
81.0 m/s		 59.8 %
22.1 m		 63.0 %
1,013 hPa		 08:32:45
17:16:26
Jan. 25th 2026 Jan. 25th 2026 max: 9.0 °C
min: 6.9 °C 		57.2 m/s
69.5 m/s		 82.0 %
22.9 m		 60.6 %
1,014 hPa		 08:31:28
17:18:12
Jan. 26th 2026 Jan. 26th 2026 max: 9.8 °C
min: 8 °C 		65.2 m/s
79.9 m/s		 75.1 %
22.1 m		 67.1 %
1,017 hPa		 08:30:09
17:19:59
Jan. 27th 2026 Jan. 27th 2026 max: 9.4 °C
min: 7.1 °C 		43.9 m/s
55.8 m/s		 78.1 %
23.2 m		 68.3 %
1,017 hPa		 08:28:47
17:21:46
Jan. 28th 2026 Jan. 28th 2026 max: 9.6 °C
min: 9.1 °C 		43.6 m/s
52.9 m/s		 73.7 %
24.1 m		 66.7 %
1,028 hPa		 08:27:23
17:23:34

Cruises to Great Skellig

Would you like to travel to Great Skellig on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Great Skellig.

Scheduled ship calls in Great Skellig, Ireland
Date Ship Passaengers (min - max) Arrival Departure Details

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Galery: Great Skellig

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Maritime AIS Data Great Skellig

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