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.
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 15th 2026 Oct. 15th 2026 | max: 16.3 °C min: 13.1 °C |
60.5 m/s 90.8 m/s |
80.4 % 20.9 m |
75.2 % 1,015 hPa |
08:06:28 18:48:39 |
|
| Oct. 16th 2026 Oct. 16th 2026 | max: 13.1 °C min: 12.4 °C |
38.1 m/s 43.0 m/s |
33.9 % 23.8 m |
67.3 % 1,029 hPa |
08:08:11 18:46:30 |
|
| Oct. 17th 2026 Oct. 17th 2026 | max: 12.8 °C min: 11.6 °C |
22.9 m/s 24.9 m/s |
12.8 % 24.1 m |
67.7 % 1,037 hPa |
08:09:55 18:44:21 |
|
| Oct. 18th 2026 Oct. 18th 2026 | max: 12.6 °C min: 12 °C |
19.0 m/s 14.6 m/s |
66.7 % 24.1 m |
68.1 % 1,035 hPa |
08:11:39 18:42:14 |
|
| Oct. 19th 2026 Oct. 19th 2026 | max: 12.6 °C min: 11.7 °C |
31.6 m/s 46.9 m/s |
43.0 % 24.1 m |
74.9 % 1,031 hPa |
08:13:23 18:40:07 |
|
| Oct. 20th 2026 Oct. 20th 2026 | max: 14.0 °C min: 12.1 °C |
46.7 m/s 67.6 m/s |
58.3 % 23.9 m |
78.9 % 1,022 hPa |
08:15:08 18:38:02 |
|
| Oct. 21st 2026 Oct. 21st 2026 | max: 14.3 °C min: 13.7 °C |
38.5 m/s 56.9 m/s |
86.5 % 24.1 m |
84.3 % 1,020 hPa |
08:16:52 18:35:57 |
|
| Oct. 22nd 2026 Oct. 22nd 2026 | max: 14.1 °C min: 13.9 °C |
27.3 m/s 52.9 m/s |
50.5 % 24.1 m |
91.7 % 1,022 hPa |
08:18:38 18:33:54 |
|
| Oct. 23rd 2026 Oct. 23rd 2026 | max: 14.2 °C min: 13.8 °C |
33.7 m/s 61.2 m/s |
66.3 % 24.1 m |
91.1 % 1,023 hPa |
08:20:23 18:31:51 |
|
| Oct. 24th 2026 Oct. 24th 2026 | max: 14.0 °C min: 13.7 °C |
46.6 m/s 61.7 m/s |
78.5 % 24.1 m |
86.3 % 1,021 hPa |
08:22:09 18:29:50 |
|
| Oct. 25th 2026 Oct. 25th 2026 | max: 13.8 °C min: 13.4 °C |
51.7 m/s 73.4 m/s |
76.2 % 21.7 m |
85.3 % 1,012 hPa |
07:23:55 17:27:50 |
|
| Oct. 26th 2026 Oct. 26th 2026 | max: 13.7 °C min: 13 °C |
41.5 m/s 62.6 m/s |
38.5 % 18.7 m |
86.2 % 1,012 hPa |
07:25:41 17:25:51 |
|
| Oct. 27th 2026 Oct. 27th 2026 | max: 14.5 °C min: 13.1 °C |
43.1 m/s 68.7 m/s |
64.2 % 21.7 m |
87.0 % 1,011 hPa |
07:27:27 17:23:54 |
|
| Oct. 28th 2026 Oct. 28th 2026 | max: 14.5 °C min: 12.9 °C |
41.1 m/s 52.7 m/s |
89.8 % 23.8 m |
90.9 % 1,010 hPa |
07:29:14 17:21:58 |
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.
| Date | Ship | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|
| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Knight's Town in Ireland | 24,24 km |
| Dingle in Ireland | 45,32 km |
| Bantry Bay in Ireland | 58,33 km |
| Glengarriff in Ireland | 68,06 km |
| Bantry in Ireland | 75,61 km |
| Foynes in Ireland | 135,26 km |
| Kinsale in Ireland | 139,14 km |
| Cork in Ireland | 141,84 km |
| Loughbeg in Ireland | 153,07 km |
| Cliffs of Moher in Ireland | 153,49 km |
| Shannon in Ireland | 154,45 km |
| Cobh in Ireland | 154,67 km |
| Galway in Ireland | 194,66 km |
| Waterford in Ireland | 240,95 km |
| Dunmore East in Ireland | 246,60 km |
