Part of Kerry
AKA South Kerry
General notes
- It’s just about impossible to get food or groceries after 9pm
Sauna
- https://www.skelligsauna.ie/
- Looks like they move around 3 different locations: St. Finian’s Bay, Ballinskelligs Beach, Near Cahersiveen
- https://fire-and-ice-sauna.com/book-now/
- As of 2025 it looks like this isn’t fully open and no one at Cable O’Leary’s seems to know anything about it.
- Looks like it’s only at Ballinskelligs Beach
- 10 EUR / 30 minutes, 20 EUR / hour
Skellig Islands
This site lists most of the licensed landing tour operators but not all. I recommend checking these out but also taking a look at those I listed below. https://www.skelligmichael.com/book-skellig-michael-landing-boat-tours/list-skellig-michael-landing-boat-tour-operators/
Note: Some boats don’t allow kids under 10, some don’t allow under 12, but it’s not clear how enforced that is. If a kid is 10+, in good shape, and can follow directions, they should be fine.
Tour operators
- Skellig Falcon - https://www.skellig-falcon.com/
- This is the shortest boat ride to the Skelligs - close to 30-45 minutes.
- Great crew. We finally got out to the Skelligs in 2025 after a bunch of botched attempts due to poor weather over the years.
- Highly recommend.
- https://skelligmichaelboattrips.com/ -
- http://www.theskelligsforceawakens.com/ - David Walsh – friend of Clare’s. Leaves from Ballinskelligs
- https://skelligcoastadventures.ie/ 4 boats
- https://skelligtours.com/ - Derrynane - friend of Sean O’Hargain
- https://www.facebook.com/skelligtours/
- Credits back your fare for weather cancellations
- https://skelligislands.com/
Valentia
Amazing hikes around Bray Head
One of the coolest little hikes starts off near St. Brendan’s Well. Just head northeast and you’ll find this amazing pool of water right at the edge of the cliffs that you can wade around and swim in. Here’s the specific location of the pool: https://maps.app.goo.gl/s7Gu8QMDxmCnc8Ad9 and below is an overhead shot from Google Maps:
It’s also worth checking out the Napoleon Tower
Irish language walks that leave from Knightstown
Royal Valentia - hotel & restaurant
Skellig Experience
Ferry to Knightstowns take about 10 minutes to cross and runs continuously from morning to evening. Check timetables to make sure you know the first/last ferry. It runs about 10 EUR a trip but you can get a multi-trip pass which is generally worth it – you can easily hand off unused trips to someone in the family.
Places to stay
- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/35130417 - Sleep in a renovated double decker bus. One of our best stays in Ireland. 3 bedrooms. Great for kids. Amazing grounds, very peaceful
Portmagee
A few really good pub restaurants with good food and views
- Fishermans
- The Moorings
There is a store in the middle of town that’s open until about 8pm.
Cahersiveen area
- Skellig Six18 Distillery
- https://skelligsix18distillery.ie/
- Tours 10am-5.30pm
Finians Bay / Glen
- An Bothan - great coffee and quick bites
- Driftwood - high end restaurant with stunning views
- Swimming at Glen Pier
- Check high tide
- Skellig Chocolate Factory
- https://skelligschocolate.com/
- Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Waterville
- The Villa — local legend Mick O’Dwyer’s old place — lots of great Kerry GAA memorbilia
- McGills Brewery
- Joe McGill 086 345 3630
- http://www.mcgillsbrewery.com/
Castle By the River Events