My son and husband are huge Star Wars fans and would love to cruise over to Skellig Michael. Some of what I read scares me a little.. especially how rough the seas can be
If you have done the cruise... was it worth it? Recommendations on a cruise company?
edited: Yes, we would want to land and go up the steps ( all 600 of them!) We are going in late July
Thanks!
Sounds like they want to land on the island and trek to the top where the last scene was filmed. The Skellig Center runs boats out there, though I'm not sure if they land.
http://www.skelligexperience.com/
Might have to connect with a local boat out of Portmagee that has landing rights. Stephen McPhilemy - a frequent contributor to this forum - no doubt can recommend someone.
You don't say when you want to go but note that the trip around the island is highly weather dependent - landings even more so.
We did it in the month of June one year (3rd week). It was definitely worth it!
We were staying in Kenmare and the owner of the Abbey Court B&B arranged it for us (out of Portmagee).
The trip is entirely dependent on the current conditions, with a final determination early the morning of... so we planned it out to try each morning of our 3-day stay, with alternate plans that we could put into play at the last minute each day. We were very lucky, and went out on the very first day that we had set aside for it.
My knees could not handle the climb, so I fished from the boat while the other 3 in our group went up. Jigging, I caught more than enough mackerel for our supper!
:-)
The others still talk about that day as being a highlight of our month-long visit of Ireland that year. The photos are superb, including the close-ups of some puffins.
WORTH IT. One of the most evocative travel experiences ever.
Went on the Celtic Victor out of Portmagee in August 2006, small open boat with rain/spray slickers provided (needed!). Seas choppy but fine; previous day's trips had been canceled because of high seas - you take your chances & hope. 50-minute trip.
Yup, it's 600 ancient zigzag stone-slab steps, vertiginous, no handrails. But sit on a slab & take in the phenomenal views & think about the monks while your heart/inner ear/lungs/legs collect themselves. Volunteer guide was up top to give info/answer questions, but unobtrusive. Easy to roam around/find a quiet spot & marvel. Incredible views & history.
Stayed in Portmagee - good room at The Moorings, gd Skellig Mist bakery, excellent fish&chips & gd roast pork at The Bridge, gd Skellig Experience Center, & the waterfront WC won Ireland's Top Toilet Award Runner-Up, there's a plaque. Maybe they've gotten 1st place by now.
Absolutely don't-miss-it worth it.
I know additional filming is supposed to be happening there for Episode VIII... We're also going to be in Ireland this July but I've been worried about getting my hopes up in case of the island being closed for filming.
If the weather cooperates, the trip is fantastic.
Don't worry about rough seas - they won't run the trip if it's too rough. (I'm not sure they'll even run it if it's rainy, as the steps can be slippery).
I didn't book ahead. I was staying in Portmagee and booked the day before.
Here are some snapshots I took a few years ago (from various parts of Ireland in addition to Skellig Michael.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chuck_llama/sets/72157634971862233
Do it! Our favorite excursion in Ireland! If you are afraid of heights, it's a no, as there are no hand rails and they give you a climb at your own risk speech ( 2 people were blown off the year before). Make sure to listen to the guides speech at the top that explains how it was built etc, fascinating,especially for the times. Loved it!
My kids are 8 and 11.... is this too risky?????
Unless it's a particularly windy day it shouldn't be a problem, but that's something only you can determine. Here are some photos to give you an idea of what you'd be in for:
https://www.google.com/search?q=skellig+michael&tbm=isch&imgil=ZsabMykcDHvZkM%253A%253B2mhnG29LlM1H9M%253Bhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fen.wikipedia.org%25252Fwiki%25252FSkellig_Michael&source=iu&pf=m&fir=ZsabMykcDHvZkM%253A%252C2mhnG29LlM1H9M%252C_&usg=__jfxprceZmv06fg8Nknqws02bgN8%3D&biw=1920&bih=875&ved=0ahUKEwihiIbmr8PLAhUDKCYKHWj8BnQQyjcIMg&ei=aFvoVqG0B4PQmAHo-JugBw#imgrc=ZsabMykcDHvZkM%3A
Your kids would probably love it.
You know your own kids best... if they don't listen to you and do their own thing - no. If they follow instructions well and will stay close to you - yes. Will each of them climb to the top with you, or will there be whining and the likelyhood that one will refuse to 'go on'? That's what you need to know.
Thank you for all the information..... much appreciated
I'm sure there are a number of fine operators, but for what it's worth, I was completely satisfied with the trip I took with Pat Joe Murphy, out of Portmagee.
066-9477156 or 087-2342168
