Our April visit to Ireland includes B&B reservations for 4 nights in Kenmare and 3 in Kinsale. We would like to take the Skellig Michael boat tour and am wondering if we can just plan to day trip a drive to Valentia from our B & B or should we book a night in Portmagee?
Posted by
NY State
72 posts
I don’t think you can take a landing tour until some time around mid-May, depending on the weather. In April the best you could hope for would be the eco tour.
The drive from Kenmare is about an hour and a half, but you should allow a little extra time.
Posted by
OP
Northern Idaho
9 posts
Yes I understand we wouldn't be landing just touring by boat . I ? Whether we should break up our nights at Kenmare and spend 1 in Portmagee or drive to and from in 1 day. Thank you!
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Keep in mind that the boat trips out to Skellig Michael are dependent on sea-state. They're small boats so if it's too rough they'll cancel for the day, and there's really no way of confirming that they'll be operating until the day of your trip. There are a lot of other things to see and do in the vicinity of Portmagee, however, including a drive along the Skellig Ring Road and a walk thru the Gap of Dunloe.
It would be a four hour round trip to Portmagee from Kenmare. Staying in the area for one night would simplify things and permit a more leisurely exploration of the north side of the ROK ... whether you make it out to the islands or not.
Posted by
Vermont USA
359 posts
It can be done - the round trip - but would he a lot of driving. Far more enjoyable to go on an early eco tour and enjoy all the things right there afterward.....the Cliffs of Kerry almost within literal walking distance of Portmagee and a far nicer and wilder experience than the Cliffs of Moher. Valentia Island with great views....or just over the hill the gorgeous Glen and then Ballinskellig beach with the ruins of McCarthys Castle and the Abbey Ruins. Would rather see some of that than 2+ more hours in a car.
Posted by
1172 posts
I would say in Portmagee..... as others have said, this excursion is highly dependent on weather so I would suggest having back up plan. We were there in July..beautiful sunny day... bats were not going out due to rough seas... we did the museum and then went on our way... beautiful area
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
472 posts
We stayed in Portmagee in 2006, at The Moorings - great to roll out of bed & onto the Skellig M. boat, & vice versa. Recommend.
Posted by
OP
Northern Idaho
9 posts
Thank you all for your info and help with the decision making! We booked one night in Portmagee at the Moorings. Sounds like whether the boat sails or not we'll have lots to see and do.