Hi, I'm planning my first trip to Ireland in late April and I have read so much about the Skellig Islands that I were wanting to get it into our itinerary. However I am using only public transportation, and having a hard time getting out there and back in time to make it to Dingle (which I've also heard about and would really like to visit.) Is it worth it to give up time in other places (Dingle or Cork) to make it out to Cahersiveen and the Skellig Islands, even though there's a chance that we won't be able to make it out to the Islands due to the weather? So far our itinerary is Fly into Dublin Dublin (2 nights) Cork/Kinsale (2 nights) Cahersiveen (planned for 1 night but would have to be 2 nights due to public transportation in and out) Dingle (2 nights) Doolin (3 nights) Galway (2 nights)
Dublin (1 night) Fly out
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
As long as you can remain flexible with your plans and be able to implement another plan if it looks like the weather is going to be lousy, sure, the Skellig Islands are beautiful. But note that even if the weather is sunny and skies are crystal clear, boats to the Skelligs can still be cancelled if they feel the seas are too choppy to safely cross and land. Flexibility may be harder for you since you aren't renting a car and are at the mercy of Bus Eireann's timetables. On another note, I think you could even shave 1 night off Doolin and spend it someplace else. If you are going strictly for the music you can find Trad in plenty of other villages and cities in Ireland that's just as good and in an atmosphere that is far less touristy. And if you are hoping to catch a ferry over to the Aran Islands as a side trip from Doolin, you should note that Doolin is notorious for cancelling their ferries for the same reasons I outlined above. You'd have a better chance of getting to the Aran Islands from ports further north such as Rossaveal where they have boats better equipped at dealing with a rougher crossing. Did you already purchase your airline ticket? Just wondering if you still had an opportunity to buy an open jaw flight and not have to waste time backtracking to Dublin to get home as Shannon International would be a much easier airport to depart from if your last few days are all being spent in the West of Ireland.
Posted by
Snohomish
3 posts
I have only been to Ireland once, so definately not a pro HOWEVER....my experience was similar to yours in that we had only public transport. We spent a day at the Skelligs and it was one of the most unique travel experiences of my life! I get seasick (and did on the boat out) but it was so worth it! We missed our morning bus to the boarding area (due to lack of communication with b&b owner) but the captain's wife came out and personally picked us up, refusing a tip or anything for her trouble. Really nice people, those Irish! Good luck~hope you are able to make it to the Skelligs.
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
I am assuming you do know that there is a rather arduous climb of something like 650 steps to reach the top and that the landing from the boat to the island can be a little tricky.