Skellig Michael

Parchment

I am planning to visit Skellig Michael this year. I have a few questions for anyone who has been there recently :

What boat company did you use? There seem to be quite a few and some seem more reputable than others

Would it be a bad idea for someone who is afraid of heights?! (namely .... me!). I am nervous of heights - i dont enjoy being out on balconies/ viewing platforms that jut out over nothingness. I am ok when i feel secure/supported when i am at a height - if that makes any sense?!

Thanks in advance

Atlantic Dawn

Don't go near it if your afraid of heights, plenty of videos on Youtube showing the cliffs.

lottpaul

If you're afraid of heights don't even think about it! The paths are steep and narrow - and they seem even worse when you're going down. It's a magical place and I'd recommend anyone to go there - but in your case, probably best admired from a distance

Parchment

lottpaul wrote: »

If you're afraid of heights don't even think about it! The paths are steep and narrow - and they seem even worse when you're going down. It's a magical place and I'd recommend anyone to go there - but in your case, probably best admired from a distance

i actually just watched some videos on YT .... seems you and the above poster are right. People are so brave - i would never be able to go up those steps!

I wonder would it be a total waste to get the boat out and chill out at the bottom of the steps?

lottpaul

Parchment wrote: »

I wonder would it be a total waste to get the boat out and chill out at the bottom of the steps?

Not really a waste and there used to be a nice level little walk along towards the lighthouse etc but it was damaged in last winters storms and I'm not sure what the state of repairs is - either way you can't really see too much from down below - plus it could be a long wait if you're with friends etc.
There used to be some boats that did sightseeing tours around the Skelligs, Valentia etc but I'm not sure if they're still in business.

traprunner

Not sure what companies I have used in the past but I recommend looking for one of the fast boats.

bog master

Several boats are doing tours around the Skelligs even now before the "landing" season starts. All leaving from Portmagee.

Parchment

bog master wrote: »

Several boats are doing tours around the Skelligs even now before the "landing" season starts. All leaving from Portmagee.

Thanks - that might be a better option for me. Im such a chicken about heights!

traprunner

Parchment wrote: »

Thanks - that might be a better option for me. Im such a chicken about heights!

I'm not overly fond of heights and its not possible to get near the cliffs. They are fenced off. It's a path with steps up the whole way. You'd be on solid ground the whole way. The only dodgy area is accessible only by permit and I think with an OPW guide. I really think you'll miss so much by just going for a boat tour around the islands. Go for it and I guarantee you won't regret it!

Parchment

traprunner wrote: »

I'm not overly fond of heights and its not possible to get near the cliffs. They are fenced off. It's a path with steps up the whole way. You'd be on solid ground the whole way. The only dodgy area is accessible only by permit and I think with an OPW guide. I really think you'll miss so much by just going for a boat tour around the islands. Go for it and I guarantee you won't regret it!

I really want to but i watched some videos of people going up the steps on youTube and the sheer drop at the side of the steps seems awful!

I would be happier to get onto the island and see if i could see how i felt about the steps then. I would hate to freeze mid-way up or even at the top and then have to delay everyone getting back down.

traprunner

The steps are quite wide and it's possible to walk on the land side. I've been there twice (attempted to get there twice more but the sea was too rough) and I think that the videos make the steps look much worse than they are.

siblers

The steps are grand, I was there last Summer and everyone flew up them, young and old. It's not as high as it seems either

I'm grand with heights but bad with exposure...as in I'd climb up mountains roped up no bother, but scrambling up a sheer face that might only be a few metres high but with no safety if I fall will leave me gripping any ledge. And must say while the Skelligs was fine...I was conscious of sticking to the path. The South Pinnacle was off limits at the time I was out there and that looks like a good nerve shredder without ropes. Really airy.

If you do go out, look for the hermitage on the South pinnacle. It makes the monastery on the North of the island look like the ritz!

Ciarrai76

http://www.rte.ie/news/2016/0509/787275-skellig/

Ron603

I went there a couple of years ago. I'm also afraid of heights but I managed to do it. Going down the steps is the worst since there are no railing and you can see the whole path, making it seems higher than it is. There is a narrow path on the side of a cliff at the top but there is a chain railing to hold on to. It is definitly worth it, but if you're extremely scared of heights than don't go, I had to sit on my bum to go down the steps

Here's an old thread that I made about the Skelligs, I had a different account back then. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=78449223

And if you decide to go then buy high quality climbing shoes with a good grip.

It's a magical place. I wouldn't be the best for heights either but I made it. Book now!

bd2012

Definitely go. I'm not the best with heights either but I managed it. It's only the last quarter that's really steep and if you think it's too much you can stay at a level area three quarters of the way up called christs saddle (I think!). Coming down from the top quarter was the hardest bit for me, but I just took it really slowly. No harm in going there and seeing if you're able for it. If you are great. If not you get to spend a bit of time on a beautiful island. Either way it's a good experience

shalom

Hi,
any recommendations for boat companies?

Thanks

lottpaul

Another rockfall on the island recently - it definitely won't be opening for the season for a few weeks yet I'd say.

http://www.radiokerry.ie/news/further-rockfall-at-skellig-michael-deems-site-deeply-unsafe/

shalom

lottpaul wrote: »

Another rockfall on the island recently - it definitely won't be opening for the season for a few weeks yet I'd say.

http://www.radiokerry.ie/news/further-rockfall-at-skellig-michael-deems-site-deeply-unsafe/

I phoned one of the companies regarding booking a ticket. He told me he could take me out in September. He had a few places left. It was otherwise booked until next year.

siblers

The worst part of the trip for me was the boat over and back, if you suffer from motion sickness, it'll be a hellish trip over (way back wasn't as bad). One poor woman was so sea sick that she wasn't able to discover the rock after we landed

shalom wrote: »

Hi,
any recommendations for boat companies?

Thanks

I went with this guy http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/john-o-shea/88357

Ciarrai76

siblers wrote: »

The worst part of the trip for me was the boat over and back, if you suffer from motion sickness, it'll be a hellish trip over (way back wasn't as bad). One poor woman was so sea sick that she wasn't able to discover the rock after we landed



I went with this guy http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/john-o-shea/88357

Same thing happened to me years ago when we went to the Aran Islands. I was severely sea sick & it lasted a few days. I hate going on boats since then!

kerry4sam

lottpaul wrote: »

Another rockfall on the island recently - it definitely won't be opening for the season for a few weeks yet I'd say.

http://www.radiokerry.ie/news/further-rockfall-at-skellig-michael-deems-site-deeply-unsafe/

Paschal Sheehy was on twitter today stating it will be open for visitors this Sunday , right here.

As for being able to secure a place on a boat though, I'd say that'll be tough-going with demand.

Ciarrai76

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/skellig-michael-to-re-open-to-visitors-today-735407.html

Pinch Flat

Has it always been €60 per person. Pity, it puts it beyond families.

http://www.skelligexperience.com/other-sea-tours/

MaxPower89

Pinch Flat wrote: »

Has it always been €60 per person. Pity, it puts it beyond families.

http://www.skelligexperience.com/other-sea-tours/

I think it used to be €55. It's not really a place for kids, too dangerous in my opinion.

lottpaul

MaxPower89 wrote: »

I think it used to be €55. It's not really a place for kids, too dangerous in my opinion.

Agree 110% - it's really only suitable for the surefooted and I'd be very cautious about bringing either the very young or the very old out to it.

VincePP

Pinch Flat wrote: »

Has it always been €60 per person. Pity, it puts it beyond families.

http://www.skelligexperience.com/other-sea-tours/

€50 about 5 years ago, but when you consider that there's full refund if weather is too bad, season is not very long, restricted numbers and the boats stay at the Skelligs whilst people explore, it not hugely expensive. Its also not a massive money spinner for the operators, all of whom do other work off season to make a living.

“… the most fantastic and impossible rock in the world … the thing does not belong to any world that you and I have lived and worked in; it is part of our dream world.“ George Bernard Shaw


Better value if you have sea legs is the 3 hour sea cruises around the Skelligs without landing - not sure the price, but as they don't land, numbers aren't restricted.

py2006

I was considering doing this in the next month or so. I was in Portmagee last year but the weather wasn't good so the boat was cancelled.

Did I read correctly that the boats are booked out till next year? :eek:

Pinch Flat

py2006 wrote: »

I was considering doing this in the next month or so. I was in Portmagee last year but the weather wasn't good so the boat was cancelled.

Did I read correctly that the boats are booked out till next year? :eek:

I contacted one operator who said he was booked up to September, which is presumably the end of the season.

As far as I know all the operators that hold the licence to land there are on the following link - some i contacted were offering spots on cancellations. But all were booked out that I contacted.

http://www.skelligexperience.com/other-sea-tours/

embraer170

The price is apparently €70 now.

liam7831

embraer170 wrote: »

The price is apparently €70 now.

Is the life jacket extra ?

trellheim

Bump.

I want to visit on 3 August . Can anyone recommend a good person to book in with , please ?

Thanks in advance

Erik Shin

trellheim wrote: »

Bump.

I want to visit on 3 August . Can anyone recommend a good person to book in with , please ?

Thanks in advance

I would think you're too late, wouldn't think anyone has free slots now unfortunately, unless there are late cancellations

embraer170

I called one of the places yesterday (the Moorings) and they have places in mid-August.

trellheim

I would think you're too late, wouldn't think anyone has free slots now unfortunately, unless there are late cancellations

Can you tell me what this means please , cant you just give a lad a few quid to take you out ?

Erik Shin

trellheim wrote: »

Can you tell me what this means please , cant you just give a lad a few quid to take you out ?

Sure aldi have the 2 man kayaks at the moment, buy 1 of those and off you go,

trellheim

Wonderful answer - I hadn't thought of that , well done , you've certainly opened my eyes with being helpful like that.

pawrick

trellheim wrote: »

Bump.

I want to visit on 3 August . Can anyone recommend a good person to book in with , please ?

Thanks in advance

Try these guys http://skelligtours.com/ I went with them last month and there were a couple of no shows on the day, you might be lucky.

beertons

I was passing through Portmagee last week and my wife asked how long is the wait. 5/6 weeks she was told. You're looking at September for going out I'd say.

Rodin

Booked last week for a landing trip for 2 people 3 weeks thence.

A most incredible place.

Unfortunately more difficult to get a place on a boat due to Star Wars.

trellheim

trellheim wrote: »

Can you tell me what this means please , cant you just give a lad a few quid to take you out ?

First of all, it's miles out. You'd be paying them more than a few quid.

And secondly, afaik the island is owned by the OPW which only licenses certain operators to land on the island. So pretty sure other boats can't just rock up and fire people onto it.

BPKS

trellheim wrote: »

Can you tell me what this means please , cant you just give a lad a few quid to take you out ?

Ha!

Are you sure you haven't mixed up Skellig Michael, a rock 8 miles off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean, with Innisfallen Island in Lough Leane in Killarney.

Erik Shin

trellheim wrote: »

Wonderful answer - I hadn't thought of that , well done , you've certainly opened my eyes with being helpful like that.

Ah no bother at all, if you're badly stuck I'd say one of the jarveys that does the ring of Kerry could take you out for a few quid extra, stick a few waterskis on the horse and you'll be there in no time, that's a proper seahorse

trellheim

Ha!

Are you sure you haven't mixed up Skellig Michael, a rock 8 miles off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean

No. I have not. Same as the last time I booked an all day sea fishing trip at short notice for 8 lads. Ring a man and agree a price, job oxo, turn up and have a nice day out miles out from the coast, pay the man in cash at end of day. Crazy I grant you but there you are.

Pinch Flat

trellheim wrote: »

No. I have not. Same as the last time I booked an all day sea fishing trip at short notice for 8 lads. Ring a man and agree a price, job oxo, turn up and have a nice day out miles out from the coast, pay the man in cash at end of day. Crazy I grant you but there you are.

I tried getting to skellig last summer - it's usually booked up months in advance as there's only a few operators licenced to land there.

From memory the OPW website has contact details for them. Expect about €70 - 80 per person for a landing trip i.e. Where you get to walk on the island. Trips around the island (i.e. Staying in the boat) might be cheaper and available.

CeilingFly

trellheim wrote: »

Can you tell me what this means please , cant you just give a lad a few quid to take you out ?

The season, the boats and number of visitors per day are very strictly regulated.

15 boats each carrying 12 passengers may land once a day.

If weather is bad, the trip is cancelled and you get refunded.

No restrictions on boat trips sailing around the island without landing.

Last year cost was €60 and before anyone says rip-off - think max 12 per day, short season, crew, vessel, insurance.

There are no boatmen with fancy cars in portmagee.

trellheim

The season, the boats and number of visitors per day are very strictly regulated.

15 boats each carrying 12 passengers may land once a day.

If weather is bad, the trip is cancelled and you get refunded.

No restrictions on boat trips sailing around the island without landing.

Last year cost was €60 and before anyone says rip-off - think max 12 per day, short season, crew, vessel, insurance.

There are no boatmen with fancy cars in portmagee.

Many many thanks that was exactly what I was looking for and gives an insight into it. ( Apologies - 60 a head or a boat ? if its a head I dont mind just making sure )

CeilingFly

trellheim wrote: »

Many many thanks that was exactly what I was looking for and gives an insight into it. ( Apologies - 60 a head or a boat ? if its a head I dont mind just making sure )

€60 a head - that was last year. Probably same.

Personally if its a nice evening, a fishing trip around the skelligs followed or preceeded by the visitors centre would be my choice.

pawrick

70 pp if you wanted to get on the island when I went and boat was booked for 12 people

Spanish Eyes

Personally I think the Skelligs look far more spectacular from the sea than actually being on them. I did both. Didn't like the landside effort, too scary altogether, but that was years ago.

I have no real fear of heights, I was just a bit shaky because there was no handrail. That would have sorted me out! And the steps were a bit wet and mucky too back in the day.

But whatever you decide I hope you enjoy it.

Portmagee is a wonderful spot as is Valentia Island across the causeway. We got talking to a fella who had some of the underwater cable that went across the Atlantic. And there is a Jurassic beach (with footprints) and a huge cave at the old slate mines. Fascinating place.

Then the ferry across from Knightstown and up to Cahersiveen. I really enjoyed it all.