Visit The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre, a stone clad, turf grass covered barrel roofed building beside the Valentia Island bridge on Valentia in County Kerry. Learn about the Skellig Rocks, Sceilg Mhichíl (also known as Great Skellig) and Little Skellig, these towering sea crags rising from the Atlantic Ocean almost 12kms west of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry.
It offers an experience of the Skellig lighthouse through artefacts and realistic recreations, the history and its service to mariners since the 1820s. There are quizzes to keep the little ones entertained as well as videos on the filming of the Star Wars movie on Skellig Michael. See a variety of graphics, models, exhibition items and lighthouse keeper ship-to-shore communication, accentuated by the sounds of sea birds.
Study the works and lives of the Skellig monks and the island monastery of early Christian times. Learn about the diversity of bird species on the islands. Sceilg Mhichíl is one of Ireland’s most important sites for breeding seabirds including, gannets, arctic terns, herons, kittiwakes, cormorants, puffins and guillemots. Little Skellig is also the second largest gannet colony in the world.
Enjoy the views and eat in the restaurant overlooking the picturesque fishing village of Portmagee. Browse the craft shop, fully stocked with souvenirs and memorable gifts to bring home to family and friends.
The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre also provide boat trips to see the famous rocks, allowing you to experience these islands up close. Take a sea cruise to land on Skellig Michael or a tour to circumnavigate the islands. Check website for information on times and sailings.
- Learn about the Skellig monks, history, birdlife and archaeology on Skellig Michael through film, exhibits and audio visual displays.
- During the summer months take a sea cruise around Skellig Michael or book a landing tour.
- Enjoy a relaxing meal while overlooking the beautiful fishing village of Portmagee.
- Browse the on site gift shop and choose from a selection of handmade chocolates, souvenirs, jewellery, clothes and stationery.
Bray Head is located on the western end of Valentia Island. It is a Signature Point along the Wild Atlantic Way. The Tower at Bray Head offers spectacular views of the Skellig Islands, the Blasket Islands and the Dingle Peninsula.
Walk or drive to Geokaun Mountain, the highest point on Valentia Island. See the spectacular cliffs and enjoy the magnificent surrounding views.
Visit Valentia Island Lighthouse at Cromwell Point and tour one of the great lighthouses of Ireland.
Stroll through the beauty of the Valentia Island landscape and take one of the self-guided walks, choose from the Altazamuth Walk, Knightstown Looped Walk (3 Roads walk), Strand Walk and Chapel Road Walk.
