Overview
The Skellig Ring is a 50 km (about 30‑mile) coastal circuit that branches off the famous Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula. It links the seaside towns of Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Portmagee and the historic Valentian Island before looping back to the Ring. The road hugs dramatic sea cliffs, winds through emerald valleys and offers countless viewpoints where the Skellig Islands rise out of the Atlantic mist. Because the route is less travelled than the main Ring, you’ll often find the landscape to yourself – a rare luxury on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
History & Background
The Skellig Ring has long been a pilgrimage path for monks, fishermen and farmers. Ancient wedge‑tombs such as the one at Cúm an Tsleacháin mark the earliest human presence, while the 12th‑century Ballinskelligs Abbey and the 16th‑century Ballinskelligs Castle testify to a medieval monastic and defensive network that once guarded the coast. In the 19th century the first trans‑Atlantic under‑sea cable was laid at the Telegraph Field on Valentia Island, linking Europe to North America and cementing the area’s place in global communications history. The route gained international fame after the Skellig Islands were used as a filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, turning the whole peninsula into a modern‑day pilgrimage for film fans.
What to See & Do
| Stop | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Waterville | Colourful promenade, Waterville Beach, McGill’s Brewery tours, Waterville Golf Links. |
| Ballinskelligs | Ballinskelligs Abbey ruins, Ballinskelligs Castle, Blue‑Flag Ballinskelligs Beach, Cill Rialaig Arts Centre, summer Country Market (Sundays in June‑August). |
| St. Finian’s Bay | Surf‑friendly beach, Skelligs Chocolate Factory with tasting room, Bolus Head Loop Walk (panoramic views of the Skelligs and Puffin Island), Skellig Falcon Tours for wildlife spotting. |
| Coomanaspig Pass | One of Ireland’s highest drivable points (797 ft/248 m). Large parking area, wind‑swept viewpoint over Valentia Island, Dingle Peninsula and the Atlantic. |
| Kerry Cliffs | 1,000 ft sea‑cliffs, 10‑minute walk to a viewing platform (entry €5‑6). Spectacular vistas of Skellig Michael, Little Skellig and the open Atlantic. |
| Portmagee | Colourful fishing village, fresh‑seafood restaurants (The Moorings, The Fisherman’s Bar), Portmagee Whiskey Experience, departure point for Skellig Michael boat tours (landing and eco‑tours). |
| Valentia Island | Skellig Experience Visitor Centre, Telegraph Field (first trans‑Atlantic cable site), Bray Head Loop Walk and Signal Tower, St. Brendan’s Well, Cool East Wedge Tomb, Geokaun Mountain & Fogher Cliffs (360° panoramas), Valentia Island Lighthouse, Tetrapod footprints (350 Myr old), Glanleam House & Gardens, Knightstown heritage centre and boutique accommodation. |
Outdoor Activities
- Cycling – The Skellig Ring is part of the Wild Atlantic Way cycling route, offering a gentle, traffic‑light‑free ride that lets you soak in the scenery at your own pace.
- Walking – The Kerry Way passes through the area, and shorter walks such as the Bolus Head Loop, Bray Head Loop and the Geokaun Mountain trail provide varied difficulty levels.
- Water Sports – Kayaking, paddle‑boarding and surfing are popular at St. Finian’s Bay and Ballinskelligs Beach. Valentia Island Sea Sports runs rentals and lessons for all ages.
- Stargazing – Much of the Ring lies within the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve (Gold Tier). On clear nights the Milky Way arches over the cliffs, and meteor showers are visible without a telescope.
Practical Information
The Skellig Ring can be explored by car, bus, bike or on foot, though a full hike of the 50 km loop typically requires several days. Most visitors drive, stopping at the attractions listed above.
Getting there – The route is a 1‑hour‑20‑minute drive from Killarney and under 2 hours from Dingle. Public transport is served by Local Link Kerry bus routes; the national TFI Journey Planner helps you connect from larger towns. The Valentia Island Ferry runs from Portmagee to Knightstown (April‑October) and is essential if you wish to explore the island’s western side.
Parking – Designated car parks are available at Coomanaspig Pass, the Kerry Cliffs, Ballinskelligs Beach and the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre. The Kerry Cliffs parking area is small, so arrive early in peak season.
Boat tours – Skellig Michael tours depart from Portmagee. Demand is high, especially from May to early September, so book at least a week in advance. Weather can affect sailings; check the latest schedule on the official Skellig Michael tour pages before you set off.
Best time to visit
- May – early September – Long daylight hours, milder weather and full boat‑tour operation. Puffins nest on the islands from May to late July, making this the prime bird‑watching window.
- Late spring & early autumn – Quieter roads, soft light for photography and slightly shorter opening hours for some cafés and attractions.
- Winter (October – March) – Boat tours are suspended and some small businesses close, but dramatic Atlantic storms, empty cliffs and excellent dark‑sky conditions attract photographers and stargazers.
Entry fees – Most sites along the Ring are free. The Kerry Cliffs charge €5‑6 for the viewing platform; all other attractions (e.g., the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre, the Chocolate Factory, and the Portmagee Whiskey Experience) are free or have modest café prices.
Accessibility – The main road is fully paved and suitable for standard vehicles. The viewing platform at the Kerry Cliffs involves a short, uneven walk; the rest of the stops are generally accessible, though some historic ruins have uneven stone surfaces.
Nearby attractions
If you have extra time, consider adding one of these nearby highlights to your itinerary:
- Aghadoe – A historic site overlooking Killarney Lake, famous for its early‑Christian stone ring‑fort and panoramic views of the Lakes of Killarney.
- Annasaul – A charming village with a small lake, traditional pubs and a gateway to the Dingle Peninsula’s coastal drives.
- Ballybunion – A classic seaside resort with a Blue‑Flag beach, world‑renowned golf courses and a historic fort.
- Blasket Islands – Accessible by boat from Dingle, these islands offer rugged scenery, wildlife and a glimpse into the island‑life heritage of the Irish language.
Family‑friendly tips
- Pack layers – Weather on the coast changes quickly; bring waterproofs and warm layers even in summer.
- Kid‑safe walks – The Bolus Head Loop and Bray Head Loop are relatively short and have well‑marked paths suitable for children.
- Snacks and water – Facilities are limited at some remote stops; carry refreshments, especially if you plan to explore the Kerry Cliffs viewpoint.
- Wildlife watching – Bring binoculars for puffin spotting and a camera with a zoom lens for seabirds on Little Skellig (viewed from the cliffs, not the island itself).
- Stargazing – The Dark Sky Reserve has designated viewing points; avoid bright‑handheld lights to preserve the night‑sky experience.
Useful links
- Discover Kerry – Skellig Ring guide
- Valentia Island Ferry schedules
- Local Link Kerry bus routes
- Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve
Whether you have a single day to spare or a full weekend, the Skellig Ring delivers a compact yet unforgettable slice of Ireland’s wild Atlantic heritage – cliffs that plunge into the sea, ancient stones that whisper of monks, and night skies that sparkle like a galaxy far, far away.