mereh

Finally getting my daughter (11) to Ireland and she wants to go on the Star Wars tour. Can anyone recommend a tour? I'm looking for a one day tour in which we can walk around Skellig Michael. We are going in early August so I would like to have reservations made soon. Thanks.

Macross

http://www.kerryexperiencetours.ie/r...force-awakens/

This is a tour from Kerry but there are tours from other places so not sure if you are going to be based in this area.

https://www.toursbylocals.com/Privat...IslandsIreland

Tony2phones

Bit of bad news. Most sailing to Skellig are already booked or reserved this year. Do Not Buy a Tour unless the sailing and landing are guaranteed. Personally my Granddaughter is 10, she likes to spend the weekends on Climbing walls and zip wires.. I wouldn't take her to Skellig Michael not for a few years anyway.

historytraveler

Yes, I did wonder if OP has any idea as to the what Skellig Michael is really all about. It may have been used as a location inStar Wars but the site was originally used by Irish monks from the 6th century. A shame that Irish tourism has sunk so low as to offer it up as a movie location but regardless of reason for visiting, it can be quite dangerous to climb to the top and if raining or wet even more so. Not a place I'd take an 11 year old.

janisj

The Irish Govt has taken over control of landings on Skellig Michael so I am pretty sure Tony is right, you are likely out of luck ESPECIALLY for August.

Plus I'd never take a young child out there. It is very rugged and quite treacherous in places.

Macross

I guess no one read the tour info. The private tour is private and she takes three passengers on her boat. It includes much more than just Skellig Michael.

historytraveler

Not sure that makes much difference in the matter of taking a young child up Skellig Michael.

Macross

He only asked about a tour. He did not ask our opinion if his daughter should go.

janisj

>>He only asked about a tour. He did not ask our opinion if his daughter should go.<<

But since is a bad idea shouldn't we at least point that out . . .

>>The private tour is private and she takes three passengers on her boat.<<

The Government has limited the landings by <u>private</u> tour operators. So there is no guarantee they would be able to set foot on Skelig Michael.

Tony2phones

No I Didn't read the tours by locals link. My firewall and antivirus won't let me open Tours by Locals on this laptop. !!Insecure connection!!

I don't advertise on their site or generally recommend their site. Where I do mention the site I advise people to be very careful in respect of pricing.

historytraveler

I agree with janisj and, if there are only 3 passengers, it must be a pretty small boat. The crossing is not long but it can be rough.Another consideration is that weather is often a deterrent to landings at Skellig Michael. A tour should offer a refund if unable to go. Too many unpleasant possibilities IMO. We are here to offer advice, and I believe that's what we've done.

Nonconformist

"I guess no one read the tour info. The private tour is private and she takes three passengers on her boat. It includes much more than just Skellig Michael."

It also says it's not a child-friendly trip, so not suitable for the OP.

mereh

Thank you all for your input. This he, is a she ;0) but either way, I won't be paying $400+ for a day trip. I guess my little adventurer daughter will have to settle for looking at Skellig Michael and climbing Crough Patrick. ... Unless someone dares to tell her she can't do that either. :0). Slainte!

janisj

Cro<B><red>a</B></red>gh Patrick is a <i>much</i> better idea . . .

historytraveler

Absolutely. Have a look at Clare Island too. It's a short ferry ride and was the home of Grace O'Malley Ireland's famous pirate who even met with Elizebath I. I think every girl should learn a bit about this fascinating woman. The island can be done as a day trip and there are plenty of activities offered. Just google Clare Island or try this website for a start. www.clareisland.info

Tony2phones

if she wants mountains and Star Wars then there's this county called Donegal that tourists are just starting to find out about. The Millennium Falcon docked on Malin Head had to be careful not to land on the Game of Thrones

Macross

Bring a walking stick for Crough Patrick and yes to Claire Island. The ferry ride was half the fun.

Trip Advisor has a lot more info on Skellig Michael with trips that just go around the island by boat.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...partner=Viator

I would do this and at least she gets to see it up close.

Bette

Well, there were 3 rescues on Croagh Patrick last week!

http://www.mayonews.ie/news/29832-bu...croagh-patrick

I've climbed it twice. Proper footwear and a walking stick are required.

Clare Island is a great suggestion. Such a fun day.

Tony2phones

Not doing the bare foot pilgrimage then Bette

I know I'm not physically able to hike seriously anymore but up till 10 years ago,, strong footwear, ltr bottle of water and a bar of Chocolate. per 3 or 4 hours. Many injuries on the reek happen on the way down

Bette

Oh no, I'll skip the bare foot part! I don't know how they do it. I took a nice tumble on my way down the last time...had a nice bruise as a reminder.