Skellig worth the trip?
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Join Date: Feb 2006
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Skellig worth the trip?
This is my first Fodors post! Love the site--checking it regularly for my 1st trip to Ireland this fall. My question is this: the trip to the Skellig Islands sounds right up my alley but is it worth fighting the RoK tourists to get out there? I plan to hit the Aran Islands soon after arriving and I'd rather spend 2-3 days exploring the Dingle Peninsula than the RoK. And if I don't make too many stops along the way, how long should I budget for the trip out to Skellig (probably staying in Portmagee the night before) and then on to An Da
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Join Date: Jan 2003
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Don't know your full itinerary, but yes, the Skelligs are worth the trip. If your schedule is too full, though, you may want to save for another trip, as overplanning can steal the pleasure from the whole experience. The Arans are good, Doolin, Dingle, etc. I'm not sure but there may be a boat out of Dingle, which would save the road trip, although not too bad comparatively speaking. And, there won't be the usual hordes of tourists on the road in the fall. Have a great time.
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Skellig Michael can be worth the trip, however in the fall it's unlikely the boats will be running. As an alternative, think about trying for the Great Blasket Island on Dingle. But it will depend on when you're there, as weather can ground the ferry. Check with your B&B or hotel, they should be able to tell you. It's really worth the time, though be sure to pack a lunch!
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Hey chemgirl,
We went to Skellig Michael in April and I was concerned that the boats wouldn't be running. The tourist centre in Kenmare gave me the phone number of the boat captain and I was able to schedule a trip with him. 3 boats went out that day so I do think they go, weather dependant, much of the year.
We thought it was a highlight - the birds are incredible and you do feel like you're on a tiny rock in the middle of the ocean. It's something to picture living in a monastery there.
We also enjoyed seeing the RoK - it was the low season and no-one was there. The boat brings you back early afternoon and we then drove up over the spine of the peninsula - wonderful, lonely drive.
We went to Skellig Michael in April and I was concerned that the boats wouldn't be running. The tourist centre in Kenmare gave me the phone number of the boat captain and I was able to schedule a trip with him. 3 boats went out that day so I do think they go, weather dependant, much of the year.
We thought it was a highlight - the birds are incredible and you do feel like you're on a tiny rock in the middle of the ocean. It's something to picture living in a monastery there.
We also enjoyed seeing the RoK - it was the low season and no-one was there. The boat brings you back early afternoon and we then drove up over the spine of the peninsula - wonderful, lonely drive.