Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland, is not only a historic marvel but also a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of seabirds. Nestled amidst its dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain, this island is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Renowned for its diverse birdlife, Skellig Michael attracts enthusiasts from around the world who come to witness its thriving colonies of puffins, gannets, Arctic terns, and more.
Whether you’re an avid ornithologist or a nature lover, exploring the birds of Skellig Michael offers a unique opportunity to connect with Ireland’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
Known as the “clowns of the sea,” puffins are beloved for their colorful beaks and playful nature, making them the highlight of Skellig Michael.
These striking white seabirds with golden heads are expert divers, known for dramatic plunge dives and large colonies, especially on Little Skellig.
A master of long-distance migrations, this sleek seabird is often seen gliding low over the water at sunset.
This tiny nocturnal seabird, often heard before seen, nests in the rocky crevices of Skellig Michael.
Easily identified by their black and white plumage and flat, sharp beaks, razorbills mate for life and nest on cliffs.
Found in dense colonies on steep rock faces, these seabirds are recognizable by their slender black and white bodies and pointed beaks.
The Arctic Tern is famous for its incredible migration, traveling from pole to pole annually. With its slender body, long tail streamers, and sharp calls, it’s a remarkable sight over the waters near Skellig Michael.
The Kittiwake is a gentle-looking gull with a white body, grey wings, and black wingtips. Found nesting in noisy colonies on cliffs, it’s often heard calling its name, “kitti-waake!”
Common gull species around Skellig Michael include Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls. These adaptable seabirds are opportunistic feeders and are often seen soaring or scavenging along the coastline.
Known as the “clowns of the sea,” puffins are beloved for their colorful beaks and playful nature, making them the highlight of Skellig Michael.
These striking white seabirds with golden heads are expert divers, known for dramatic plunge dives and large colonies, especially on Little Skellig.
A master of long-distance migrations, this sleek seabird is often seen gliding low over the water at sunset.
This tiny nocturnal seabird, often heard before seen, nests in the rocky crevices of Skellig Michael.
Easily identified by their black and white plumage and flat, sharp beaks, razorbills mate for life and nest on cliffs.
Found in dense colonies on steep rock faces, these seabirds are recognizable by their slender black and white bodies and pointed beaks.
The Arctic Tern is famous for its incredible migration, traveling from pole to pole annually. With its slender body, long tail streamers, and sharp calls, it’s a remarkable sight over the waters near Skellig Michael.
The Kittiwake is a gentle-looking gull with a white body, grey wings, and black wingtips. Found nesting in noisy colonies on cliffs, it’s often heard calling its name, “kitti-waake!”
Common gull species around Skellig Michael include Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls. These adaptable seabirds are opportunistic feeders and are often seen soaring or scavenging along the coastline.
Your are about to book a trip to land on Skellig Michael a world Heritage site. The journey to the Islands is approximately 50 minutes. Under normal weather conditions you will be allowed 2.5 hrs on the Skelligs. Allow 5 hrs from when you board the boat in the morning to when you again disembark at the marina in the afternoon. Finally enjoy your day with us, we will do everything to make it a memorable journey.
The eco tour has multiple departures times throughout the day depending on the sea conditions. The boat tour takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes and circles both islands getting right up close to Skellig Michael and the small Skelligs to see both the wildlife and the historical sites. This tour can get quite busy especially in the peak season so it is advisable to book well in advance. This tour does not land on the Island.
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