Landing Visitor Safety

Safe Access Guide

Skellig Michael is a World Heritage Site, a National Monument, and a delicate wilderness habitat. This guide is for visitors considering or holding a landing place and summarises the key safety responsibilities before stepping onto the island.

Planning Your Visit

Sea conditions can be rough and weather can change quickly. Wear windproof and waterproof clothing, bring suitable footwear for the climb, and prepare for a full trip that may last up to six hours.

  • Bring food and drink, carried in a backpack so your hands remain free.
  • There are almost 600 steps to reach the monastery.
  • Give serious consideration before bringing young children; if children travel, they must be closely supervised at all times.
  • Dogs and other animals are not permitted on the island.

The Terrain & Your Safety

  • Transferring between boat and landing pier can be hazardous in certain sea conditions, with risk of serious injury or death.
  • The lighthouse road and access routes are exposed to loose overhead rock.
  • The climb includes steep, uneven stone steps with unprotected edges.
  • Steps can become slippery when wet.
  • The route passes sheer cliffs; stay on the designated access route at all times.
  • Leaving the route creates a high risk of falling or tumbling.
  • Sudden wind gusts can occur, especially on the steps.
  • Know your own ability and ask the guides for advice.

The Guide Service

  • The guides protect the monument and interpret the significance of the site.
  • Guides do not escort visitors up and down the access routes.
  • Guides are the official monitors on the island and their safety instructions must be followed.
  • A guide will meet visitors on the lighthouse road at the start of the climb to the monastery.

Visitor Behaviour

  • Do not leave the access route. Loose rock and stones may endanger visitors below.
  • Do not pick up or throw stones.
  • Do not climb on dry stone walls; this damages the monument and may endanger lives.
  • Offenders risk prosecution.
  • Take your time when ascending or descending the steps.
  • If the route is congested, give way to the person descending.

Care for the Environment

  • Skellig Michael is protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004.
  • Walls and buildings are fragile. Do not climb on them.
  • Access inside the monastery may be restricted or supervised by a guide to prevent wear and damage.
  • Graffiti or wilful damage may result in prosecution.
  • Keep a safe distance from wildlife and do not feed birds or animals.
  • Do not disturb nesting bird colonies.
  • Picnicking is not permitted in the monastic enclosure or on the steps.
  • Take all litter back to the boat and dispose of it responsibly on the mainland.
This page summarises information from the OPW visitor safety guide for Skellig Michael. The original OPW safety guide and materials remain the copyright of the Office of Public Works.