Location: Portmagee
Top Things to do in Portmagee
Top Restaurants in Portmagee
The 10 Best Things to Do in Portmagee, Ireland
Portmagee (Irish: An Caladh, meaning "The Harbour") is a village in County Kerry, Ireland. The village is located on the Iveragh peninsula south of Valentia Island, and is known locally as 'the ferry', in reference to its purpose as a crossing point to the island. Access to Valentia Island is now via the Maurice O'Neill Memorial Bridge from Portmagee, which was built in 1970 and named in memory of a member of the IRA executed in 1942 for his part in the shooting dead of Detective George Mordaunt in Dublin.
Restaurants in Portmagee
1. Casey's Skellig Islands Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By Kestrel27 - Detroit, Michigan
We were incredibly lucky to get tickets on the landing tour. The luck continued in that despite the rougher than normal sea conditions and earlier rain, we were allowed to land and tour Skellig Michael.
The trip was unforgettable, and one of the highlights of our honeymoon trip.
The seas were rough- 9/12 of our passengers were sick. (I was one of the lucky iron stomach passengers.) Even if you don't think you'll get sick, you still could, so be prepared and bring some motion sickness medicine.
Casey's was wonderful the entire time. They handed out rain jackets for the trips- we still got wet, but it at least helped a little. They also offered some ginger to try to stave off motion sickness. As we were passing by Little Skellig, they stopped the boat to tell us a bit about the birds there. They also took us around the side of Skellig Michael to show the "docks" and stairs the monks used to use.
The scariest part of the trip was actually getting off and on the boat at Skellig Michael- as the boat rocks, you have to jump to and from the staircase. Thankfully the guys at Casey's were incredibly helpful in getting us on and off.
It was an unforgettable experience, and I can't recommend it enough. If you get the chance, go!
2. Skelligs Chocolate Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Skelligs Chocolate is a family run business overlooking the magnificent Skelligs Rocks, on the south west coast of Ireland. Our factory opened its doors in 1996, consisting of two little production rooms; one for making chocolate and the other for packaging. The factory has since expanded to a state of the art production facility with adjoining cafe which serves delicious hot chocolate, tea, coffee and homemade treats. With the only open plan chocolate production facility in Ireland, we encourage you to call in to see our chocolate being made, taste the delicious treats and ask the friendly staff all about where chocolate comes from and how it is made.
Reviewed By strangersblog - Los Angeles, California
After our trip to Skellig Michael was cancelled due to stormy weather, we stopped in for a look at this working artisan chocolate factory. We had to wait a few minutes behind a tour group, but it was worth it when we took our turn at tasting. The friendly hosts serve up the chocolate samples in a pre-determined order so you can savor every bite. (No photos of the tasting allowed, but you can photograph everything else.) There is no way you will leave without buying something for the road, or as a gift to take home. Loved the Irish Whiskey truffle.
3. Cahergall Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By Simon M - Canberra, Australia
Great little place to visit, follow the signs from Cahersiveen to the old forts and eventually continue down the road until you find the car park on the side of the road.
From here you can access two forts and both aren't too far.
There could be more done on highlighting the history with some more signs but then again they just might not know.
Great place to climb around and take some fun shots and see some great scenery.
4. Kerry Cliffs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 453 reviews
Kerry Cliffs. Kerry Cliffs are widely accepted as the most spectacular cliffs in Kerry. The cliffs stand over 1000ft above the wild Atlantic and were formed in a desert environment 400 million years ago. Out to the west stand the amazing Skellig Rocks one of only three UNESCO world heritage sites in Ireland. Of course the Kerry Cliffs are the closest viewing point to the great rocks and also the famous Puffin Island. Allied with these facts as you stand at the summit of this mystical place and breath in the freshest of air, deep in to your lungs from the wild Atlantic and observe this natural wonder. You can relax and unwind and observe the majestic views from here which reach out for 30 miles of the surrounding areas. Many Twitchers come here to us to enjoy and observe the thriving colonies of cliff birds. Our cliffs here in Portmagee provide you the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular location in a safe and natural environment. We are located just off the Skellig ring in Portmagee and the cliffs are just a 10 minute walk from our entrance. Also for good measure we have a coffee shop with indoor and outdoor Seating where you can drink in this marvelous Panorama. We can also arrange Boat Trips to Skellig Michael for you.
Reviewed By Chris F - Farmington, Connecticut
The Kerry Cliffs on the Skellig Ring rival the Cliffs of Moher for awe inspiring grandeur. The rugged terrain and spectacular scenery are part of the Irish identity and provide a backdrop for literature and song.
5. Ballycarbery Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
Reviewed By Janulik - Prague, Czech Republic
We were lucky that the access was open so we could easily enter and walk around these castle ruins. There is a little place where you can park, a dodgy looking man was there offering us to hold a lamb, we declines as we knew he would ask for money later.
6. Ballinskelligs Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Tania D
If the weather is good Ballinskelligs is an idillic place to pitch a tent and explore the surrounding countryside , it's part of the Wild Atlantic Way route , their are various campsites, B & B's and a bustling pub in the village overlooking the sea , with a lovely beach! Also in the area their is the famous Skelligs Chocolate Factory -a visit and tasting session is a must! Then a 5 minute walk from their is St Finan Bay a small spot if you want to relax and take in the views looking out to Skellig Michael little skelligs and the lemon , Puffin Island ! All around their are hiking trails for the fit and adventurous , I say that because the countryside is bordering on mountainous !
All in all a gorgeous spot in Kerry!
7. Skelligs Rock
Overall Ratings
5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Pitkin117 - Boston
We were absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to climb Skellig Michael and tour the ancient monastery at the top! A few tips: definitely wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers. The stairs are 1,500 years old, uneven and there is no banister. Pack water, but also realize that there are not toilet facilities on the island, and not all boats/cruises offer toilets on board. If you are in relatively good condition and take the stairs slowly, you should be able to get to the top (there are over 620 stairs, which is the equivalent of climbing the stairs of a 50 story building!)
Carry your water, a snack and perhaps a jacket in a backpack, as you want your hands to be free. There are beautiful little puffins everywhere, which were such a treat to see! Finally, when you get to the top, the monastery is remarkably intact for being 1,000 - 1,5000 years old. Several of the beehive huts are in good condition and give you a strong indication of what it might have been like to live on this remote, windswept pinnacle. I strongly suggest that you visit the Skellig Michael museum ion Valencia Island before going out to Skellig Michael; it will give you a good historical context that will enhance your visit to this World Heritage Site. There will be a tour guide at eh top, and his/her orientation lecture is absolutely worth listening to. I feel that the cost of transportation to the Skelligs is exorbitant and must dissuade many people from going. Our tours was 80 euros per person, which I think is indefensible!
8. Skelligwalker | Luxury Cruises
Overall Ratings
5 based on 32 reviews
A Skellig Michael tour incorporates boat transfer to Skellig Michael, landing at Skellig Michael, 2.5 hours on Skellig Michael to explore the pre-Christian monastery and the natural wonders of the island, circumnavigation of Skellig Michael and Little Skellig to observe the unique wildlife and geology of the Islands and the Skellig Coast.
Reviewed By Caitriona F - London, United Kingdom
Excellent service from Skellig Walker from initial enquiry to follow up after the trip. Fast, comfortable boat with informative onboard team. Very accommodating in cruising along Skillig Michael after our visit and along Litttle Skellig so we could see the ganets and seals. A memorable day out.
9. Skellig Michael Cruises
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Skellig Michael Cruises offers you the opportunity to visit Skellig Michael from a unique perspective. Many people who come to Portmagee are unable to climb Skellig Michael for a variety of reasons; young families, age, disability or time constraints etc. This is where we come in! Our eco tour circles both Islands where you get up close to see the land marks, birds and historical sites. Skellig Michael Cruises are now pleased to announce from 2017 that we also do Landing Tours to Skellig Michael.
Reviewed By Pitkin117 - Boston
My husband and I loved our adventure of climbing Skellig Micahel; it was fabulous and we will review it separately. However, our landing cruise with Skellig Michael Tours was a disappointment. First of all, at 80 euros per person, it is incredibly and unjustifiably expensive. Secondly, although I had been assured that the boat would have a toilet on it, when we checked in, we were told to use a bathroom in Portmagee, as there was no working toilet on the boat. This was frustrating, as I really wanted to keep hydrated on the strenuous climb up Skellig Michael, but had to be cautious, as there are also no toilets on the island. Thirdly, we had been told that the cruise would go around both Little Skeelig and Skellig Michael. Our driver, Hugh, did not spend any time showing us the perimeter of Skellig Michael, although he did slow down for a while as we passed Little Skellig. It would have been appreciated if he or his mate had narrated a bit for us, but there was no interaction at all between the driver, his mate and the passengers. My husband and I spent 160 euros for this cruise. fir that amount of money, I strongly feel that the cruise should have been narrated, it should have gone around Skellig Michael as it had advertised, and there should have been working toilet facilities on the boat.
10. Murphy Sea Cruise - Private Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By McFran - Decatur, Georgia
Dress warmly and be prepared for spray in your face but Pat Joe Murphy provides oilskins and you stay dry and warm. He stops for dolphin views and after the climb on Skellig Michael he takes you to Little Skellig to see the 2nd largest gannet colony and will do a second loop to let you see the seals.. We had a great time///////1
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