Tours and Attractions Around Waterville
The attractions around Waterville fall into two groups: those you book weeks or months ahead, and those where you simply turn up and pay at the gate. The Skellig boats are in the first group and need the most planning. Everything else is close enough to be a half-day outing. Prices are in euro.
Book ahead
Skellig Michael landings
Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage monastic island 11.5 km off the coast. Admission to the island is free and the boat fare is the cost, roughly €115 to €150 depending on the operator. Skellig Experience lists landings from €115, and Casey’s lists them at €145. The Office of Public Works permits 15 operators, and only permit holders may land passengers.
The island is closed to visitors for the 2026 season and reopens for 2027. The 2027 dates are not out yet, and in recent years landings have run from mid May to late September. Boats leave from Portmagee, Glen Pier on Valentia, Ballinskelligs and Derrynane Harbour, and none sails from Waterville village. Portmagee is about 35 minutes away by the Skellig Ring.
What to expect on a landing day:
- Visitors spend about 2.5 hours on the island, not counting the crossing, and guided tours and toilets are available there.
- The climb is 618 steep, uneven steps that rise over 180 m, slippery when wet, with warnings about falling rock. Wear closed-toe shoes with a good grip.
- Children under 12 may not land, and animals are not allowed.
- Crossings are often cancelled for weather. Local radio reported about 40 per cent of 2024 crossings were called off, so book a flexible ticket, keep a spare day and expect to hear on the same morning.
- Casey’s charges €15.50 per person to cancel seven or more days ahead, gives no refund inside seven days, and refunds in full when the weather cancels the trip.
Never head for the rocks in a kayak, on a paddleboard or in your own boat. The crossing is 11.5 km of open Atlantic.
Cruises around the Skelligs
Cruise boats sail around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig but put no one ashore. Fares run from about €42 with Skellig Experience and from about €60 with Casey’s, and a trip takes around 2.5 hours. Little Skellig holds a gannet colony. Children under 12 can sail even though they cannot land. Ask the operator for sailing dates, since the weather also cancels cruises.
McGill’s Brewery
McGill’s sits in the Gaeltacht at Murreigh, a short way from Waterville. Tours are for adults only and cost €20, €25 or €40 depending on length. Book on the brewery website and check that tours are running before you travel.
Turn up and pay
Derrynane House
The Office of Public Works runs Derrynane House, and it is open from 13 March to 1 November 2026. Opening hours are 10:00 to 16:45 daily until 30 September and 10:00 to 16:00 from 1 October. Tickets are €5 for adults, €4 for groups and seniors, €3 for children and students, and €13 for a family. A café, toilets and guided tours are available, and only assistance dogs are admitted. The house reopens in mid March 2027.
Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs
Geokaun, on Valentia Island, is open 365 days a year, around the clock. Entry costs €8 per car, family or motorbike, €4 per walker or cyclist, €10 per campervan and €15 per minibus.
Skellig Experience
The visitor centre on Valentia sells the cruises and the landing tickets. Ask staff for the current price of the exhibition when you book.
Read more: day trips from Waterville and sightseeing near the village . For a wider plan, see the Ireland five day itinerary .
Rules for Skellig Michael and Derrynane House are published by the Office of Public Works, and Geokaun lists its own fees. For boat trips, try a Viator search .