Skellig Ring
Portmagee, Ireland
A narrow loop off the Ring of Kerry with views of the Skellig islands. Boats to Skellig Michael leave from Portmagee.
The Skellig Ring is a circular route of around 50 km at the south-western tip of the Iveragh Peninsula, linking Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Portmagee and Valentia Island. The roads are too narrow for coaches and offer views of the Skellig Islands. Stops include the Kerry Cliffs (around 300 m above the sea), the Coomanaspig Pass, St Finian's Bay and, on Valentia Island, Geokaun Mountain and the Fogher Cliffs.
Allow at least three hours; the driving time alone is about 1.5 hours. Drive clockwise from Waterville, so the sea is on your left. The route is not suitable for large motorhomes, especially at the Coomanaspig Pass. Boats to Skellig Michael leave from Portmagee. Landings are only possible in the season, roughly May to September, must be booked in advance and are often cancelled when the sea is rough.
- Nearest town
- Portmagee, Ireland
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 51.8800, -10.3700
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Valentia Island Caravan & CampingCampsite7 km from Skellig RingTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Motorhome stopover · PortmageeMotorhome stopover9 km from Skellig RingMotorhomes
- Mannix Point Camping and Caravan ParkCampsite11 km from Skellig RingTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Ocean BellowMotorhome stopover23 km from Skellig RingMotorhomes
- Wavecrest Caravan & Camping ParkMotorhome stopover23 km from Skellig RingMotorhomes
- Glenbeg Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover24 km from Skellig RingMotorhomes
All campsites in Ireland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Skellig Ring?
Skellig Ring is in Portmagee, Ireland, at GPS 51.8800, -10.3700. It is about 13 km from Cahersiveen.
Can you camp near Skellig Ring?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Valentia Island Caravan & Camping, about 7 km away; within 25 km there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Skellig Ring?
Skellig Ring is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring.
What is there to see near Skellig Ring?
Places worth a stop nearby: Slea Head Drive (26 km), Dursey Sound (34 km), Healy Pass (46 km) and Gap of Dunloe (54 km).
When is the best time to visit Skellig Ring?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)