The Skelligs Coast’s Church Island Tour

Discover the Mystical Church Island 1hr Tour 

Step into a world where history and legend intertwine on our exclusive Skellig Boat Tour. Journey to the heart of Valentia Harbour and set foot on the sacred grounds of Church Island, a treasure of the Skellig Coast. This 1-hour tour offers adventurers a rare glimpse into the serene life of 6th-century monks, whose stories of faith and endurance are etched into the very landscape of this historic island.

Tour Notes

  • This tour involves climbing uneven surfaces to access Church Island
  • This tour/boat is wheelchair accessible – If individuals cannot climb the island, the tour can still be enjoyed from the water’s edge while enjoying the comfort onboard ‘The Navigator’.
  • Departs from Knightstown, Valentia Island & Renard Point.
  • Tour last approximately 1 hour 
  • This tour requires sensible footwear.

€50 per adult, €35 per child under 10 (Min. 4 persons for the tour to operate.

**Please be advised that this tour requires sensible footwear**

Things to do in Valentia island
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Why visit Church Island?

Church Island stands as a monument to the monastic lives that inhabited the island. Here, amidst the ruins of their 6th-century monastery, you can feel the pulse of a bygone era, a time when monks and Vikings crossed paths. Only 200 meters from the shores of Beginish Island, the site of a Viking settlement established in the early 8th century.

Immerse yourself in the rich Celtic history as your guide leads you through an experience that transcends time, offering peace and tranquillity reminiscent of the monks’ existence, harmoniously intertwined with the land and sea. As you leave Church Island, let your imagination wander with local myths and folklore, tales of the strange and supernatural that have coloured the narrative of these remote islands for centuries. Decide for yourself: are these stories mere myths, or do they hold a kernel of truth?

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Real Reviews, Real Experiences

  • star ratingThe tour was fantastic, funny, informative flexible and the coast was spectacular. Definitely a highlight of our trip.

    davidrane
    September 5, 2021

    star ratingAmazing boat tour, saw wonderful wild life and learned a lot about the Skelligs on the Skellig Bounty.

    Highly recommend to all.

    So impressed that have booked... read more

    Carolineacronin
    July 19, 2023

    star ratingA great trip around Valentia, the trip covered Begnish and Church Island. Elizabeth was a great tour guide. We'll worth it..great value

    clares468
    August 25, 2021
  • star ratingOur trip to the Skelligs on the Skellig Bounty with Brendan and Elizabeth was truly amazing. We saw dolphins and seals on the way while at the small skellig there... read more

    eoinq920
    February 1, 2023

    star ratingWe recently did this tour during a visit from the U.S., and it was one of the best afternoons of our visit to Kerry. The scenery is mind-blowing, the boat... read more

    janemccoog1
    May 31, 2019

    star ratingWe had a fantastic trip yesterday with Elizabeth and Brendan Elizabeth easily the best tour guide I’ve ever experienced I couldn’t recommend this trip highly enough

    siobhanthornton
    July 1, 2022
  • star ratingBeautiful tour and very interesting! Crew was excellent and informative with history and facts of the area. The drive into the “cathedral” cave was stunning!

    223tracyf
    August 14, 2022

    star ratingVery informative tour. Elizabeth was very kind and made sure we were comfortable. Great sights were seen! Both members went above and beyond to give us tips for our stay... read more

    X9118QCalexist
    June 22, 2023

    star ratingGreat trip around Valentia and the area. Incredible trip into the caves , wonderful views, including Kerry Cliffs! The captain and son did a great job maneuvering the boat around... read more

    cathir_11
    August 19, 2021
  • star ratingWhat a great tour we had with Pat and son Paul. Visited Beginish and Church Island . Paul gave us history of island while walking around taking his time to... read more

    jackgL4552XH
    August 21, 2019

    star ratingHighly recommend,amazing views of Valentia Island and great history background of Valentia given on the tour

    Book your trip and you won’t regret it !

    Geraldine F
    June 5, 2023

    star ratingAbsolutely loved this tour! What an amazing way to see such an historic place and the wildlife. Loved hearing the stories. The boat was great, and the crew were brilliant.

    jane_mairead
    February 4, 2023