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**

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?

Real Reviews, Real Experiences

  • star ratingWe has a amazing tour with two really nice guide, they every time care about all customers.... the tour was releaxed we have all time to see the Islands from... read more

    sweaty23
    June 12, 2023

    star ratingGreat boat trip around the islands, puffins, gannets and seals, lots of local history plus beautiful scenery. A great day out thank you.

    travelingsailor1
    July 27, 2022

    star ratingGreat experience. Really interesting your. Great fun. Really knowledgeable tour guide. Good value. Definitely recommend.

    johngR1500FA
    August 23, 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 ratingWe had an smacking amazing time, the tour guides were the highlight, they were amazing. After this tour we learnt so much about the rich culture and history of Valentia... read more

    ryan r
    June 11, 2023

    star ratingHighly recommended tour from start to finish. Booking was fluent and easy, between the partnership with the Royal Valentia hotel for advertising, and the excellent Kerry Aqua Terra website.
    Our... read more

    AnBaileNua
    July 1, 2023
  • 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 ratingGreat trip to Church Island, an interesting early medieval archaeological site, with a shrine, church and beehive hut. Very informative guide.

    Huw P
    May 18, 2022

    star ratingWent on the Wildlife Eco cruise and can't recommend it enough. A great way to spend an evening and very reasonably priced. Elizabeth and Brendan are very welcoming and extremely... read more

    155jacintag
    August 10, 2023
  • star ratingThoroughly enjoyed this trip today tho visibility wasn’t at its best. Elizabeth was an excellent guide, very attentive to her passengers and gave us lots of information about our trip.... read more

    Y640ZFtheresak
    June 12, 2023

    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 ratingGreat boat trip where the boat circled around both skellig beag and skellig Micheal. I did the landing tour a few years ago but preferred this tour as you had... read more

    hazelbyrne
    May 27, 2023