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 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 ratingAbsolutely wonderful tour of the harbors of Valentia and Cahersiveen.
    Elizabeth was very knowledgeable about all the local history and we learned many things. It was so interesting to see... read more

    Kathryn M
    July 13, 2023

    star ratingMy favourite part of the tour was when we passed a group of dolphins. Another part of the tour I enjoyed was seeing all the other wildlife around Skellig Beag

    Jimmy182939
    July 19, 2023
  • star ratingAmazing boat tour around Valentia Island.
    So happy to see Cahersiveen, Beginnish Island and the cliffs caves from a different perspective. Brendan & Elizabeth are more than friendly and so... read more

    Uisce_Beatha_House
    May 27, 2023

    star ratingI couldn't recommend this service enough. My friend and I had a truly wonderful afternoon on both Beginish and Church Island - we will definitely be back again before the... read more

    rosemaryandpeterhill
    July 31, 2019

    star ratingHad a wonderful tour of Valentia Island which included Church & Beginish Islands, a surprise visit to 2 caves as the water was calm and granted access, then on to... read more

    gersully
    September 5, 2021
  • star ratingFamily of five. Loved the boat trip. Views stunning. Cute seals pups. Tour guide funny, enthusiastic and well informed about lots of things, including other must see places .
    Would... read more

    LisaCallanan
    July 3, 2023

    star ratingWhen you are in Kerry, do not miss the Skellig Aqua Terra tour from Valentina with Elizabeth and Brendan. This eco tour does not land on the Skellig but... read more

    Ken B
    July 31, 2022

    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 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

    star ratingHighly recommend this trip. Fantastic scenery, lovely guide Elizabeth and pilot (JP?). The sea was very choppy with spray and swells but it only added to the whole experience for... read more

    MarshmallowT
    August 9, 2022

    star ratingThis was a very good trip. The crew was nice and very caring. It is a rocky journey in the ocean. Recommend a LIGHT LUNCH before setting foot on the... read more

    baptisteg283
    August 15, 2023