Top Things to Do in Ballinskelligs
Things to Do in Ballinskelligs
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ballinskelligs.
Top Attractions in Ballinskelligs
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Cemeteries
Art Galleries • Lessons & Workshops
Art Galleries • Lessons & Workshops
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Historical & Heritage Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours
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Churches & Cathedrals
Multi-day Tours • Taxis & Shuttles
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- saeb38Greystones, Ireland1,548 contributionsGreat little sandy beach. Long walk to sea if low tide but worth it. Nice coffee shop nearby. Walk on beach is good but small river to jump over.Written 16 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- igal27Rehovot, Israel4,989 contributionsWe originally came to see the Ballinskelligs Beach, but were pleasantly surprised to find there were also ruins of an old castle here -- something the kids especially enjoy. We walked from the beach to the castle and went inside to explore. It's not very big but nice to walk around, climb the old stone stairs, and walk around the edges and see the view from the top.Written 19 August 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- James OCork, Ireland598 contributionsNot a lot to see but if you like old architecture and marvel at old construction and grave yards then this is definitely worth a stop as you are in the area.
I would advise parking in the beach car park from where the Abey is just a short meander across the beach or duns.
The architecture is stunning and the scenic views are alone worth the stop. The abbey is being worked on but still accessible from the external.
I think all ages would enjoy the walk and the Abbey ground for different reasons, however underfoot conditions aren't great for the unstable.
Also just a further short walk to a ruined fortification on the beachWritten 23 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - The Navigator113 contributionsThis is a loop walk, you need to be reasonably fit. There’s a signal tower and it was used as a look out point during World War Two.
At the car park there’s a memorial to the people who died when the “American Liberator” crashed near Little Skellig in 1944.
The road to the car park is narrow . People sometimes park at Cill Rialig instead of driving further .
There are great views to the Skellig islands, Derrynane bay and Balliskelligs Bay. The walk is marked clearly and is easy to follow . Just like with all the mountain walks , ask the locals about the weather before you go.It’s not a nice walk on a wet or windy day.Written 6 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - SuperDave47Brandon, Canada1,380 contributionsAmple beach-side parking, easy & safe entrance, rocks only on each side of bay, smooth break on the waves, lots of company from Germany and Switzerland.Written 7 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- LucyAbuPasadena, CA250 contributionsPerfect for a chocolate lover! We got to taste lots of yummy chocolate and it isnt too expensive to buy your favorites. There's also a little cafe there that has great hot chocolate and coffee.Written 1 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- June C20 contributionsRelaxed atmosphere. Friendly waiting staff. Had lovely red wine with pizzas and homemade chips. Pizzas came with salmon instead of mackerel and sausage instead of pepperoni with no explanation. However, both pizzas had a lovely thin crust which could be enhanced by a more flavoursome tomato base. All in all a good meal.Written 24 July 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Cheese M38 contributionsMy 10 year old son recently attended a morning workshop for kids here at Skellig Pottery.
During the session he made two pieces of pottery and had a go on the pottery wheel. The pieces have been left for firing in the kiln and I have arranged for them to be posted onto our holiday home in Ireland as we are here for another week.
My son thoroughly enjoyed making and painting his pieces and is eagerly awaiting their arrival.
There were five other children present aged between 5 and 10 years.
Julia was lovely with the children and very attentive.
The workshop is in Julia's garden with not much room to park but most parents were happy to drop their kids and run for an hour or two to themselves whilst their kids enjoyed themselves.
There is also a small display of pottery handmade by Julia, the owner, on sale in her workshop which can be purchased.
I would highly recommend the children's sessions, it's very informal and all the kids had a great time, some had even been before.
The session was €15 which included everything. As we weren't able to collect the pottery we paid an additional €5 for it to be posted on to us. The session lasted about 90 minutes.
Well worth a visit even if you just wanted to purchase some Irish pottery hand made in Ireland.Written 11 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Billy WLimerick, Ireland65 contributionsWe went paddle boarding on Ballinskelligs beach and had a ball. Our two teenage daughters picked it up almost immediately but I struggled a bit but Conor, the instructor, was very generous with his time and advice and kept an eye on all his clients on the water while on his speed boat.
An excellent way to spend a couple of hoursWritten 23 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - sumptuoustreatsDublin12 contributionsWe enjoyed the Skellig Ring tour so much it inspired us to book a second tour which incorporated the valleys and lakes of this wonderful peninsula.
The Skellig Ring is a superb tour; the combination of history with the beauty of the coast is a great introduction to the area. The Hidden Kerry tour was fantastic and having Dan as a guide ensured we did not miss any of the monastic settlements or fantastic photo opportunities the area has to offer. Sneem and Portmagee provided excellent food for lunch. Dan is an excellent guide with a great knowledge of and appreciation for the area.Written 2 January 2012This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - SueDen27Sydney, Australia3,385 contributionsHow good was it to arrive at this glorious part of Ireland this morning and meet Dessy. We walked along the beach, very few people around while Dessy explained all about the fascinating history of the area. He was very professional, knowledgeable and attentive to our abilities and needs. Make time to get away from all the crowded tourist spots and take this very special experience.Written 20 May 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- techmom64Hinsdale, IL83 contributionsThere are few boats that are authorized to go into Skellig. The operator was very responsive to my emails and questions. Some other responses in tripadvisor say that he was rude, but I did not see that. I saw a businessman that is very direct and straightforward with the way he operates his business. I was fortunate to get a spot on the day we wanted to go given that I was late in reserving.
The pier was somewhat hard to find as it was at the end of a long very narrow road. I asked for detailed directions. Again-- every response I got from the operator was prompt and accurate.
Everyone should know that you need to be prepared for this trip:
1. The boat is nothing fancy, and none of them are. You sit or stand for 45min on a loud engine boat that takes you to the island. Bring a jacket or two-- it gets chilly when you get away from land. Be aware of the splashing water. We stood too close to the side and our feet and pants got wet.
2. The driver of the boat is quiet. He has to be! He has 15 people on a small boat and the waves are high and he has to watch the swells and time his approach.
3. There is a small stair way to get on/off. Everyone gets/on and off the same way so just be careful.
4. The walk to the top is HARD! Dress in layers. As you reach the top it will be much warmer.
5. Be careful! Walking up and then down 600 stairs without a rail on the side of a island looking up/down is scary. The guide warns you about it, but you are walking at your own risk.
6. Be back at the drop off when the boat operator tells you. They each only have 5 min to get in and out to pick people up.
7. Our operator took us by the other smaller Skellig and showed us the seals and caves. It was great!
8. The drive back is long-- another 45 minutes. You will need to put jackets on to stay warm.
9. Bring a snack-- you are gone for >3hours and the hot/cold and walking sometimes take a toll.
Overall we had a GREAT experience. Thank you for taking us on the day we asked for.Written 23 September 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ballinskelligs
- The top attractions to visit in Ballinskelligs are:
- Ballinskelligs Beach
- McCarthy Mór Tower House - Ballinskellig Castle
- Ballinskelligs Abbey
- Bolus Barracks Loop
- St Finian's Bay
- The best outdoor activities in Ballinskelligs according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Ballinskelligs on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Ballinskelligs according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Private Ring of Kerry luxury tour with accredited guide
- Ring of Kerry Private Tour from Killarney
- Off the beaten Path Private Tour of Ring of Kerry
- Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring Private Tour
- Full-Day Private Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney
- The most popular things to do in Ballinskelligs with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Skelligs Chocolate Co.
- Ballinskelligs Beach
- McCarthy Mór Tower House - Ballinskellig Castle
- Ballinskelligs Abbey
- Cill Rialaig Arts Centre