Attraction Tours near Waterville, Kerry
The best-known tours near Waterville go to the Skellig Islands, and the rest of the list is a country house, a mountain viewpoint and a brewery. Waterville village itself is not a departure point for the Skellig boats.
Skellig Michael landing tours
Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 11.5 km out in the Atlantic. You can only land with a permit-holding boat operator licensed by the OPW, and 15 were listed for 2026. Boats leave from Portmagee, Glen Pier on Valentia, Ballinskelligs and Derrynane Harbour. Portmagee is about 35 minutes from Waterville by the Skellig Ring.
The island is closed for the 2026 season and opens to visitors again in 2027. In recent years landings ran from mid-May to late September, and the OPW will publish the 2027 dates on its Skellig Michael page.
- Cost: admission to the island is free, and the boat fare is the cost. Landing trips run roughly €115 to €150, so check the operator. Skellig Experience quotes from €115, and Casey’s quotes €145.
- Time: visitors spend about 2.5 hours ashore on average, not counting the crossing. Guided tours and toilets are available on the island.
- The climb: 618 steep, uneven steps rise more than 180 m. They are slippery when wet, and there are falling-rock warnings. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip.
- Age limit: children under 12 are not permitted, and animals are not allowed.
- Weather: landings are often cancelled. Local radio reported about 40 per cent of 2024 crossings called off. Book a flexible ticket, keep a spare day, and expect a decision on the morning itself.
- Cancellations: Casey’s charges €15.50 per person to cancel seven or more days ahead, refunds nothing inside seven days, and refunds in full if the trip is cancelled for weather.
Boats carry 12 passengers each, so places go months ahead. Never try to reach the rocks by kayak, paddleboard or your own boat, because it is 11.5 km of open Atlantic.
Skellig Michael and Little Skellig cruises
Cruises sail around both islands without landing. Fares start from about €42 with Skellig Experience and from about €60 with Casey’s, and the trip takes about 2.5 hours. Little Skellig is the gannet colony. Children under 12 can take the cruise even though they cannot land.
Skellig Experience, Valentia
This visitor centre on Valentia Island sells the cruises and landing tours. Ask for the current exhibition admission when you book.
Derrynane House
Derrynane House is run by the OPW and is open 13 March to 1 November 2026. Hours are daily 10:00 to 16:45 until 30 September, and 10:00 to 16:00 from 1 October. Adults pay €5, groups and seniors €4, children and students €3, and a family ticket is €13. There is a café, toilets and guided tours. Only assistance dogs are admitted. The house closes after 1 November and reopens in mid-March 2027.
Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs
On Valentia Island, Geokaun is open every day, at any hour. Fees are €8 for a car, a family or a motorbike, €4 for a walker or a cyclist, €10 for a campervan and €15 for a minibus.
McGill’s Brewery
Tours at Murreigh are €20, €25 or €40 depending on length, for adults only. Check that they are running before you travel.
Read more: day trips from Waterville shows how to combine these stops.
The OPW pages for Skellig Michael and Derrynane House hold current rules and fees, Geokaun lists its entry prices, and boat trips are searchable on Viator .