A Guide to Portmagee
Read our travel guide on Portmagee in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Portmagee, known as a gateway to Skellig Ring, Valentia Island, and Skellig Michael, is a great place to visit when road-tripping the Wild Atlantic Way.
Whether you're hoping to marvel at the monastic history of the nearby UNESCO islands, spot different species of seabirds, explore the remote trails of County Kerry, or taste the local seafood, Portmagee won't disappoint.
Obviously, there is not much to see and do in the village itself, but the surrounding area is absolutely breathtaking and worth exploring.
And if you make it all the way down here, we are pretty confident that this will be the favorite part of your Ireland road trip.
So here's everything you need to know about Portmagee before you go.
Best Things to Do in Portmagee
The main reason to visit Portmagee for most visitors is its fantastic location.
Those road-tripping the Skellig Ring will have to pass through the village either way.
The same goes most likely for travelers heading to Valentia Island or Skellig Michael.
Portmagee
The village itself is situated on the western tip of the Iveragh Peninsula, but it's easy to get there.
It has only a couple of seafood restaurants, a cafe, a few accommodations, and some colorful houses, so there is not much to see and do while there.
Despite its increasing popularity, this is not a Dublin or Galway, so things are still very quiet here.
The best part is that Portmagee is so tiny that you can easily get around on foot.
The pier from which boats to Skellig Michael depart is located right in the center of the village, making the getting around part easier than ever.
Portmagee Harbour is one of many Discovery Points along the Wild Atlantic Way, and you will find a conveniently located parking area right next to the viewpoint.
Skellig Ring
Considered to be the best extension of the iconic Ring of Kerry, the Skellig Ring is full of unexpected surprises.
Even though the scenic drive is relatively short, it's definitely worth including in your itinerary.
The small seaside village of Ballinskelligs was the first stop on this scenic drive, home to a beautiful sandy beach and ruins of a castle and monastery.
St. Finian's Bay features another lovely beach, a chocolate factory, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Coomanaspig Pass is an even more narrow drive on the way from St. Finian's Bay to Kerry Cliffs, offering beautiful views of the rural Irish scenery and the Atlantic Ocean.
For many travelers, the impressive Kerry Cliffs are the best stop on Skellig Ring and the main reason why they even make this detour in the first place.
As you can clearly see, there are plenty of interesting places to visit along the Skellig Ring, and we were delighted that we got a chance to explore this area.
After visiting the cliffs, the next stop is Portmagee.
Skellig Michael
One of the top attractions in County Kerry, Skellig Michael, features one of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland, abundant birdlife, and breathtaking scenery.
Surrounded only by the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the living conditions of ascetic monks living from the 6th to 13th century CE couldn't be simpler.
The larger Skellig Michael is famous for its beehive-style huts, ancient monastery, stone stairs, and super steep slopes.
The island was also used as a filming location in the new Star Wars trilogy, which increased its popularity even more.
The less famous of the duo, Little Skellig, is home to a huge northern gannet colony but is closed to the public.
The UNESCO-listed Skellig Islands are pretty much on every Ireland itinerary, but not everyone is fortunate enough to secure a spot on one of the Skellig Michael landing tours.
That was our case, as the landing tours usually run between mid-May to the end of September. Don't worry.
You can still take a regular boat trip that will take you to the islands as close as possible, or you can enjoy the views from the mainland if enduring a journey on a choppy sea is not your favorite activity.
Don't forget that these trips are also very weather dependent and may be canceled on short notice.
If the weather cooperates, the islands are visible from multiple spots along the Skellig Ring, even though they are a bit further from the coast.
Valentia Island
If you find the Ring of Kerry too busy, make a side trip to Valentia Island.
Unlike many islands situated along the Irish coast, Valentia is easily accessible via a bridge or short ferry ride.
Therefore, if you want to incorporate an island trip into your itinerary, Valentia is one of your best bets.
Keen outdoor enthusiasts can scale Geokaun Mountain and enjoy the stunning views of Foger Cliffs.
Without any exaggerating, this was one of our favorite places in County Kerry.
Here you will find more tips on Geokaun Mountain and the Fogher Cliffs area, so make sure to read this guide to get the most out of your trip.
While exploring Valentia Island, you can also learn about telecommunications history, visit the local lighthouse, admire 300 million years old tetrapod footprints, or hike at Bray Head.
The road bridge connecting Portmagee with Valentia Island is at the east end of Portmagee.
The ferry frequently leaves from Reenard Point and arrives at Knightstown, situated on the east tip of the island.
How Much Time Do I Need
As usual, how long you need in Portmagee depends on your Ireland road trip itinerary and personal preferences.
It is a tiny village, and it takes only a short amount of time to see it all.
But that's not the main goal of your journey.
If you want to catch the boat trip to Skellig Michael that usually leaves in the morning, your safest bet is to stay in the village overnight.
When arriving in Portmagee at the end of the day, the village makes a perfect place for visitors who want to spend the night there.
Obviously, a day in the Portmagee area gives you a chance to discover more than you think, especially if you want to explore all the attractions we listed above.
When to Go
The village of Portmagee can be visited all year round. Therefore, we suggest deciding on when to visit Ireland first.
The best time to visit Portmagee is between May and August, though this is highly individual.
While this time of the year attracts the tourists that flock to the area's top attractions, the days are long and often sunny.
The rest of the year is far less busy, and despite the lower temperatures, you will still be able to enjoy this area.
Just remember that the landing boat tours to Skellig Michael don't run year-round.
We visited Portmagee at the beginning of May, and while the days in this region were windy, the weather was mostly fine.
What to Pack
A rain jacket, comfortable daypack, and good quality footwear are the essential items you should pack for Portmagee and its surroundings.
The nearby trails were mostly well-maintained, but a prolonged rain can change that.
The coastal areas in Ireland are windy, and a good windbreaker comes in handy even during the summer season.
Don't forget that the days are long when on the road, so make sure to bring your favorite water bottle to stay hydrated.
Here is our Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
Portmagee sits on R565 and marks the beginning of Skellig Ring.
It is easily accessible by car and only a short detour from the famous Ring of Kerry.
Car
In our opinion, having your own transport for this remote corner of County Kerry is a huge advantage.
You can plan your trip according to your preferences, reach more remote attractions, and make as many stops along the way as you want.
While Irish rural roads are often very narrow, and you will drive on the left side of the road, it's totally fine if you drive slowly.
Here you will find more tips on driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland.
Portmagee is less than 80 kilometers east of Killarney, which is known for the Killarney National Park and Gap of Dunloe.
Portmagee is about a 20-minute drive from Waterville.
Dublin is almost 400 kilometers from Portmagee, but most travelers will need several days to cover this stretch of the road as there are many must-see sites along the way.
Travel Resources
When rentin a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
Even though Portmagee is tiny, we didn't have a problem finding free parking at the harbor area.
There is also parking near the church if you won't find a spot at the waterfront.
Public Transport
The public transport runs only a few times a week in Portmagee and connects the village with Knightstown and Cahersiveen.
But once again, you need to plan your trip carefully if you want to rely only on public transport during your vacation.
Don't forget that you will most likely need to combine this option with taxis or organized trips.
Therefore, in this case, it is not that great if you travel around Ireland on a budget.
Where to Stay in Portmagee
The village of Portmagee has a fantastic location and is a popular stop along the Skellig Ring. Despite its increasing popularity, accommodation in Portmagee is still limited.
Nevertheless, it doesn't mean you won't find a nice hotel or lovely bed and breakfast in the village.
It mostly means that you will need to book your accommodation early, at least in the peak season.
If everything is booked out in Portmagee, you can always try your luck by searching for accommodation in the surrounding countryside.
Here we hand-selected the best hotels in Portmagee.
Hotel | The Moorings Hotel - Featuring charming rooms with king-sized beds, a hard-to-beat location, and a superb restaurant, this popular hotel is your safest bet when it comes to accommodation in Portmagee.
Bed and breakfast | Seagull Cottage - Situated just outside of Portmagee, this lovely bed and breakfast has cozy rooms with a kitchenette, free private parking, a lovely garden, and an excellent location.
Bed and breakfast | Atlantic Sunset - With spacious rooms, free private parking, a quiet location, and a welcoming host, Atlantic Sunset is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat near Portmagee.
Staying Safe
Portmagee is a tiny village with an idyllic location, and crime is very low in this area.
Still, use your common sense to stay safe, especially if you want to explore the nearby natural attractions.
When hiking in the countryside, always make sure to bring proper gear.
The weather is unpredictable, and you don't want to be caught in the rain without a proper rain jacket or rain poncho.
Also, stay on the designated trails when visiting the nearby cliffs.
These areas are notoriously dangerous, and getting off the trail or too close to the edge is never worth it.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Portmagee Worth Visiting?
Portmagee is a lovely village that is definitely worth visiting, but only if you want to explore this area or take a boat trip to Skellig Michael.
The village is very quiet and has an excellent location, so it's also a perfect overnight stop for travelers exploring the Skellig Ring or the Ring of Kerry.
Of course, if you're, let's say, in Cork, then taking a massive detour to Portmagee is not worth it, as you can visit cute seaside villages, such as Kinsale, within this county.
However, if you ever make it to Portmagee, you're in for a treat, as the village is very cute, and the nearby natural attractions will leave you in awe.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
