About
Portmagee is a small fishing village on the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland. Its harbour and quay give the place a quiet, working character, and it is best known as the main departure point for trips to the Skellig Islands.
Why visitors come
The Skelligs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Portmagee is where most boat journeys to them begin. For many travellers, the village is the starting point of a day out on the Atlantic, and the crossing itself is a large part of the experience. Whether the islands are reached on a given day depends on the weather and the sea, so visitors are wise to keep their plans flexible.
What to expect
- A small, low-key fishing village rather than a large town
- A harbour setting, with boats and the rhythm of the sea close at hand
- A convenient base for exploring the surrounding stretch of Kerry's coast
Portmagee suits visitors who want a slower pace and a sense of coastal life. Those with a particular interest in the Skelligs will find it the natural place to begin. Anyone planning a trip should check the current arrangements for boats and the island landings before setting out.
