The Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael and Small Skellig, stand aloof in the Atlantic Ocean some 12 km southwest of Valentia Island, County Kerry. These Skellig islands are world-famous, each in its own right: Skellig Michael is known throughout the world of archaeology as the site of a well-preserved monastic outpost of the Early Christian period – now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Small Skellig is equally renowned in matters of ornithology as the home of some 27,000 pairs of gannets – the second largest colony of such seabirds in the world. Schools can visit the The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre on Valentia Island. Here you can take a tour of the exhibition and learn about the islands. A cruise within the confines of Portmagee Channel is included in the admission fee of €11. Skellig Michael Tours of the islands must be organised independently. The Skellig islands tours only run during certain times of the year. If you want to visit Skellig Michael you will need to book well in advance.