Ireland
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ireland: how to visit
Visit both Irish UNESCO sites – Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange) and Skellig Michael – if you have 2 days; go in late spring to early autumn, and budget €10‑€15 for entry and a short ferry.
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Key facts
- UNESCO sites in Ireland
- Brú na Bóinne, Skellig Michael
- Best months
- May–September (weather mild, longer daylight)
- Entry costcheck
- ≈ €10 – €15 per site (incl. ferry to Skellig)
- Travel time from Dublincheck
- Brú na Bóinne ~1 h by car; Skellig Michael ~4 h (Dublin‑Cork‑Kerry, plus ferry)
Quick answer
Both sites are reachable in a short trip: Brú na Bóinne is a 1‑hour drive north of Dublin; Skellig Michael requires a 4‑hour drive to Portmagee and a 30‑minute ferry. Visit in May‑Sept for good weather and open services.
Costs
| Site | Entry fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange) | €12 (adult) | Guided tour required; advance booking |
| Skellig Michael | €15 (adult) | Ferry from Portmagee; limited slots, pre‑book |
Prices are 2026 estimates; check official sites for exact rates.
How to visit
1. From Dublin, rent a car (left‑hand drive) and drive north on the M1 to Newgrange (≈ 1 h). Park at the visitor centre, join the timed guided tour (30 min).
2. For Skellig Michael, drive south on the M7/M8 to Cork, then the N71 to Portmagee (≈ 4 h total). Arrive early to catch the 10:00 am ferry (≈ 30 min). The island is a steep climb; wear sturdy shoes.
3. Both sites close around 6 pm in summer; plan to finish tours by 4 pm to allow travel back.
- Carry a rain jacket – Irish weather changes quickly.
- Check ferry schedules; they run only on select days in winter.
- Book tickets online where possible to guarantee entry.
Notes
Accessibility: Brú na Bóinne offers limited wheelchair access; Skellig Michael is not wheelchair‑friendly.
Photography: Allowed in the visitor centre at Brú na Bóinne; no flash on the interior tombs. On Skellig, only exterior shots are permitted.
Safety: The Skellig climb involves steep steps and uneven ground; not recommended for those with mobility issues.
Questions people ask
What should I know about UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ireland?
Ireland has two sites – Brú na Bóinne and Skellig Michael. Both require advance tickets, have modest entry fees, and are best visited between May and September.
How much does it cost?
Around €12 for Brú na Bóinne and €15 for Skellig Michael (including the ferry). Prices are 2026 estimates; check the official sites before booking.
When should I plan for it?
Visit in late spring to early autumn (May‑Sept) for open services, longer daylight and milder weather. Book tours and ferries ahead, especially in peak summer.
Can I visit both sites in one day?
No – Brú na Bóinne is 1 h north of Dublin, Skellig Michael is 4 h south‑west. Plan at least two separate days, or pick one if you have only one day.
Do I need a car to reach them?
A car is the easiest option. Brú na Bóinne has bus tours from Dublin; Skellig Michael requires a car or taxi to Portmagee, then a ferry.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialDiscover Ireland – UNESCO sites
Ask about Ireland
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