Skellig Michael

This UNESCO world heritage site dates back to the 6th century. The 217m high jagged rock was home to the Skellig Monks. Here they lived an isolated life, in stone beehive-shaped huts. These huts were expertly built in such a way that not a single drop of rain water penetrated their walls.

The monks spent their days tending to their gardens and praying in the church. They lived on a diet of fish and bird eggs. The nearby smaller island known as “Little Skellig” is also home to many species of sea birds, and is now home to the worlds second largest gannet colony.

The monks were subjected to numerous attacks from Vikings before eventually abandoning the island and relocating to the mainland at Ballinskelligs Abbey in the 13th century.

The island was further used as a place of pilgrimage for centuries to follow.
In more recent years, Skellig Michael has shot to the top of many peoples bucket lists due to the fact it features in one of the most famous and iconic film franchises ever made .. Star Wars! Scenes for Star Wars Episodes 7 and 8 were filmed here with Skellig Michael becoming “Ahch-To” , legendary Jedi Luke Skywalker’s remote sanctuary. The natural features of Skellig Michael fit perfectly into director JJ Abrams vision for the Jedi Temple.

If you don’t fancy making the trip to the islands you can visit the Skellig Experience Centre on Valentia Island located just over the bridge from Portmagee. Here you can get a brilliant introduction to the two islands through graphics, film presentations, models and exhibits.

More information can be found on their website www.skelligexperience.com.

Various local licenced boat operators run trips to Skellig Michael during the tourist season from numerous locations along the Skellig Coast such as Portmagee, Derrynane and Ballinskelligs .

The season for landing trips to Skellig Michael for 2022 runs from May 16th to September 30th, and non-landing trips run from April 28th to October 2nd. All trips are weather permitting.

Non landing trips allow you to see both the original and more modern lighthouses on Skellig Michael. Some operators run eco tours with the chance to get up close to the seabirds, seals and, if you’re lucky, dolphins too.