Skellig Michael (Irish: Sceilig Mhichíl) is a small island in Ireland off the coast of County Kerry.
It is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Skellig Michael is home to a 6th-century monastic settlement. This complex is perched on the steep sides of the larger of the two Skellig Islands, some 12 km (7 mi) off the coast of south-west Ireland. It illustrates the very spartan existence of the first Irish Christians. Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved.
The monastery on Skellig Michael survived Viking raids in the 9th century, notably in 823, and was later significantly expanded, with a new chapel built around the start of the second millennium. The community at Skellig Michael was apparently never large - probably about 12 monks and an abbot. Some time in the 12th century the monks abandoned the Skellig and moved to the Augustinian Monastery at Ballinskelligs on the mainland.
Starting in the 1500s, Skellig Michael became a popular destination for annual pilgrimages, but had no permanent residents. In the 19th century two lighthouses were built and the Great Skellig was again inhabited, this time by a changing rota of lighthouse keepers. The second lighthouse still operates, though it was largely rebuilt during the 1960s and has been automated since the 1980s. In 1986 some restoration work was done and an official tourist bureau associated with the island was established. However restrictions have been imposed on tourist access, in the belief that tourist numbers (in particular use of the ancient stone steps up the rock) were causing a worrying degree of damage to the site. Alternative methods that would preserve the site while allowing public access are being considered. In 1996 it was made into a World Heritage Site. Skellig Michael has in the 2010s gained fame among fans of the Star Wars movie series as it provided the location shots for the refuge of Luke Skywalker in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
There are two Skellig Islands off the Coast of Co. Kerry. Along with its smaller neighbour, Little Skellig, Great Skellig is an important nature reserve. Between them the Skelligs hold nationally important populations of a number of seabirds, including gannet, fulmar, kittiwake, razorbill, common guillemot, and Atlantic puffin. Storm petrels and Manx shearwaters also nest in large numbers.
Keep an eye out for the puffins that inhabit the island and get quite close.
Due to the winter weather boats sail out in the summer season roughly (April-September)
Prices have significantly jumped up after Star Wars film, in which this island figured.
- For boat trips around the island without setting foot on it (2.5 hours) costs around €30-40.
- Boat trips including 2 hours spent on the island have a standard rate of €40 in the off-peak season and €70 in the summer months.
There are no banking facilities in Ballinskelligs or Portmagee, so you will need the money before you arrive.
- The Monastery Ruins at the peak of the island are one of the highlights of any trip to Ireland.
- The spectacular view of the South Peak from Christ's Saddle.
- The huge amount of sea birds, especially on Small Skellig
- Seals and, if you are lucky, dolphins in the waters on the way to the islands
- Relax with a pint in the harbour-side pubs to help take in the great experience
The Monastery Ruins at the peak of the island are one of the highlights of any trip to Ireland.
The spectacular view of the South Peak from Christ's Saddle.
The huge amount of sea birds, especially on Small Skellig
Seals and, if you are lucky, dolphins in the waters on the way to the islands
- The Skellig Experience, Valentia Island (directly opposite Portmagee. Get a good overview of the history of the monastery.
The Skellig Experience, Valentia Island (directly opposite Portmagee. Get a good overview of the history of the monastery.
Shops at the ports sell many traditional Irish souvenirs.
- Skellig Chocolates. A local company that make high quality and thoroughly recommended chocolates.
Skellig Chocolates. A local company that make high quality and thoroughly recommended chocolates.
There are no catering facilities on the island.
Bringing a picnic is a good idea however it is requested that this be eaten away from the remains of the monastery, to help stop seabirds scavenging among the ruins. The base of the steps near the Heliport is perhaps the best place to have a picnic, as it is well sheltered.
There are pubs in Ballinskelligs and Portmagee, which are the ideal place to have a drink once you return. The Bridge Bar and Fisherman’s Bar look out over the harbour and serve food.
Don’t forget that this is a ‘wilderness outing’ to an uninhabited Atlantic Ocean island where there are no modern facilities. Bring food, water, and sensible clothes.
The boat crossing can be choppy and there are no safety rails on the climb at Skellig Michael so tread carefully and responsibly.
Two tourists fell to their death on the island from the same location while navigating the steps to and from the monastery in 2009. The Office of Public Works, which oversees the island, has decided not to install a safety railing at that location, making it even more important for tourists to be extremely careful.
- Ring of Kerry
- Caherciveen