The Skellig Islands

Overview

The Skellig Islands sit about 12 km (8 mi) off the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, jutting 218 m (714 ft) out of the wild Atlantic. The pair – Skellig Michael (the larger, inhabited island) and Little Skellig (a protected seabird sanctuary) – form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a designated Nature Reserve. Their stark limestone cliffs, crystal‑clear surrounding waters and dramatic sky have made them a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way and, since 2014, a pilgrimage for Star Wars fans.

History & Background

• 6th‑century monastic settlement – A small community of hermit monks chose the remote rock in the 600s AD, building a stone‑cut monastery, six beehive huts, a church, oratory and walled garden. The dry‑stone construction has survived for over 1 500 years.
• Viking raids & later abandonment – The island endured occasional Viking attacks before the monks finally left in the 13th century.
• UNESCO recognition – In 1996 Skellig Michael was inscribed on the World Heritage List for its “outstanding universal value”.
• Star Wars fame – The island doubled as the planet Ahch‑To in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017), drawing a new generation of visitors.

What to See & Do

• The monastic complex – Climb the 600 rough stone steps to reach the east‑side monastery. Six beehive huts, a small church dedicated to St Michael and a walled garden reveal the austere life of the early Christians.
• Lighthouse – The iconic stone lighthouse on the summit still guides ships today.
• Wildlife – Little Skellig hosts the world’s second‑largest gannet colony (≈23 000 pairs) and both islands support puffins, Arctic terns, Manx shearwaters, fulmars, cormorants and guillemots. Grey seals, basking sharks, minke whales and even leather‑back turtles have been recorded in the surrounding waters.
• Underwater world – Divers can explore cliffs that plunge to 60 m (200 ft), encountering abundant marine life.
• The Skellig Experience – Located on Valentia Island, this award‑winning visitor centre offers four exhibitions (monastic history, seabirds, lighthouses, underwater Skellig) and a short film titled An Island on the Edge of the World.
• Star Wars film locations – Guided tours point out the exact spots used for the Jedi scenes, and the nearby village of Portmagee still displays memorabilia from the shoot.

Practical Information

Season & weather – Landing tours operate from May to the start of October; an eco‑tour that circles the islands is available in April. All trips are weather‑dependent and may be cancelled at short notice.

Departure points – Boats leave from Portmagee, Ballinskelligs, Caherdaniel and Valentia Island. The small harbour at Portmagee is the most common embarkation point for Vagabond & Driftwood tours.

Boat details – The vessels are roughly 9 m (30 ft) long, open‑decked and can carry 12 passengers. The crossing takes ≈50 minutes (fastest covered boat 35‑40 min). Waves often splash the deck, so ponchos are provided.

Visitor limits – Only 180 people may set foot on Skellig Michael each day, and 12 people per boat are allowed on the water.

Fitness & accessibility – The island is reached by a 600‑step stone stairway with no handrails; it is not suitable for those with reduced mobility or a fear of heights. A single dry‑toilet (no flush) is available on the island; there are no other facilities.

Ticket prices – Prices vary by operator and season. Below is a representative range (prices in euros):

Booking – Because of the strict visitor cap, it is advisable to book well in advance (especially for the peak summer months). Vagabond tours require a €139 landing fee paid at least 60 days before departure; the fee is non‑refundable unless the tour is cancelled due to weather.

Additional costs – There is no entry fee for the island itself; the price you pay is the boat/landing charge. The Skellig Experience centre charges a separate admission fee (check the centre’s website for current rates).

Useful links

• Official Tourism Ireland page
• Skellig Experience Visitor Centre
• Best Skellig Trips – boat schedules & prices
• Portmagee ferry timetable (Vagabond)

In a nutshell – The Skellig Islands offer a rare blend of early‑Christian history, world‑class birdwatching, dramatic seascapes and pop‑culture allure. With careful planning, a boat ride across the Atlantic, and a willingness to climb 600 stone steps, visitors can stand on a place that feels truly “on the edge of the world”.