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.

Geology & Formation

The islands are the exposed tops of a 400‑million‑year‑old mountain range formed during the Armorican/Hercynian earth movements. The rock is primarily compressed sandstone mixed with silt and gravel, giving the cliffs their rugged, weather‑worn appearance. Their sheer rise from the Atlantic makes them a striking landmark for sailors and photographers alike.

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 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 occasional 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.

Getting There & Booking

• Departure points – Boats leave from Portmagee, Ballinskelligs, Caherdaniel and Valentia Island. Portmagee is the most popular embarkation point and offers limited parking – arrive early in peak season.
• Operators – The main licensed operators are Best Skellig Trips (Ballinskelligs), Paul Devane’s Skellig Cruises, The McCrohan’s Skellig Boat Tours, Skelligs Rock Cruises, Casey’s Skellig Michael Tours, Kerry Aqua Terra (Valentia) and Skellig Tours (Caherdaniel). All run 12‑person open‑decked boats; crossing takes about 50 minutes (fastest 35‑40 min).
• Capacity & booking – Only 180 people may set foot on Skellig Michael each day, so book well in advance, especially for the high‑summer months. Some operators require a non‑refundable €139 landing fee paid 60 days before departure.
• Weather – Tours are weather‑dependent and can be cancelled at short notice. Ponchos are provided; seasickness is common on rough days.
• Accessibility – The island is reached by a 600‑step stone stairway with no handrails; it is not suitable for reduced mobility, wheelchair users, or anyone uncomfortable with heights.
• Pets & children – Dogs are not permitted. The climb is best for older children who can manage the stairs and changing weather.

When to Visit

• Tour season – Boat landing tours operate May – early October; an eco‑tour that circles the islands (viewing Little Skellig’s bird colony) runs in April.
• Bird‑watching peak – Puffins, Manx shearwaters and Arctic terns nest from May to July. The gannet colony on Little Skellig is at its height in June–July.
• Marine life – Grey seals are a year‑round sight; dolphins and basking sharks are most common in the summer months.
• Photography – Clear, calm days in late spring and early summer give the best light for both wildlife and landscape shots.

Wildlife Highlights

• Gannets – Little Skellig supports around 23 000 breeding pairs, the second‑largest colony in the world.
• Puffins & shearwaters – Large numbers nest on the cliffs of both islands during the breeding season (May‑July).
• Marine mammals – Grey seals are a regular sight; dolphins and occasional basking sharks often accompany tour boats.
• Bird‑watching tip – Bring a pair of binoculars; the best viewing windows are on the eco‑tour that circles Little Skellig before approaching Skellig Michael.

Visitor Centre

The Skellig Experience on Valentia Island serves as the gateway to the islands. It opens daily from 10:00 – 16:30 (subject to seasonal variation) and charges a separate admission fee for its exhibitions. The centre provides detailed information on the monastic site, wildlife, lighthouse history and underwater world, plus a short introductory film. Check the centre’s website for up‑to‑date opening times and ticket prices.

Practical Information

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

Booking – Because of the strict visitor cap, 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)

Nearby Attractions & Routes

• Skellig Ring Drive – A scenic loop off the Ring of Kerry that offers spectacular coastal viewpoints of the islands, especially from the headland at Portmagee.
• Portmagee – The fishing village provides cafés, a small gift shop with Star Wars memorabilia, and easy access to the harbour.
• Valentia Island – Home to the Skellig Experience centre and the historic Valentia Harbour.
• Ballinskelligs – A charming village with a beach, the ruins of Ballinskelligs Abbey and a small museum. Ballinskelligs
• The Ring of Kerry – The world‑famous driving route passes close to the Skellig launch points, making a day‑trip combination easy.

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 truly feels “on the edge of the world”.