Visit Skellig Michael.

Skellig Michael


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Skellig Michael : things to do and places to visit

St. Fionan’s Monastery

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The only remains of the island of Skellig Michael! A magical place, transporting you back to medieval Irish history!

The steps of Skellig Michael

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No fewer than 618 steps await you in this exceptional location! They were dug out of the rock by monks in the 7th century.

The Skellig Lighthouse

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Lost on the uninhabited island of Skellig Michael, it has a timeless charm!





What to expect?

Skellig Michael is a wild island in Ireland, part of the Skellig Islands archipelago. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this dark rocky island is a natural wonder, impossible to miss along the Kerry coastline! A little extra that should delight fans: this island was used as a filming location for the new episodes of the Star Wars saga!

History of Skellig Michael

A wild island with ancient traces of habitation

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Skellig Islands – © Bastian

At 218 meters above sea level, the island boasts incredible remains dating back to the 7th century. It has to be said that the site has been deeply marked by the passage of Catholic monks, who at the time decided to live in seclusion on Skellig Michael. They lived a hermit’s life, devoting their time to prayer, meditation, animal husbandry, fishing and working the land.

Life was particularly hard here: the monks lived in bories (a type of stone hut), and modelled their daily routine on the rhythm of the island and the ocean. Hard-working, they are still renowned today for their titanic work: the impressive 618-step stone staircase linking the base of the island to its summit was built by them. A Pharaonic work, requiring strength, patience and meticulousness! A real marvel, but you’ll need a bit of breath and stamina to climb it!

The monks lived there for 5 centuries, until 1200, when the island became a pilgrimage site in its own right. The monks, reluctant to give up their secluded life, decided to desert the island in favor of Ballinskelligs Abbey.

Around 1800, the island was equipped with two lanterns to serve as a lighthouse. In the end, only one remained, and it was automated in 1987, by which time no one had set foot on the island.

Nevertheless, the site is open to visitors. Skellig Michael has also become an iconic filming location for the new Star Wars trilogy. An honor that has made it one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations!

Visit Skellig Michael

How do I get there?The steps up to Skellig Michael are pretty steep! shutterupeire

Skellig Michael is a wild island, whose geographical and climatic situation doesn’t always allow visitors to explore it… With no port of call, the island has only one access ramp, which can be difficult to reach in rough weather…

However, if the conditions are right, you can discover all the island’s beauty!

Here is a list of the various places where you can take the boat to connect Skellig Michael :

  • Portmagee
  • on the island of Valentia
  • in Ballinskelligs

The journey varies from 45 minutes to 1h30, depending on where you took the shuttle, and on the weather conditions. Please note: the journey is generally expensive (around 50€ ) 90€ return per person), but once you’re there, the island is free to visit. (Note that few boats have WCs).

Skellig Michael is open from mid-May to the end of September. Schedules vary according to the company chosen… and of course the weather can sometimes force the boat captain to cancel the excursion.

Don’t hesitate to book as far in advance as possible. Please note that some bed and breakfasts can take care of this for you.

Usually depart around 10:00 am and return around 3:00 pm: bring your own picnic, but be careful not to leave anything there – it’s a protected site!

What’s more, the island is 100% wilderness: no toilets, no restaurants. Nothing is geared to the tourist, and it’s best to be warned from the outset.

Nevertheless, the spectacle offered by the island is quite simply grandiose: starting with the village of the monks who lived on Skellig Michael. On the program: stone huts, remains of churches and prayer halls… Plunge into the heart of an enchanting past!

If you’re a keen walker, don’t hesitate to explore the island afterwards, and take advantage of its exceptional views over County Kerry, and its neighboring island, Little Skellig. These panoramas are well worth a stop for a few photos and a complete change of scenery! Finally, you’ll have the chance to observe an incredible number of seabirds, from pretty shearwaters to gannets!

Be warned, however: exploring the island requires excellent physical condition: the steep gradient and 618 slippery steps could put off the less hardy!

The ascent is rather dangerous, and lacks any safety infrastructure: it has to be said that the island is not only protected by UNESCO, but is also a nature reserve for seabirds! In other words, the island will remain as it is, without any special tourist facilities!

So go well equipped with hiking boots, binoculars, food, water and warm clothing. Try to preserve its ecosystem as much as possible by keeping a low profile. Nature remains beautiful when we respect it.

Children are not recommended.

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