Ireland is a country blessed with nature, food, and culture—the perfect trio. Its especially stunning natural scenery captivates everyone who visits. In Ireland, there are two World Heritage Sites: the “Brú na Bóinne – Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne” and the one we’ll introduce now, “Skellig Michael.”
Skellig Michael, a World Heritage Site, is a remote island located 16 km off the coast of County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. At its summit stands a monastery that has remained for over 1,500 years. Let us introduce you to the charm of this historically breathtaking site, Skellig Michael.
What is Skellig Michael?
Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the Iveragh Peninsula, Skellig Michael consists of two islands. Little Skellig is off-limits to visitors and is now a haven for birds. If you're lucky, you may also spot wild seals. The other island, Great Skellig, is the main attraction and is a designated World Heritage Site.
"Skellig Michael" means "Michael's Rock" in Irish. Early Christian monks in Ireland lived here, stacking stones to build chapels and homes. The structures built on the steep cliffs have been well preserved due to the island’s location and terrain. Today, the remains of the monastery can still be seen. While it is believed the Celts may have built it, the exact details remain unclear. The surviving buildings and cross-shaped monuments give a glimpse into the monks’ ascetic lives under harsh conditions.
More recently, Skellig Michael gained further fame as a filming location for Star Wars, increasing its popularity. Unfortunately, due to rising tourist numbers, damage to the ruins has become a concern. As a result, the number of visitors allowed to the island is now restricted.
Name: Skellig Michael
Address: County Kerry, Ireland
Official Site:http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/757/
Access to Skellig Michael
First, head to Killarney, a town that serves as the base for sightseeing around County Kerry. From Dublin, it takes about 3.5 to 4 hours by train. By plane, it’s about 1 hour from Dublin to Kerry Airport, which is near Killarney. You can get information about boats and accommodations at the Killarney Information Center. Some travel plans include transportation to Portmagee, the gateway to Skellig Michael.
If you’re going to Portmagee by taxi or rental car, you can look for boats at the Portmagee Information Center. Please note that boat services only operate from around April to October.
Skellig Michael Highlight #1: A Paradise for Seabirds
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael, is also a nature reserve. You can encounter a wide variety of birds here, including puffins, which are known for their stout, colorful beaks and charming faces; razorbills, which walk in a way that resembles penguins; Manx shearwaters; black-legged kittiwakes; storm petrels; guillemots; fulmars; and gannets.
Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to set foot on Little Skellig, which is a true paradise for birds. However, on the boat ride to Great Skellig, you can enjoy seeing many of these birds from the water. Wild seals are also commonly seen on Little Skellig.
Skellig Michael Highlight #2 of Skellig Michael: Ruins and Spectacular Views
On a sightseeing boat tour around Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery surrounding the island. The panorama created by the blue sea, the green island, and the seabirds is truly breathtaking! It will be deeply etched in your memory.
Although the price is double, there are also private tours that allow you to land on the island. You can fully enjoy the World Heritage Site of Skellig Michael as you climb the stairs and paths along steep cliffs. While boats may not operate depending on the weather, the superb view from the mountaintop of this World Heritage Site and the solemn atmosphere of ruins with 1,500 years of history make it a highly recommended experience.
Skellig Michael Highlight #3: Experience the World of Star Wars
The World Heritage Site Skellig Michael is also famous as a filming location for the popular movie Star Wars! The island was featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, released in December 2015, and Star Wars: Episode VIII, released in 2017. Before visiting, it might be a good idea to rewatch The Force Awakens and check which scenes were filmed on Skellig Michael.
It’s also delightful to walk around the site while imagining which parts appeared in which scenes. This World Heritage Site is an irresistible destination for movie lovers, especially Star Wars fans.
Important Notes for Skellig Michael
Checking the time is essential when booking tours at the visitor center. Same-day reservations are possible, but advance bookings are more reliable. Same-day reservations for private tours are only available between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Also, both sightseeing boats and private boats are expected to be very bumpy. Seasickness precautions are necessary. To reach the summit of Skellig Michael, visitors must climb steep steps and paths without fences or handrails. Please be well-prepared before participating.
◎ Summary
How was it? Skellig Michael, a World Heritage Site in Ireland, is filled with charm and wonder. There are emotions and excitement here that you can only experience in this place. When you visit Ireland, be sure to make the trip out to Skellig Michael.