Explore the Skelligs

“An incredible, impossible, mad place. I tell you the thing does not belong to any world that you and I have lived and worked in; it is part of our dream world.”

When George Bernard Shaw wrote these words back in 1910, he had just returned from a visit to one of the most remarkable and best preserved archaeological sites. Situated on a narrow ledge, six hundred feet above the water, the little monastery remains virtually the same as when it was first built, more than 1,400 years ago. Perched on a spectacular pinnacle of rock known as Skellig Michael, it is located twelve kilometres (eight miles) out in the ocean, off the Skellig Coast of County Kerry in south-west Ireland, part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Dedicated to the Archangel Michael, this location equals, if not surpasses, the sites of the other two great monastic centres in western Europe that were also built in his honour: Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy (France) and St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall (England).

There’s a prehistoric ‘standing stone’ on top, with incised Celtic cross. Medieval pilgrims, after visiting the monastery, would climb to the top and kiss the rock, thus proving their piety! Skellig Michael (Sceilg Mhichíl) was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.

Recently Star Wars crew used The Skelligs as an ideal location to film portions of ‘Star Wars VII – The Force Awakens’ and the yet to be released ‘Star Wars VIII – The Last Jedi’. Skellig Michael and Little Skellig are Special Protection Areas and Nature Reserves under the management of the National Parks and Wildlife Service due to the birdlife that migrate through the islands including being home to approximately 30,000 breeding gannets.

It is recommended that all planning to visit the Skelligs view the safety video provided by the OPW to best prepare for your Skelligs experience.