Nestled in the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, off the rugged coastline of County Kerry, lie the enigmatic Skellig Islands. These dramatic rocky outcrops have captured the imagination of visitors for centuries, but recently gained worldwide fame when they were transformed into a galaxy far, far away. Today, these remarkable islands offer a unique blend of ancient history, stunning natural beauty, and cinematic significance that makes them an essential destination for anyone exploring Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.
The skellig islands: a galaxy not so far away
Rising dramatically from the Atlantic waters, the jagged silhouettes of the Skellig Islands create an otherworldly landscape that seems perfectly suited for epic storytelling. It's no wonder that when location scouts for the new Star Wars trilogy were searching for the perfect setting to represent Luke Skywalker's isolated hideaway, they were immediately captivated by these remote Irish islands.
Star wars comes to county kerry
In 2015, audiences around the world were introduced to the spectacular scenery of Skellig Michael when it appeared as the planet Ahch-To in the closing scenes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The moment when Rey finally locates the legendary Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, standing atop the ancient stone steps of Skellig Michael, instantly became one of the most iconic images in recent cinema history. The island's beehive-shaped monastic ruins provided the perfect setting for Luke's hermitage, creating a sense of ancient wisdom and isolation that resonated perfectly with the character's storyline.
Behind the Scenes of The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi
Filming on these remote islands presented unique challenges for the Star Wars production team. Due to Skellig Michael's UNESCO World Heritage status and strict conservation regulations, the crew could only shoot for a few hours each day. Weather conditions frequently complicated matters, with the Atlantic elements proving as unpredictable as the plot twists in the films themselves. Despite these limitations, the team returned to film additional scenes for The Last Jedi, where the island featured more prominently as the sacred home of the first Jedi temple. Interestingly, the local wildlife even made its way into the Star Wars universe, with the island's native puffins inspiring the creation of the adorable porgs that appear throughout the film.
Skellig michael: ancient monastic marvel
While Star Wars may have brought new attention to Skellig Michael, the island's most remarkable feature is undoubtedly its ancient monastic settlement, established long before lightsabers and the Millennium Falcon entered popular culture. The extraordinary history of human habitation on this seemingly inhospitable rock dates back to the 6th century, when Christian monks sought extreme isolation to commune with God.
The unesco heritage story
Skellig Michael earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, recognising the exceptional universal value of this remarkable site. The designation acknowledges both the cultural significance of the monastic settlement and the natural importance of the islands as a seabird sanctuary. This protected status ensures that visitor numbers are strictly controlled to preserve the delicate environment and ancient structures. The conservation efforts balance the growing tourism interest sparked by the Star Wars connection with the need to safeguard this irreplaceable treasure for future generations.
Stone Steps and Beehive Huts: Exploring the Monastery
Visitors who make the journey to Skellig Michael must ascend the same ancient stone steps that Rey climbed to find Luke Skywalker. These 618 hand-carved steps wind their way up the steep eastern face of the island, leading eventually to the remarkably preserved monastic enclosure. Here, a collection of six beehive-shaped stone huts stands as testimony to the ingenuity and devotion of the monks who once called this isolated outpost home. These distinctive structures, built without mortar and designed to withstand fierce Atlantic storms, have survived largely intact for over 1,000 years. The settlement also includes two boat-shaped oratories, terraced gardens, and cisterns for collecting rainwater, demonstrating how the monks created a sustainable existence in this challenging environment.
Navigating to the Skelligs
Reaching these remarkable islands requires planning and a touch of good fortune with the notoriously changeable Irish weather. The journey itself forms part of the adventure, with the boat trip offering spectacular views of the Kerry coastline and the possibility of encountering dolphins, whales, and a variety of seabirds.
Planning Your Journey from the Iveragh Peninsula
Most boat tours to the Skellig Islands depart from the charming fishing village of Portmagee, though some also leave from nearby Ballinskelligs, Valentia Island, or Derrynane. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on sea conditions. Some local families have been operating these tours for generations, with one family proudly running excursions to Skellig Michael since 1980. Their deep knowledge of the local waters and weather patterns helps ensure visitors have the safest and most rewarding experience possible. For those prone to seasickness, it's advisable to check weather forecasts carefully and consider taking appropriate medication before departure.
Seasonal access and booking essential information
Access to Skellig Michael is strictly limited to the summer season, typically from May to October, when weather conditions are most favourable. Even during this period, landings can be cancelled at short notice if sea conditions deteriorate. The number of landing permits issued each day is strictly controlled to protect the site, making advance booking absolutely essential. Permits typically sell out months in advance, especially since the Star Wars connection increased demand. For those unable to secure a landing permit, eco-cruise options circle both islands, offering excellent views of the dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife without actually setting foot on Skellig Michael.
The wild atlantic way experience
The Skellig Islands represent just one magnificent highlight along Ireland's spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,500km touring route that follows the country's western seaboard. Incorporating these islands into a broader Irish adventure allows visitors to experience the full diversity of this remarkable coastline.
Incorporating the Skelligs into Your Irish Adventure
Many visitors combine their Skellig experience with exploration of the surrounding Iveragh Peninsula, home to the famous Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Other nearby Star Wars filming locations include Dunmore Head, where the memorable green milk scene with the thala-siren was filmed, and Sybil Head on the Dingle Peninsula, where the Caretaker's village scenes were shot. Further afield, dedicated Star Wars enthusiasts might venture to Malin Head in County Donegal, Ireland's most northerly point, where scenes of the Millennium Falcon were filmed. A local bar there even features a Yoda mural to commemorate the filming. Other locations include Brow Head in County Cork, where Luke Skywalker was filmed spearing a fish, and Loop Head in County Clare, which served as the setting for Rey's dark side cave dive.
Birdwatching Paradise: Meeting the Gannets and Puffins
While Little Skellig remains off-limits to visitors, boat tours circle close enough to appreciate its remarkable status as one of the world's largest gannet colonies, with over 70,000 pairs nesting on its white-topped crags. Skellig Michael itself hosts significant populations of puffins during the breeding season, typically from April to early August. These charismatic birds with their distinctive colourful beaks can often be spotted nesting in burrows or flying to and from fishing expeditions. Birdwatchers will also delight in spotting storm petrels, kittiwakes, razorbills, and fulmars among the diverse avian population that calls these islands home. The opportunity to observe these seabirds in their natural habitat adds another dimension to the Skellig experience, complementing the cultural and cinematic significance of these extraordinary islands.