The abandoned Irish island that’s starred in top Hollywood movies – with dolphins swimming offshore
THIS island off the coast of Co Kerry has incredible views, stone step trails and boat tours – but that’s not all it’s known for.
The Skellig Islands shot to fame worldwide when they were featured in two blockbuster Star Wars films.
The islands, which are deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consist of Skellig Michael and its sister island Little Skellig.
The islands loom up out of the water, where they are battered by the elements, and are only accessible by boat.
The islands are off the coast of Valentia Island, which is less and an hour and a half’s drive from the bustling city of Killarney.
Skellig Michael will reopen for the 2023 season on May 13, when guides will be back on the island.
During the summer months, pods of dolphins can sometimes be seen swimming off the rocky islands.
HISTORIC SITE
The islands are steeped in history. Long ago, Skellig Michael was home to dedicated monks who made the remote location their sanctuary.
A monastic village made of stone still stands, including a church which has a window that perfectly frames a view of Little Skellig.
The island has been technically abandoned ever since the monks left and now, no one inhabits it. But the site is a hugely popular tourist location and is visited by people daily.
Visitors to the island can walk around the incredible beehive-shaped huts made of stone that the monks lived in.
WALKING TRAILS
Visitors can walk in the footsteps of the monks by climbing 618 steep, uneven steps up to the monastic village.
And the views from the peak are breath-taking.
The hike is not recommended to anyone with reduced mobility issues, as it brings you some 218 metres (714 feet) high.
BOAT TRIPS
There are different boat trip options around the Skellig Islands.
The Skellig Michael Sea Cruise is one way to enjoy the spectacular views while remaining seated.
The cruise starts at the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre on Valentia Island, Co Kerry.
It takes passengers on a 2.5 hour trip to get an up close look at Little Skellig and Skellig Michael.
While on the tour, passengers witness the beehive huts and the monks’ steps from the boat.
Each boat carries a maximum of 12 people and prices start from €42 per person.
LANDING TOUR
The Skellig Michael Landing Tour allows passengers to set foot on the historic island.
On this trip people can climb the 618 steps up to the top of the island and visit the 6th century monk beehive huts and village.
The boat trip to Skellig Michael takes approximately 1 hour and then passengers have approximately 2.5 hours to walk and explore.
The tours depart daily during the summer months from the Visitor Centre. Boats depart between 09:30am and 10:30am and don’t return until 2pm/3pm.
Tickets for the landing tours start at €115. Skellig Michael Voyage are one company that offer boat trips to the island and can be contacted by phone or online.
MOVIE FEATURE
Skellig Michael shot to fame after it held a starring role as Luke Skywalker’s Island Sanctuary on the planet Ahch-To in both Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens and Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.
Director of The Force Awakens, JJ Abrams described the shoot location as a “miracle” due to the complexities in getting an entire film crew on the island.
The cinema debuts understandably lead to a huge surge in tourism on the island in the years after the film releases.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
For anyone wanting to stay close to the Skellig Islands or planning to do one of the boat tours, Valentia Island is the best choice.
Local tourist guides advise anyone partaking in the landing tours to stay locally the night before.
Valentia Island offers a variety of accommodation options including hotels, B&B’s, self-catering and camping.
The price for a one night stay for two adults in The Royal Hotel Valentia towards the end of May starts at €131.
At Horizon View Bed and Breakfast, prices start at €100.
Prices at the Atlantic Villa’s two self-catering cottages start at €80, however the business requires you book in for a minimum of two nights.
A number of other B&Bs on the island offer prices between €50 and €150.
Visitors can also opt to camp at Valentia Island Caravan & Camping Park – prices for this option can be found after contacting the business.