Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael is an island just of the coast of South West Ireland in County Kerry. A steep, imposing and inhospitable looking chunk of rock piercing the sea with its twin island Little Skellig. Its just one of those places that looks dam right exciting, cool and intimidating!

Most people would recognise it from the latest Star Wars films, namely "The Last Jedi"  where it was featured as the island of Ahch-To where Luke Skywalker had his home.

Since 2018 the tourism the the island exploded with popularity. Each day during the summer quite a few operators do roughly 5 hour trips to land on the island (giving you approx. 2.5 hours on the island) as well as shorter trips to sail around and back without a landing. (less money also obviously) 

The island was used my Gaelic monks as a monastery between the 6th and 8th centuries, of which is still beautifully intact high up on the top of the island. The monastery is situated 180m up from sea level (landing area) and can be approached by narrow and steep winding stone steps. These steps are quite exposed so some fitness and a head for heights is required to enjoy the trip! Around the monastery you will find a speaking guide who does regular talks on the history of the settlement. A good tour guide will also do a sail around the island and show the original carved steps the original monks would have carved to access the island all those hundreds of years ago.

I loved the monastery! Its a fascinating place and crazy to think a community lived there so long ago. However the star of the show is undoubtedly its wildlife. The Puffins! During the spring and summer months Puffins nest on the island in their thousands. they are literally all over its slops utilizing all the little crevasses and holes to make their puffling nests. Puffins are just the coolest sea bird and have zero fear of humans. They quite happily walk right near you and will skim right past your head!

Another fantastic bird to spot is the Atlantic Gannets. Little Skellig is full of Gannets nesting. Apparently it is the 2nd biggest colony of Gannets in the world with 27,000 pairs nesting. Amazing birds!

The tour operator I sailed with was "The Skelligs The Force Awakens" Website below.

http://www.theskelligsforceawakens.com/

A father and son duo who are really passionate about the sailing, the sea and the islands. They set off from a small harbour pier in Ballinskelligs around 10am and do cash only which is an advantage if the trip gets cancelled, which is quite often if the weather is bad! hence the price which is 140euros. Quite pricey but I believe its well worth the day trip. (all the other trips sailing from Portmagee are the same price)

A great trip all round. History, wildlife, scenery and boat trip. A perfect day out! If you're in Country Kerry Ireland i would absolutely recommend. Just book well in advance!

A very nice cafe can also be found just down the road to enjoy after the trip, Cafe Cois Tra. (where you will find the skipper having his post trip cup of coffee!)