You cannot miss the Skellig Islands.
Yes, it is a bit of a drive from anywhere interesting to get to the port. And you are boarding an unbelievably tiny boat in possibly big seas. And it’s a 1-1.5 hour boat trip to get out there. And you need to book WAY in advance. But, again, you cannot miss this – it is one of the coolest places we’ve ever been and easily one of the coolest places in the whole world. Unfortunately since Star Was VIII (Luke Skywalker’s Jedi temple was the island) it has been discovered – but don’t let that deter you. Plan ahead – they still only let 180 people a day visit.
What are the Skellig Islands? A set of islands off the coast of Ireland, the larger island, Skellig Michael is a A UNESCO world heritage site. This island was inhabited by Christian Monks from the 6th to 12th century. Dizzyingly high, the monastic buildings perch 150 meters above sea level.
The Islands are visible from the Dingle peninsula and look far out to sea. From the port, climb into a tiny boat and head out. If the sea is calm you’re in luck, if not it’s an interesting ride (trust us). If too rough they won’t go out (call ahead the morning of your trip). Trips usually leave at 10 am from Portmaggee. After 1-1.5 hours you’ll dock at Skellig Michael.
Once you get to Skellig Michael island jump off the boat onto the platform and head up 600-or-so feet on 1000 year old steps to the ancient monastery at the top – active for 500 years starting around 500 – because, well, I guess life was just too cosmopolitan on the mainland in 500. The scenery is unbelievably beautiful and otherworldly (which is why Star Wars selected it). As you climb you’re surrounded by thousands of native puffins who live around and under the stairs (unable to eliminate them, Star Wars actually CGI’d then into little critters). You’ll get to enjoy the puffins hunkering down right next to you and observe the magnificent (and threatened because of climate change) birds fully. Head straight up for a 20 minute talk by the Land Trust Naturalist who lives on the Island during the tourist season as caretaker. You’ll have 2.5 hours on the island before it’s time to head back – past Little Skellig with thousands of sea birds circling.
Tips:
- Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the island – you can’t buy food there.
- There are no toilets on the island – factor that in. It’s 2-3 hours of boat ride total plus 2.5 hours on the island all without a toilet.