Skellig Michael is a wild Irish island belonging to the Skellig Islands archipelago. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this dark, rocky-peaked island is a natural wonder that is impossible to miss along the Kerry coastline!
History of Skellig Michael
A wild island with ancient traces of habitation
The Skellig Islands – © Bastian
From its 218-metre summit, the island contains incredible remains dating from the seventh century. The site was deeply marked by the presence of Catholic monks, who had decided at the time to live in seclusion on Skellig Michael. They led a hermit’s life there, devoting their time to prayer, contemplation, livestock farming, fishing and working the land.
Life there was particularly hard: the monks lived in bories (a kind of stone hut) and modelled their daily lives on the rhythm of the island and the ocean. Extremely industrious, they are still recognised today for their monumental work: they were responsible for the impressive stone staircase of 618 steps linking the base of the island to its summit. A colossal undertaking that required strength, patience and precision! A true wonder that will nevertheless require some breath and stamina to climb!
The monks lived there for five centuries, until 1200, when the island became a fully fledged pilgrimage site. Reluctant to give up their secluded way of life, the monks therefore decided to leave the island in favour of Ballinskelligs Abbey.
Around 1800, the island acquired two lanterns serving as lighthouses. Only one ultimately remained and was automated in 1987, at which point no one set foot on the island anymore.
Nevertheless, the site is open to visitors. Skellig Michael is also now an iconic filming location for the new Star Wars trilogy. This distinction has made it one of Ireland’s most popular tourist sites today!
Visiting Skellig Michael
How do you get there?
The steps of Skellig Michael are rather steep! © shutterupeire
Skellig Michael is a wild island whose geographical and climatic situation does not always allow visitors to explore it… Without a harbour for landing, the island has only an access ramp, which can be difficult to reach in rough weather…
However, if conditions are right, you will be able to discover all the island’s beauty!
Here is a list of the different places where you can take a boat to Skellig Michael:
- Portmagee
- on Valentia Island
- at Ballinskelligs
The journey takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on where you take the shuttle and on the weather conditions. Please note: the journey is generally expensive (around €50 to €90 per person for a return trip), but once there, visiting the island is free. (Note that few boats have toilets.)
Skellig Michael is accessible from mid-May to the end of September. As for the timetable, it varies depending on the company chosen… and, of course, the weather can sometimes force the boat’s captain to cancel the excursion.
Do not hesitate to book as far in advance as possible. Note that some bed and breakfasts may arrange this for you.
Departure is generally around 10:00 a.m. with a return around 3:00 p.m.: bring a picnic to eat there, but be careful not to leave anything behind, as this is a protected site!
The island is also 100% wild: there are no toilets or restaurant here. Nothing is geared towards tourists, so it is best to be aware of this from the outset.
Nevertheless, the spectacle offered by the island is simply magnificent:
beginning with the village of the monks who lived on Skellig Michael. The programme includes stone huts, the remains of a church and a place of prayer… Enough to immerse you in an enchanting past!
For walking enthusiasts, do not hesitate to explore the island afterwards and enjoy its exceptional views over County Kerry and its neighbouring island, Little Skellig. These panoramas are truly worth stopping for, if only for a few photographs and a complete change of scenery! Finally, you will have the chance to observe an incredible number of seabirds, from beautiful shearwaters to northern gannets!
A perilous island to explore
However, be warned: exploring the island requires excellent physical fitness. The significant elevation gain and the 618 extremely slippery steps could deter those with less stamina!
The climb is rather dangerous and lacks safety infrastructure: the island is not only protected by UNESCO, but is also a nature reserve for seabirds! In other words, the island will remain as it is, without special tourist facilities!
So set out well equipped with hiking shoes, binoculars, food, water and warm clothing. Try to preserve its ecosystem as much as possible by keeping a low profile. Nature remains beautiful when we respect it.
Children are not advised to visit.
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