Skellig Michael: An Irish Adventure
Whether you enjoy a self-drive itinerary or one where you have a private driver to navigate the narrow backroads, Ireland has something for everyone to enjoy. My trip in 2017 took me all over the country and to one of my favorite adventure spots - Skellig Michael.
Skellig Michael was home to a monastery, dating back to the 6th century, when this island was thought to be the edge of the world. While it may seem like a landing on this jagged outcrop is impossible, small fishing boats make the trek most days to allow travelers to experience this harsh landscape the way the monks used to. A journey out to this small island can take anywhere from 45 minutes, up to 2 hours if the weather is unfavorable (a treat I got to endure), but is completely worth the end result - even with the rough seas.
First: Some History
Skellig Michael, located off the southwestern coast of Ireland, holds a captivating history that stretches back to ancient times. The island, also known as Great Skellig, has witnessed the rise and fall of various civilizations and played a significant role in religious, cultural, and natural spheres.
The island's story begins in the 6th century when a group of monks sought solitude and spiritual isolation on Skellig Michael. These early Christian monks, following the teachings of St. Patrick, founded a monastery on the island's rugged cliffs, enduring a rugged and isolated existence. The stone beehive huts they built still stand today, a testament to their perseverance and devotion.
Over the centuries, the hermitage on Skellig Michael flourished, and the monks established connections with monastic communities across Europe. Despite the challenges of the Atlantic Ocean, the monks continued their pious way of life, engaging in farming, fishing, and manuscript illumination. It was on these isolated cliffs that they sought a deeper connection to the divine. By the 13th century, the monks had departed and the island was abandoned, left to the elements and eroding memories.
Skellig Michael Today
In more recent times, Skellig Michael gained international recognition when it served as a filming location for the Star Wars series. In 2014, scenes from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" were shot on the island, with its unique landscape providing a stunning backdrop for the movie. This cinematic connection further boosted Skellig Michael's appeal, attracting countless visitors eager to witness its otherworldly charm. There were so many puffins nesting at the time of filming that it was less effort to remove them from the shots and instead transform them into the beloved Porgs you’ll see in the film!
Today, Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing an awe-inspiring blend of natural beauty and ancient history. Visitors can embark on a challenging boat journey to the island and explore the breathtaking remains of the monastic settlement. The UNESCO designation aims to safeguard the island's distinct ecosystem, protecting its diverse bird populations and ensuring the sustainable preservation of its historical structures.
Skellig Michael continues to captivate the hearts and minds of all who venture to its windswept shores. As a testament to Ireland's rich cultural heritage and its remarkable natural landscape, this remote island remains an enduring symbol of human resilience, spirituality, and the enduring quest for connection with the divine.
Getting There
As a protected site, only about 180 visitors are allowed to step foot on the island each day, across 15 small boats. These are called “Landing Tours”. They offer “Eco-Tours” as well where you sail around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig (a bird nesting ground, closed to the public), but if you’re going to take the trek out there, I would highly suggest the Landing Tours. Tours are offered April through the beginning of October and most of the boats depart from the marina in Portmagee in the mornings. Because availability is limited, tickets typically sell out well in advance - make sure you are booking your trip far enough in advance to take advantage of this incredible tour!
As I mentioned above, depending on the weather conditions, it can be a quick smooth ride of about 45 minutes or a slow and wavy two hours. I get really motion sick/seasick very easily and although it was a foggy and rocky two-hour boat ride, the result was completely worth some of the discomfort. I’m told that the weather during our visit made for a very authentic day, much like the monks would have experienced. Just make sure to pack some Dramamine for the ride! Our captain was also kind enough to provide everyone with homemade candied ginger root before we departed which definitely helped. Your boat captain will also provide you with life jackets and foul weather gear if needed (heavy-duty jackets and coveralls), but you’ll still want to dress in warm layers and a rain jacket.
Keep in mind that landing on the island is very weather-dependent. The dock on the island is quite small, so if the ocean swell is too large it won’t be safe to disembark. In that case, you’ll be given the option to reschedule (if available) or be refunded.
The Experience
It’s important to know that this experience is not an accessible one and you should be relatively fit to navigate getting in and out of the boats, along with the island itself. Upon arrival at the dock, you’ll be assisted out of the boat and given approximately 2.5 hours to explore the island. There are heritage guides stationed throughout the island who give lectures and answer questions about what life was like on the island. Don’t be shy! They are there to enhance your experience.
Once you have your feet under you, make your way to the summit via the 600+ rock stairs. You will climb the same steps constructed by the monks who made their home on the island between the 6th and 12th centuries. Take your time and stop off at the many scenic overlooks for a rest on your way up - if it’s a clear day you’ll be treated to incredible views of Little Skellig and the Kerry Coast. I also found a hiking pole useful as there are not many handrails available. If you have a fear of heights, know that some sheer drops border the paths at times.
Pro-tip: Make sure to wear waterproof, sturdy footwear like hiking boots, as the terrain can be quite slippery.
Once at the summit, you’ll have time to explore the monastic settlement and even step inside the many beehive huts. If you are interested in seeing puffins, you’ll want to book your trip sometime between April and the beginning of August during their nesting season.
If you know exactly where you want to adventure, or if you need some guidance, reach out to us today to get the conversation started. We are ready to help you start exploring.
