Welcome to The Skellig Islands
Discover the Mystique and Adventure of This Ancient Island
The Islands The History of Skellig Michael
The earliest reference to the Skellig Islands dates back to 600 AD. During the Penal Laws, Skellig Michael and Little Skellig became a haven for Catholics facing suppression. Skellig Michael, the largest of the Skelligs, was home to one of Ireland’s earliest monastic settlements. Monks of St. Fionan’s monastery lived in stone, beehive-shaped huts, descending 670 steps each morning to fish for breakfast.
They spent their days praying, gardening, and studying. The huts, round outside and rectangular inside, were built to remain dry inside. The monks left in the thirteenth century, and the island became a pilgrimage site. The Skelligs are rich in birdlife, especially puffins in late spring and gannets on Small Skellig.
Monastic Settlement
Viking Raids
Abandonment
Rediscovery and Preservation
Star Wars filming on Skellig Michael
The Skellig Michael scenes from the most recent Star Wars trilogy starting with Episode VII “The Force Awakens” were filmed at the islands in 2014. The Skelligs features prominently at the end of the movie where the audience is reintroduced to Star Wars’ original hero Luke Skywalker . Filming took place again in 2015 for the second instalment of the Star Wars trilogy Episode VIII “The Last Jedi” which was released in December 2017.
Birds On and Around The Skellig Islands
There is an incredible wealth of birdlife on and around Skellig Michael and little Skelligs. The puffins arrive on the island in late spring and gannets start to arrive on the small Skelligs in March. By April, they have covered every available ledge on the island.
An Adventure Awaits
