If you have ever searched for Skellig Michael on YouTube, you have likely come across Devin Supertramp’s cinematic tribute, "Star Wars Island - Skellig Michael."
With over half a million views, it stands as one of the most stunning visual showcases of the island ever created. While the final video displays a serene and majestic landscape, the production behind it was a unique adventure that we were proud to be a part of.
Back in 2017, Tourism Ireland selected us to handle the marine logistics for this high-profile project. It’s not every day you host a world-renowned filmmaking team, so we wanted to share a little context on what it was like to transport the crew (and some genuinely lovely people) to one of Ireland's most rugged locations.
Meeting the Team
The video features a lone traveler exploring the island's ruins, played by Devin’s wife, Megan. In the final cut, she looks perfectly at peace wandering the ancient paths. In reality, she was hiking the 618 steps alongside the camera crew, battling the wind and the steep terrain just like everyone else.
Despite the pressure of a massive shoot with tight timelines, both Devin and Megan were incredibly amiable and down-to-earth. It was a genuine pleasure to host them on board. Their enthusiasm for the Skelligs was contagious; they were deeply respectful of the island's history and environment, which made the collaboration effortless.
A Local Guide to the Galaxy
Since the release of The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, Skellig Michael has become synonymous with Luke Skywalker’s island sanctuary. However, finding the exact spots where the scenes were filmed isn't always obvious to a newcomer, even for a professional director.
Because the island is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, you can't just wander anywhere. During the trip out, we had the opportunity to advise Devin on the specific locations used by the Star Wars production team. We spent time on the boat discussing the geography of the rock, and I was able to point out the iconic viewpoints and angles that would help them recreate that "galaxy far, far away" feel.
A Rare Perspective
Filming on Skellig Michael is a rare privilege. Strict rules usually prohibit the type of gear and drones that professional film crews utilise. For this project, however, the team had secured special permission to capture the island in a way few ever get to see.
Our role was to ensure the crew and their sensitive equipment made the crossing safely. Moving heavy cinema cases and fragile lenses across the Atlantic requires care and local knowledge, and it was rewarding to be the trusted partner for that journey.
The Result
The resulting footage captures the raw, mystical atmosphere that attracted Hollywood to this location in the first place. From the beehive huts to the sheer cliffs dropping into the ocean, Devin’s team managed to bottle the feeling of standing on the edge of the world.We were proud to play our part in getting them there. It remains one of our favorite days on the water, and the final video serves as a lasting reminder of the beauty of the Skellig Coast.
Watch the Behind the Scenes: Below is a special "Making Of" video uploaded by Devin after the main release. We are so grateful that he specifically credits us in it. Take a look to see the crew in action. And keep an eye out for the scene at the top of the rock, you can see me there talking with Devin, pointing out the key filming locations just before they capture that magic shot.
