Skellig Michael
Sceilg Mhichíl
A World Heritage Site with 6th-century monastic beehive huts on an island in the Atlantic. Visitors must climb more than 600 steps, and it was a filming location for Star Wars.
Sceilg Mhichíl lies in the Atlantic about 12 km off the coast. Monks lived here as hermits between the 6th and 12th centuries. The beehive-shaped dry-stone huts on the summit remain well preserved, and the island was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996. Landing requires booking a licensed boat, which departs from piers such as Portmagee. The one-way trip takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Daily places are limited, so in peak season book several months ahead. Rough seas often cause cancellations. After landing, you climb about 600 steep stone steps with no handrails, so anyone who is afraid of heights or has limited mobility should take care. Puffins nest on the island in summer.
Opening hours
Approx. mid-May–Sep (check official sources)
Nearby sights
- Kerry Cliffs
- Portmagee
- Valentia Island
- Ballycarbery Castle
- Cahergall Stone Fort
- Slea Head Drive
- Waterville
- Derrynane House & Beach