About the Island
Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, Skellig Michael (Sceilg Mhichíl) is one of Ireland’s most awe-inspiring natural and historical landmarks. Located 12 kilometres (8 miles) off the coast of County Kerry, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its ancient monastic settlement, dramatic cliffs, and thriving seabird colonies.
A Skellig Michael boat tour offers the perfect way to experience the island’s beauty up close—without having to land. From the deck, you’ll have unrivalled views of its towering peaks, historic ruins, and rich wildlife, making this a must-see destination on the Wild Atlantic Way.
History of Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael, or Sceilg Mhichíl, has stood as a place of spiritual devotion, isolation, and mystery for over a thousand years. Located 12 km (8 miles) off the coast of County Kerry, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most remarkable early monastic settlements in Europe.
It is believed that monks first arrived on Skellig Michael in the 6th century, seeking solitude and spiritual enlightenment away from the distractions of the mainland. These devoted monks constructed a monastery high above the sea, where they lived in beehive stone huts, prayed in a small oratory, and cultivated small gardens on the rocky terraces.
Life on the island was incredibly harsh. The monks endured stormy Atlantic conditions, limited food sources, and total isolation, surviving on fish, seabirds, and rainwater. The monastery’s steep stone staircases, still visible today, were carved by hand, providing access to the sacred site from the shore.
By the 12th or 13th century, worsening weather conditions and changing monastic practices led to the monks relocating to Ballinskelligs on the mainland. However, Skellig Michael remained an important site of pilgrimage and devotion for centuries.
Skellig Michael’s Legacy
Despite its isolation, Skellig Michael has continued to inspire generations. It has appeared in Irish mythology, folklore, and literature, and more recently, in popular culture as the filming location for Luke Skywalker’s Jedi retreat in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Today, Skellig Michael stands as a symbol of endurance, faith, and natural beauty. A Skellig Michael boat tour provides an opportunity to witness its monastic ruins, dramatic cliffs, and thriving wildlife from the sea, offering a glimpse into its extraordinary past.
Historic Lighthouses
Skellig Michael is home to two historic lighthouses, one of which is still active today. Built in the 19th century, these structures have played a crucial role in guiding ships safely through the Atlantic’s waters. The old lighthouse, which ceased operation in the 1960s, remains a striking sight, while the still-operational lighthouse continues to shine its beam for passing vessels.
Monastic Settlement
From the boat, you’ll witness the famous 6th-century monastery, where early Christian monks lived in isolation. Perched 200 metres above sea level, the beehive stone huts (clocháns) and stone stairways stand as a testament to Ireland’s medieval heritage. Our experienced guides will share fascinating stories of the monks who called this remote island home.
Unique Rock Formations
As the boat circles Skellig Michael, you’ll get a clear view of Christ’s Saddle, the flat ridge that connects the island’s twin peaks. This natural plateau was once part of the monks’ sacred pilgrimage path. Look out for the island’s rock formations, sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, including sharp ridges, towering sea stacks, and hidden caves that add to the island’s dramatic beauty.
“The Most Fantastic and Impossible Rock In The World”
Geroge Bernard Shaw was spellbound when he visited the island in 1910
An incredible, impossible, mad place, which still tempts devotees to make “stations” of every stair landing, and to creep through “Needle’s eyes” at impossible altitudes, and kiss “stones of pain” jutting out 700 feet above the Atlantic.
The Saint Michael Line
Skellig Michael is part of the St Michael Line, a mysterious alignment of sacred sites dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, stretching from Ireland to Israel. This ancient ley line passes through some of the most spiritually significant locations in Europe, including:
- Skellig Michael (Ireland)
- St Michael’s Mount (England)
- Mont Saint-Michel (France)
- Sacra di San Michele (Italy)
- Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo (Italy)
- Symi Monastery (Greece)
- Mount Carmel (Israel)
Each of these locations is linked to Saint Michael, often associated with divine protection, power, and celestial energy. The near-perfect alignment of these sacred sites has fascinated historians, archaeologists, and spiritual seekers for centuries. Some believe that the St Michael Line represents an ancient spiritual pathway, while others suggest it follows natural earth energy lines.
Skellig Michael, as the westernmost point of the St Michael Line, is seen as an entrance to the spiritual world, reinforcing its historical and mystical significance.