world renowned explorer
The magnificent and ancient Skellig Islands, most recently seen all over the world in the Star Wars film Episode VII The Force Awakens and Episode VIII The Last Jedi, lies 12km off the coast of Portmagee in southwest Kerry. A trip to the Skelligs is a unique experience and is a sacred place to visit.
IRELAND
EASY
3 Hours
Land tour – MAY to SEPTEMBER
Boat tour – April to September
Rising majestically from the sea, the largest of the three islands, Skellig Michael towers 218m above sea level. On the summit of this awe-inspiring rock, you will find a remarkably well-preserved 6th Century monastic settlement. The earliest reference in history to the Skellig Islands dates back to 1400BC. During the time of the Penal Laws, Skellig Michael and Little Skellig became a haven for many Catholics. Skellig Michael (Sceilg Mhichil) was home to one of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland.
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Rising majestically from the sea, the largest of the three islands, Skellig Michael towers 218m above sea level. On the summit of this awe-inspiring rock, you will find a remarkably well-preserved 6th Century monastic settlement. The earliest reference in history to the Skellig Islands dates back to 1400BC. During the time of the Penal Laws, Skellig Michael and Little Skellig became a haven for many Catholics. Skellig Michael (Sceilg Mhichil) was home to one of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland.
The monks of St Fionan’s monastery led simple lives and lived in stone, beehive-shaped huts. They descended the steps early every morning and fished for the morning’s breakfast. They spent most of the day praying in the church, tending to their gardens and studying. Their huts, which are round on the outside and rectangular on the inside, were carefully built so that no drop of rain ever entered between the stones. The monks left the island in the 13th Century and it became a place of pilgrimage.
There is a fantastic wealth of birdlife on and around the Skelligs, especially puffins in late spring. On the small Skellig 23,000 pairs of gannets nest on every available ledge, making it the second-largest gannet colony in the world.
Skellig Michael is a wilderness site and a designated Nature Reserve and access to the island, which is by boat only, is from May to October each year. A visit to the monastery will entail a climb of 618 steps, ascending over 180 metres.
The following advice must be noted at all times:
Landing on the Skelligs
Landing on Skellig Michael is very restricted and only licensed boats are permitted to land once per day during the season (mid-May to end of September). Landing is not permitted outside this period. The departure time for the tour is subject to change because of the sea conditions, and tides.
WILDLIFE
Marine Wildlife
The waters surrounding the Skellig Islands are inhabited by an abundance of Marine Life.
Bluenose Dolphins, Basking Sharks and Grey Seals are regularly encountered on our boat trips to the Skellig Islands, and on rare occasions, Bluefin Tuna and even the majestic Humpback Whale make an appearance.
Birdlife
The Skellig Islands, an internationally renowned bird sanctuary, boast a wonderful array of birdlife.
Breeds such as the Guillemot, the Kitewake and the unmistakable Puffin call the Skellig Islands home during the summer months. This is especially true for the Gannet, as over 20,000 pairs migrate to Little Skellig between May and September every year, making it the second-largest Gannet sanctuary in the world.
Star Wars & 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.
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ExcellentBased on 22 reviews
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Jack O Leary17 October 2023Kilimanjaro September 2023. What a great experience with old friends and now new friends. The Pat Falvey team were fantastic, courteous, helpful and 100% professional. The ethos of the Pat Falvey team was to ensure maximum enjoyment for everyone and a determination to get everyone to the summit. This was achieved with flying colours. A special thanks to Freddy for his input in organising porters, cooks, guides and all the other support staff.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Helen Ferris17 October 2023I had an incredible experience with Pat Falvey Irish & Worldwide Adventures while climbing Kilimanjaro. From the start their encouragement and professionalism was outstanding. The staff were friendly and responsive, and the booking process was smooth. Pat, Freddy and all his Kilimanjaro team were exceptional mentors with a wealth of experience assuring our success and safety at all times. The variety and quality of food was surprisingly good for a mountain adventure at high altitudes. I would highly recommend Pat Falvey Irish & Worldwide AdventuresTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sara Engelhardt16 October 2023We joined Pat in summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2023 and also added on the safari to our trip. This was a life changing experience due in large part to the meticulous planning, preparation, and execution by Pat and all his team members. From the outset, we were given white glove treatment and felt taken care of. Pat and team are incredibly knowledgeable and care so much about your experience that I can’t imagine what this trip would have been like without their help, guidance, and adventurous spirit. We had the best group of travelers and crew anyone could ask for — you couldn’t recreate the magic if you tried. We spent 14 days in Tanzania and not one single thing went wrong. Everything went off without a hitch and for that to happen on any trip is a miracle, let alone one of this magnitude. We were well looked after and can’t thank Pat and team enough for this incredible, unforgettable experience. Do not hesitate to book with them! It is worth it and more. Can’t wait to book another adventure!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
stephen grimston16 October 2023From the moment I spoke with Pat and his team inquiring about my trip to Kilimanjaro to saying goodbye at the airport after a successful adventure, was an absolute pleasure. The entire team were so helpful and were always at hand to answer any questions that I might have (and I had a lot). They made the whole process of organising the trip and arranging equipment feel like a breeze. I have absolutely no problem recommending this company. Thorough professionals and extremely experienced. It was an absolute pleasure to complete such a rewarding trip with Pat and his team. It’s something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Stephen.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Alia Greaney16 October 2023Hiked Kilimanjaro with pat and the gang ,, fantastic experience,, well organized,, great leadership and 💯 success ,, highly recommend this team of professional hikersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
tmaws makaywi16 October 2023Every single detail of our guided tour of Corrán Tuathail was 100% . It was much better than we could have hoped for . The guide was just like another participant in our group . But yet he covered every safety aspect thoroughly. The pace was allowed totally to suit us , as was any stops we required . It was almost as if he could sense what we needed . Go raibh míle maith agaibh.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Susie Baily2 October 2023I climbed Carrantuohill on Sunday 1st of October with Andy Lynch (Guide) and it was the most amazing experience!!! As far as mountain guides go.. this company is extremely lucky to have Andy as one, he was excellent and the peels of laughter summitting and descending rang out, I think the sheep were wondering what the hell was going on at one stage!!!! To tick this off my bucket list was brilliant and it wouldn't have happened without the care and guidance of Andy who's knowledge of the mountain was just unreal. I would highly recommend Andy to any group going up and if I was the recommend this climb to family and friends, I would say "Oh I hope ye get Andy as a your guide" Many thanks again to all involved and it is a 5 star review for Andy!!!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Darragh O'nuallain19 September 2023Very experienced guidesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Barry Treacy1 September 2023Great experience. Me and my partner stayed at the Mountain Lodge for two nights. Very relaxing area and Pat really makes you feel like you have the run of the place. We would be very private people usually, but felt very comfortable throughout our stay. Great location. I climbed Carrauntoohill and my partner stayed behind to relax at the lodge. It was truly an unforgettable experience and an ideal stepping stone onto future adventures. Hike was at my pace from start to finish, but with great encouragement to push when possible. Great advice and technique tips from the guide Andy. You will go away wanting to go back again.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Daniel Baker8 August 2023Carrauntoohil. Amazing friendly guide Igor, who had lots of local knowledge about the area and also taught me a great deal about trekking and scrambling techniques. Had a a great time, and very much would recommend Pat Falvey for those looking to climb Carruantoohil.
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Irish & Worldwide Adventures,
The Mountain Lodge, Beaufort, Killarney,
Co Kerry, Ireland
V93 YK75
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