Skellig Michael
with PAT FALVEY & Team
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.
COUNTRY
IRELAND
GRADE
EASY
DURATION
3 Hours
BEST SEASON
Land tour – MAY to SEPTEMBER
Boat tour – April to September
Skellig Micheal with a private guide
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.
Pat Falvey Irish and Worldwide Adventures limited is bonded and fully licenced by the Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation, TA0791.
Irish Aviation Authority
WHY CLIMB ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP
WITH PAT FALVEY & TEAM
A top-notch guiding team
With 25+ years of global travel, we love sharing adventure knowledge and exploring new places.
High Altitude Specialists
Experts in high-altitude trekking, we prioritise your success with a comprehensive acclimatisation formula.
Licensed & Bonded
Pat Falvey Irish & Worldwide Adventures is licensed and bonded by the Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation (TA0791).
Dedicated Support
Available round the clock, we go the extra mile to prioritise your adventure and satisfaction.
AN ADVENTURE BEYOND THE TREK
ITINERARY & FAQ's
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:
- Visitors must stay on the recognised pathways at all times
- Children must be supervised at all times
- Beware of falling rocks
- The steep gradient on the steps
- Uneven steps
- Steps slippery when wet
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.
- You have the flexibility to pay your deposit and balance using any legal method. Please note, if you choose to pay via electronic bank transfer, you are responsible for any associated transfer fees. This ensures that the company receives the full invoiced amount in the specified currency.
- Cancellations 90 days or more before departure: Full deposit refund if paid in advance. After 90 days, 30% of the deposit is non-refundable.
- Cancellations 60 days before departure: 50% of the deposit is non-refundable.
- Cancellations 45 days before departure: Full deposit is non-refundable, plus an additional 30% of the total trip cost.
- Cancellations 30 days or less before departure: 100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.
2024 EXPEDITION DATES
SEPTEMBER : 21st- 8th of OCTOBER
GUIDED TREK
Mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable experience. Register today, and we’ll get you all booked and set for the adventure. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our expert travel consultants who will assist you every step of the way. Don’t miss out on this chance to create unforgettable memories. Secure your spot now and let the adventure begin!
