Fans of the Star Wars films can visit the spot where Luke Skywalker was found and also learn about the history of one of Ireland’s most important early Christian sites. The Skelligs actually comprises two remote islands; Skellig Michael, known as the Great Skellig and its smaller neighbour, Little Skellig. In 1996 Skellig Michael was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Access to the Skelligs is by ferry from the town of Portmagee. A number of boat tours make the trip from May to September, weather permitting. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes, but spaces are limited to about 180 people a day so make sure to book well in advance. Sometime between the sixth and eight centuries, a monastery was constructed on the broad northeastern summit of Skellig Michael. There are over 600 steps on the climb to the monastery built around 1,500 years ago. During the lifetime of the monastery a hermitage, one of the most daring architectural expressions of early Irish monasticism, was also created on the narrow ledges just below the summit of the South Peak (218 metres above sea level), the highest point on the island. Skellig Michael Landing Boat Trips Please contact boatman directly when booking landing boat trip. Please note booking in advance essential. Eoin Walsh 066-9476327 087-2833522 Michael O’Sullivan 066-947255 087-4178268 Patrick Murphy 066-9477156 087-2342168 Seanie Murphy 066-9476214 087-2362344 Dan McCrohan 066-9476142 087-2399741 Brendan Casey 066-9472437 087- 2287519 Joe Roddy 087-2844460 087-6178114 Dermot Walsh 066-9476120 086-8339549 John O Shea (Caherdaniel) 087-6898431 Boats depart between 9.30am & 10.30am. Boats return between 2.30pm & 4.30pm . Price €70.00 per person. Please book in advance Information Any person with health issues should consider carefully before visiting the site. Visitors are requested to give serious consideration before deciding to bring small children to the island. If young children are brought they should be under strict supervision at all times. For safety reasons, and to minimise disturbance and damage to seabird breeding habitats, visitors must remain on recognised visitor routes while on the island. Visitors should carefully read and follow the recommendations set out in the safety notices on the island. The Guides are the official monitors on the island and their...