Skellig Michael

Are you looking for Luke Skywalker? Those Star Wars fans out there may recognize the rocky Skellig Michael as Planet Ahch-To, the birthplace of the Jedi Order and Luke Skywalker’s hideout in episodes VII and VIII. As part of the Skellig islands, Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open for day visits from mid-May to the end of September, weather permitting. The island is located 11.6 km from the west coast of Ireland and can only be reached by licensed boat. There are between 600 and 700 stone steps that lead to the Beehive huts where the monks of the Island lived as well as the ruins of a monastery that was abandoned in the 13th century. It’s an excellent place for birdwatching, especially the iconic black and white Atlantic puffins. May the force be with you on your visit to Skellig Michael!