Skellig Michael
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.
