Skellig Michael

Overview

Emerging eight miles off the Irish mainland, Skellig Michael (Sceilg Mhichíl) is an eerie monument ascending from the ocean.

Once a remote monastery, this dramatic two-island system is named for the archangel Michael and the Irish word 'sceilig', meaning a splinter of stone or scree; this dazzling crag offers two adjacent pinnacles — that were used as a remote planet setting in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Although landing on Skellig Michael is strictly limited, once-daily boat tours see travellers climb to the ancient monastery, built over a thousand years ago. You can head in and explore the beehive huts where the monks lived. Mind your step for the locals, the puffins.

Images: Valeria O'Sullivan via Tourism Ireland