Ireland: Skellig Michael Island – Exploring the Island

Skellig Michael Island is perhaps the most sought-after and hard to get to destination in Ireland – a steep towering sea crag in the rough Atlantic Ocean with a monastery on top – 75% of the trios get cancelled because of the rough sea and the climb to top is also not for those with fears of heights. You are guaranteed to get 100% soaked! But the island truly has it all for a true adventure – dramatic topography, early medieval history, and massive seabird colonies! The island’s highest point reaches 218 m (714 feet) above sea level and just beneath it is the 6th century exceptionally well-preserved Gaelic Christian monastery. It takes 618 steep and uneven stone steps carved directly into the cliffside by early medieval monks to get to the top. And if these images look familiar to you – it’s because it was here that the Star Wars The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi were filmed – a desolate planet with inhospitable sea cliffs and indigenous monks living surrounded by weird puffin-like birds.