45 AUTUMN 22 DESTINATION IRELAND
The Skellig Islands - The most epic place in Ireland
Ireland ’ s islands are worlds unto themselves and none more so than the history-rich , natural wonders that are the Skelligs .
WHAT ’ S HOT !
Off the coast of County Kerry , two jagged islands rise out of the Atlantic Ocean – ruggedly beautiful with centuries of history hewn into their very rock .
These are the Skelligs – Skellig Michael and Little Skellig .
Thanks to its recent appearance in Star Wars : The Force Awakens , Skellig Michael has become a star of the Wild Atlantic Way , attracting visitors keen to stand in the other-worldly place that Luke Skywalker made his hideout .
Little Skellig is renowned as the home of the second largest colony of gannets in the world and both islands also have thriving colonies of puffins , artic terns , Manx shearwater , fulmar , cormorants and guillemots .
The islands can be reached by boat from Portmagee , Ballinskelligs and Caherdaniel , and although landing is not permitted on Little Skellig , great views of the island can be had from the water .
The trips are weather dependent , so if the wild Atlantic prevents a crossing , the next best thing is to head to the Skellig Experience on Valentia Island .
Yet the island and its sister were world famous long before the Jedi discovered them , because of their significant archaeological and ornithological importance .
Housed in an award-winning , grass-roofed , stone building the Skellig Experience has four exhibitions : the history and archaeology of Skellig Michael ’ s Early Christian monastery ; the sea birds ; the lighthouses ; and underwater Skellig , as well as a film presentation entitled ‘ An Island on the Edge of the World ’.
Skellig Michael , a UNESCO World Heritage Site , was chosen by sixth-century monks as the location for their monastery , and their stone-built , beehive homes reached by climbing 600 steps are a wonder to behold .
Tour guides on the island offer insights into the history , mythology and wildlife on the island , telling tales of Viking raids and epic battles .
As part of an island-hopping adventure or as a stop along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way touring route , a visit to the Skelligs is a chance to experience something truly elemental , to step outside the ordinary and to stand for a moment on the edge of the world .