skellig michael landing tour force awakens

Skelligs Landing Tours

We are the only operators to depart from Ballinskelligs a way point on the Wild Atlantic Way, and the land base of the Skellig Monks.

We are departing daily from Ballinskelligs Pier from the 14th of May.

Walk the trail the monks may have taken while on Ballinskelligs and then complete the experience by a landing tour to Skellig Michael.

Advanced booking for Landing Tours is advisable, places are limited and fill up quickly.

Eco Cruises

We operate Eco Cruises around both Skellig Islands , this tour is ideal for those who are unable to land on Skellig Michael due to health or other reasons , you can still expeience the force of this island and get to see areas of the island that a landing cruise doesnt allow.

The tour also includes the Gannet santuary of Little Skellig home to thousands of nesting Gannets.

This tour departs most day but is subject to weather conditions.

Force Awakens Sunrise / Sunset / Dark Sky Cruises

Join the Force Awakens skippers Brendan & David Walsh and Derek Noble and experience the beauty of a Kerry sunrise / Sunset or Dark Sky from the ocean. We offer a unique opportunity for everyone, but especially photographers and artists to see and capture the beauty of our scenery at these magical times.

Our Skelligs and round Ballinskelligs Bay cruises operate throughout the day , seven days a week (weather permitting)

Private Boat hire is available on special request.

Skellig Michael Landing Tour approx 5 Hrs

Eco trips around skellig islands approx 2.5 hrs, eco bay trips to puffin island, scariff and deenish island.

Very nice trip to the Skellig on the Force Awakens. We departed from Ballinskellig Pier (wich is very less crowded than Portmagee) and after the other boats (less people on the island too). The team was very friendly and the boat is nice.

Had a wonderful afternoon experience with Brendan on The Force Awakens. Kids and I loved it. Out of this world.

We had a great day Brendan the weather was great Skelligs was great and I think I can speak for everyone on the boat today when I say you really made our trip by showing us all the extra cusses (coves) and wildlife thanks Brendan for a great trip on the Force awakens

The Force Awakens passenger vessel is a fully licenced and insured that can carry 12 persons, life jackets are provided for all passengers on their voyage for safety.

Our Skippers have many years of passenger vessel sailing around these waters including cruises to the Skellig Islands, so you can be assured of a safe and enjoyable cruise.

Please Note: We do not permit the consumption / bringing on board of any alchoholic drinks, this is purely for safety reasons.

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The force is getting stronger in skellig michael, we are one of them, opw confirms season opening date of 14 may 2017 for skellig michael, the skelligs force awakens, where to find us..

Reen Pier Ballinskelligs Co Kerry Ireland

GPS. N51° 48.646’ – W010° 16.458’

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Ballinskelligs is a Wild Atlantic Way point.

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Note: All landing tours / Eco Cruises are weather permitting.

How To Visit Skellig Michael In 2024 (A Guide To The Skellig Islands)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: February 1, 2024

The Skellig Michael tours are some of Ireland’s most sought-after. They’re also some of the most misunderstood .

There are two types of Skellig Islands tours:

• Landing tours : You physically explore Skellig Michael Island
• Eco tours : You sail around the two Skellig Islands but don’t leave the boat

In the guide below, you’ll find info on the different tours of the Skellig Islands, their history and, of course, the Star Wars link . Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows if you want to visit Skellig Michael

Click to enlarge map

So, if you want to visit Skellig Michael Island, there are several  need-to-knows before you start planning your trip.

1. Location

The ancient Skellig Islands jut from the Atlantic Ocean around 13km from Ballinskelligs Bay off the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry .

2. There are 2 islands

There are two Skellig Islands. The smaller of the two, known as Little Skellig , is closed to the public and cannot be accessed. Skellig Michael (AKA ‘Great Skellig) is over 750 feet tall and is home to a number of historic sites.

3. There are 2 tour types

If you’re wondering how to get to Skellig Michael, you have 2 options – the Skellig Michael landing tour (you physically go onto the island) and the eco tour (you sail around the islands). The majority of Skellig Michael tours leave from Portmagee pier, although one leaves from Derrynane Harbour and another leaves from Valentia Island .

4. Star Wars fame

Yes, Skellig Michael is the Star Wars Island in Ireland. It featured Star Wars Episode VII “The Force Awakens” in 2014 . If you’ve watched the movie, you’ll see Skellig Michael at the end of the movie when Luke Skywalker gets reintroduced to viewers.

5. Warnings

• Book tickets well in advance:  They book out frequently
• Good fitness levels needed:  You’ll need to climb a bit on the landing tour
• Tours don’t run all year: The ‘season’ runs from from April until the beginning of October

6. Where to stay nearby

The best place to base yourself when visiting Skellig Michael, in my opinion, is Portmagee , however, Valentia Island and Waterville are two other great options.

About the Skellig Islands

Photos via Shutterstock

You’ll find Skellig Michael Island and Little Skellig jutting from the Atlantic around 1.5km from Ballinskelligs Bay off the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula.

And it’s from here that the Skellig Islands have been delighting those that have dared to visit long before George Lucas and Hollywood came knocking.

How they were formed

It was during the Armorican/Hercynian Earth Movements that Skellig Michael first peeked above the Atlantic Ocean.

These movements led to the formation of the mountains of County Kerry, which Skellig Michael is connected to.

The mass of rock from which the island was formed dates back over 400 million years and consists of compressed sheets of sandstone mixed with silt and gravel.

Mentioned as far back as 1400 BC

Of the two islands, Skellig Michael boasts the most Religious and historical significance.

The island was first referenced in history in   1400 BC and was called ‘home’ by a group of monks for the first time during the 8th century.

In pursuit of a greater union with God, a group of ascetic monks withdrew from civilisation to the remote island to begin a life of solitude.

A UNESCO World Heritage site

The remote and isolated islands have an almost prehistoric feel about them and the Skelligs are widely regarded as one of Europe’s most perplexing and remote sacred sites.

In 1996, UNESCO gave recognition to Skellig Michael and its “outstanding universal value” , placing it upon the World Heritage List , where it sits proudly next to the likes of the Giants Causeway and Yellowstone National Park.

“An incredible, impossible, mad place”

Once upon a time, over 20 years before Star Wars creator George Lucas was born, a Nobel Prize and Oscar-winning Irish playwright discovered the wonders of the Skellig Islands.

On September 17th, 1910, George Bernard Shaw left the Kerry coast in an open boat and sailed across the choppy waters that lay between the islands and the mainland.

In a letter penned to a friend, Shaw described the island as  “An incredible, impossible, mad place”  that is  “part of our dream world” . If that doesn’t make you want to visit, nothing will.

How to get to Skellig Michael in 2024

We get emails asking how to get to Skellig Michael constantly . They tend to start mid-summer. But by that time many tours are booked up.

So, there are several different Skellig Michael boat tours on offer. Now, as mentioned above, just 180 people can access the island each day .

So, getting a ticket on one of the boat trips that land on the island can be tricky. Here’s an overview of each of the tours:

1. The Eco Tour around the islands

The first of the two Skellig Michael tours is the Eco Tour. This is the tour that takes you around the islands, but that doesn’t ‘land’ on Skellig Michael.

These Skellig Island tours tend to involve visiting Little Skellig first and seeing some of the wildlife (ganets and seals to name a fiew) before sailing around Skellig Michael.

2. The Skellig Michael Landing Tour

The Skellig Michael Landing Tour involves taking a ferry to the larger of the islands and heading for a wander around it.

The landing tours is more expensive (info below) but it’ll treat you to one of the most unique experiences in Ireland.

Skellig Michael tours compared

Good God. It’s taken me over an hour to collect the info below about the various Skellig Michael tours. Why?!

Well, because some of the websites are an absolute mess and a half!

WARNING : The prices and times listed below may change so  please  double check them in advance!

1. Skellig Michael Cruises

• Run by: Paul Devane & Skellig Michael Cruises
• Location : Portmagee
• Eco tour : Lasts 2.5 hours. €50
• Landing tour : You get 2.5 hours when you visit Skellig Michael. €140
• Learn more here

2. Skellig Boat tours

• Run by: Dan and Donal McCrohan
• Eco tour : It lasts 2.5 hours and it costs €50 per person
• Landing tour : Costs €125 per person

3. Kerry Aqua Terra Boat & Adventure Tours

• Run by: Brendan and Elizabeth
• Location : Knightstown (Valentia)
• Skellig Coast Tour : Takes you around the most scenic sites in the area including the islands and the Kerry Cliffs. 3 hours. €75 p/p.

4. Sea Quest Skellig Tours

• Eco tour : It lasts just under 2.5 hours and it costs €50 for adults with lower priced tickets for kids
• Landing tour : €130 and you get 2.5 hours on the island

5. Casey’s Skellig Island Tours

• Eco tour : €45
• Landing tour : €125  

6. Skellig Walker

• Eco tour : €50 per person
• Landing tour : Tickets cost €125 per person 

Things to see and do on Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael was first referenced in history in   1400BC and was called ‘home’ by a group of monks for the first time during the 8th century.

It’s thanks to these monks that the island is home to a number of historical sites (the views are also out of this world).

1. Enjoy the journey over

If you do get a chance to visit Skellig Michael, your adventure begins from the moment you step on the ferry.

The journey across takes an hour from Portmagee (above) and you’ll be able to start soaking up views soon after your departure.

Now, if you’ve ever taken a ferry anywhere in Ireland, you’ll know that the water can be very choppy at times, so keep that in mind.

I’d recommend decent footwear, also. Aside from the fact that you’ll be doing a lot of walking on the island, the area where you step off the ferry can be slippy.

This isn’t helped by the fact that the boat will be rocking. So, decent footwear and a sturdy belly (keep away from the pints the night before!) are both needed. 

2. The Stairway to Heaven

Cast your mind back to a time when monks lived on Skellig Michael (AKA ‘Great Skellig’). They needed to eat, and the water was their main source of food.

The monks needed to conquer a grueling 600+ steps each day as they made their way from the summit, where they lived, to the icy waters below, where they caught fish.

Those that visit the island will need to climb these 600+ steps to reach the top of the island. This will be a challenge for those with poor mobility.

3. Views galore

If you visit Skellig Michael on a clear day, you’ll be treated to outstanding views of Little Skellig and the Kerry coastline. 

And after climbing the 600+ steps to the top, you’ll have earned a bit of kick-back-and-take-it-all-in-time.

When you arrive here, try and switch off, put the phone/camera away and bask in the brilliance that surrounds you. 

4. The beehive huts

Life in the middle of the Atlantic was by no means easy, so the monks got to work and built several structures to make the island suitable to live on.

Over time, they managed to construct a Christian monastery, six beehive huts, two oratories and some terraces.

The cluster of six beehive huts that housed the island’s inhabitants were constructed with slate and stand proud to this day – an immense feat considering the intense storms they’ve been subjected to over many years.

5. The Skellig Michael monastery

Although the Skellig Michael monastery is a ruin, much of the inner and outer enclosure is still visible. The monastery is situated on the east side of the island, as this location gets some good shelter.

The monks built three different staircases that would allow them to access the area, depending on the weather. Only the steps I mentioned earlier are accessible to the public today, for safety reasons.

You’ll be able to see one of the staircases from the monastery. This was one of the paths that was shown in Star Wars: Force Awakes.

FAQs about visiting Skellig Michael

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from whether or not the Skellig boat trips are worth the price they charge and where to stay nearby.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Skellig Michael worth it?

Yes. It’s worth the hassle of planning your trip and dealing with the potential cancellation if the weather is bad. This is one of those experiences you’ll remember forever.

Are there many Skellig Islands boat trips to choose from?

There are a lot of different tour operators, each of which tends to offer both an Eco Tour (where you sail around the islands) and a landing tour (where you visit Skellig Michael).

Was Star Wars filmed on Skellig Michael?

Yes. The Skelligs featured in Star Wars film Episode VII “The Force Awakens” in 2014. If you’ve watched the movie, you’ll see Skellig Michael at the end of the movie when Luke Skywalker gets reintroduced to viewers.

Is Skellig Michael open in 2024?

Yes, tours are running to the Skellig Islands in 2024. The ‘season’ runs from from April until the beginning of October.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Very useful info for planning our trip. Thanks for taking the time.

Sunday 16th of April 2023

Thank you for this post. Because of it, I was able to find a tour that actually had space on their boat!

Pat Mulcahy

Thursday 16th of February 2023

Very useful information Keith thanks

Tuesday 21st of June 2022

Very useful info. A great website source. Well done

Monday 21st of March 2022

As the world's foremost Star Wars scholar, I feel I must point out that The Force Awakens premiered on December 17, 2015, not 2014. :)

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Fantastic boat trip to the Skelligs... - Skellig Michael

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• Skellig Michael

Fantastic boat trip to the Skelligs with Force Awakens

We managed to get a cancellation for this trip and had a great time with the operators on the boat, fabulous weather at Ballinaskelligs, led to a misty boat trip to the island. But once there we had a fantastic time climbing the 600 steps to the monastery where we given a great insight into the history of the islands and the settlement by one of the ever helpful guides. a trip not to be missed - if you can get a booking.

We had a fantastic experience with Jamie Duff and Liam on the boat DEVA. They first took us to Little Skellig to view thousands of nesting Gannets. We then landed on Skellig Michael with Jamie skillfully guiding the boat and Liam, a very friendly guide, chatting with passengers and providing background to what we were seeing. The monastic site and the setting are incredible...it didn’t hurt that we had phenomenal weather that day. After boarding the DEVA again, they took us around the island to get a full view of all sides. Highly recommend this trip with Jamie and Liam. They made the day even more special for our 12 year old son and let him steer the boat for a bit.

We had an amazing trip to the Skelligs islands and landing on Skellig Michael with The Skellig Force Awakens. Brendan (dad) and David (son), the owners of this company, were our crew and guides. We were lucky to have a wonderful day for our visit, sunny and flat calm seas. This facilitated a very smooth landing at the little dock on Skellig Michael and for Capt. Brendan to take us right up to the cliff sides on both of the Skellig Islands for great views, and pictures, and to see the sea lions and bird nesting sites up close. One of the Sea Lions swam right up to our boat. Brendan or David were on deck throughout the voyage to highlight points of interest and to regale us with interesting stories. This was my second visit to Skellig Michael, my prior visit was on a vessel that sailed from Portmagee, this was a much better experience. The Skellig Force Awakens vessel was much better suited for the landing on Skellig Michael than the one I had taken from Portmagee, there is a strong railing and wide step to make disembarking from the vessel easier and safer, even in shifting seas. Also Capt. Brendan got us right up to the cliff faces for great views and pictures, something other operators do not appear to do. If you are making the trip to Skellig Michael this is the operator that you want to go with.

Ventured out to the Skelligs with Skellig venture and captain Jim! Highly highly recommended, very knowledgeable with plenty of humor, great day out for the kids as well, dolphins everywhere!

Going on the Skellig Michael landing tour was so much fun! We went with the company Skellig Walker and couldn’t have been happier. Communication prior to the tour was quick and easy. We loaded the boat and got off on time. We had plenty of time on the island to walk around. The boat is great- it has an inside cabin with comfortable seats and outside seats. It has a bathroom and was very clean. The staff was excellent! I would recommend going and I would 100% recommend this company!

If you are in Kerry make sure to visit skellig Michael. It's not just for star wars fans the island is dull of history. Landing tours sell out months in advance so book early to avoid disappointment. The boat trip takes about 45 minutes so take sickness tablets if you need to. The walk up to the top isn't the worst as you can take your time and there's plenty of fabulous views to take in on the way up. At the top you are given a 15 minute history talk about the island and then you have tour own time to walk around. Take a picnic with you to make the most of the day Remember sun cream too I will recommend this place to everyone

CALL US +353 66 947 7108

Skellig michael boat trips, enjoy an exhilarating and breath taking journey around this unesco world heritage site..

The Skellig Michael boat trips are one of the most mysterious and enchanting of our local attractions around the Skellig Rocks. These floating pyramids of sandstone have been home to some of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland as well as providing sanctuary to fantastic numbers of bird life in the area.

Filming of Star Wars The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi took place on Skellig Michael. This amazing boat trip not only allows you to take a closer look at this beautiful UNESCO site but also hear the stories from the staff at The Moorings about the time Star Wars came to Portmagee.

Skellig Michael Landing Trip

• Departing at 9am
• 5 hours approx.
• €120 per person (2022 – rate is subject to change for 2023)

Skellig Michael Tour (not landing)

• Departing at 2.30pm
• 2.5 hours approx.
• €50 per person (2022 – rate is subject to change for 2023)

Rain gear and life jackets provided.

Pre-booked tickets must be collected from The Moorings reception no later than 30 minutes before departure.

All trips are weather permitting. 

Skellig Michael by The Discovery Programme on Sketchfab

Skellig Michael Monastery pointcloud (low res) by The Discovery Programme on Sketchfab

Enjoy an exhilarating and breathtaking journey around the UNESCO World Heritage site of Skellig Michael.

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How to Visit Skellig Michael, Ireland's 'Star Wars' Island

By Bridget Hallinan

A trailer released Monday evening for Star Wars : The Last Jedi has confirmed what fans have been hoping for since the release of The Force Awakens : Luke Skywalker is training Rey to be a jedi (cue millions of people geeking out everywhere). The film opens December 15, but there's another way Star Wars fans can delve into Rey's intergalactic journey—by visiting Skellig Michael, the Irish island where Rey and Luke's meeting was filmed . A wilderness and nature preserve off the coast of Western Ireland (near county Kerry), Skellig Michael offers eco and landing tours that let visitors explore the rugged terrain—part of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site . There's even an ancient monastery, if you're looking to meditate and awaken your inner force.

The island is open for tourists from mid-May to early October, meaning fans will have to wait until 2018 to see "Ahch-To" up close. But you'll want to book ahead anyway, as only a small number of tourists are allowed at a time. (Boating permits restrict the number of visitors; around 180 travelers a day will be able to visit the historic site.) If you get a spot, the journey takes 45 minutes by boat from surrounding coastal towns, barring you don't encounter any crazy storms or rough seas along the way. Once on shore, you have about a three-hour window to explore. Skellig Michael is a popular retreat for seabirds: You may see puffins, kittiwakes, and fulmars while retracing Rey's footsteps. The island is also a steep 714 feet above sea level, providing rigorous climbs for the more adventurous traveler. A 670 step-stairway will take you the monastery complex, which was established around the sixth century. The grounds include a church , graveyard, two oratories, and gardens. Keep in mind that there's no bathroom, so make sure you go beforehand—not even the best jedi mind skills will help you hold it.

Considering the historic landmarks and delicate ecosystems, some of the island's tour guides have raised a controversy over the Star Wars filming and its effects on Skellig Michael. Claire O'Halloran, an Office of Public Works Guide, reported the damage to the monastery entrance was so bad that it wasn't safe to use for a while. And the monastery steps, home to storm petrel birds, were under heavy traffic for 12 hours a day, creating a precarious situation for the small animals. Overall, she was shocked at how much repair work was needed. "Anyone who knows or cares for the island should be asking if this is the right time to be adding other challenges and endangerments to what is here and what is so uniquely our own,” she told The Irish Times . In response, the Irish Film Board insisted that it was “always aware that Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has always been respectful of this designation in all of its dealings."

If you can't get to Skellig but want to add an intergalactic stamp to your passport , head over to Tunisia to see the real-life desert city of Tatooine —spelled "Tataouine" by locals. However, if you're looking for a less hardcore (and physically demanding) experience, Disney's immersive Star Wars hotel is slated to open in 2019 in Orlando, Florida. You'll be able to kick back with Chewbacca and drive the Millennium Falcon (or try the "blue milk," if you're brave).

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The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre

Skellig Island Tour 2023 – BOOKINGS OPEN

Skellig Season

There are a number of boat operators that facilitate a Skellig Michael Landing Tour on the island. OPW have introduced several measurements to limit the amount of people on the island per day. These measurements include a maximum of 12 people per boat and boat operators must hold a valid Skellig Michael Landing License to land on the island.

Skellig Michael usually opens to the public in mid-May and closes at the end of September. The boat tours run daily weather permitting and boat capacity is limited to a maximum of 12 people. Therefore it can sometimes be difficult to receive a ticket. Booking in advance is advised as this allows you to secure a ticket before the season kicks off.

Tickets are available by clicking here.

There are several benefits to booking your tour with The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre. The centre offers free parking onsite, entrance to visitor centre and film show included in price, restaurant onsite (packed lunch and drinks available here) and more.

There are several accommodation providers available in the area and some of these can be found by clicking here .

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Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael ( Sceilg Mhichíl ) is an island 8 nautical miles off the South West Coast of Ireland and forms part of the Skellig Islands along with Small Skellig ( Sceilig Bheag ). It is home to one of the world’s best-preserved examples of the early Christian monastic tradition . The island and monastery are a UNESCO World Heritage site . Boat tours to the island are possible during the Summer landing tour season . The island is an important wildlife sanctuary for species such as the Manx Shearwater, fulmars and its famous colony of puffins. The island was used as a filming location for the planet Ahch-To in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi .

Contents Overview

Visitor Number Limits

Landing tour season, weather conditions, landing tour booking, skellig michael viewing tours / eco tours, skellig michael location, where does the name skellig michael come from.

• Small Skellig (Sceilig Bheag)

Length and Height

Geological composition, historical timeline, pre-monastic history.

• Monastic History (6th – 12th Century)

The Monastery and Hermitage

Monastery buildings and grounds, beehive hut construction, the hermitage on the south peak, life in the monastery, how did the monks survive, post-monastic period, history of lighthouses on skellig michael, conservation and archaeological works, unesco world heritage status, storm petrels, dolphins, seals and whales, the force awakens, the last jedi, impact on tourism, skellig michael tours.

Tours to the island are generally of two types: Skellig Michael Landing Tours – where visitors land on the island and spend up to 2 hours exploring the island and ancient monastery. These tours have become extremely popular in recent years. Skellig Michael Viewing Tours – where boats circumnavigate Skellig Michael and Small Skellig ( Sceilig Bheag ) and give a commentary on the island but passengers remain on the boat.

Skellig Michael Landing Tours

Access to the island is only via one of the 15 licensed Skellig Michael Landing Tour boats that are granted a landing tour license by the OPW. These boats carry 12 passengers each, meaning only 180 people are allowed to land on the island daily .

The 2019 Skellig Michael Landing Tour season is from May 24th – September 30th 2019 as defined by the Office of Public Works , who are in charge of the island.

The season start date can change from year to year but generally begins in mid-May and ends at the end of September.

Landing Tours to the island only occur in the Summer months when sea conditions are favourable to safe landing.

If conditions are not favourable, all landings will be cancelled for the day .

In a standard 130 day landing season, landings will occur between 65% – 75% of the time so, for visitors, it is important to have a backup plan in the event that their landing tour is cancelled.

Booking a landing tour is not an entirely straightforward process as the boats all accept bookings independently of one another. We strongly recommend reading  Booking a Skellig Michael Landing Tours in 2019: The Definitive Guide .

The other option for visitors is to take a tour around both Skellig Islands . These tours do not allow you to land on the island but you do go right up close to the island and can see a lot of the features of Skellig Michael including the steps, the lighthouses and, on a good day, the beehive huts at the top of the island. These tours are particularly suited to families or visitors with children, as many operators are no longer willing to take children under 12 years of age on the landing tour .

Skellig Michael is located 8 nautical miles off the South West Coast of County Kerry in Ireland. The traditional departure point for boat tours to Skellig Michael is the nearby fishing village of Portmagee.

GPS Coordinates : 51°46′16″N 10°32′26″W

The word Skellig comes from the old Irish word “ sceillec   “, which means sharp, steep or jagged rock.

The island was originally known as Glascarraig , which means “Green Rock”. Some time after the establishment of the monastery, Skellig was dedicated to Saint Michael. Thus, the island came to be known as “Skellig Michael” or “ Sceilig Mhichíl ” in Gaelic.

Skellig Islands

Skellig Michael is the larger of the two Skellig Islands . The other being Small Skellig or Little Skellig or Sceilig Bheag , in Gaelic.

Small Skellig ( Sceilig Bheag)

Small Skellig or Little Skellig, is a smaller, uninhabited rock that supports the second-largest gannet colony in Europe, after The Hebrides with up to 20,000 breeding pairs during the summer months, giving the island its characteristic white-topped look and, indeed, smell. The island is inaccessible to the public and only accessible via special permission and climbing equipment.

Skellig Michael Island Geography

The surface area of Skellig Michael is approximately 3.8 hectares .

The majority of the surface area is on the island’s steep slopes which are inaccessible to the public.

Skellig Michael is approximately half a mile (0.8km) long . At its highest point, the South-Western Peak, the island rises to a height of 218 metres (715 feet) .

Skellig Michael is composed of red sandstone, formed in the Devonian period approximately 350 million years ago and would have originally been part of the same mountain chain as the Mcgillicuddy Reeks, overlooking Killarney, which are home to Ireland’s highest peak, Carrauntouhill.

Two peaks, one on the north-eastern side of the island, where the monastery was founded, and another on the south-western, where the smaller hermitage is located. These are linked by a curved central valley called Christ’s Saddle.

Interestingly, from the perspective of the coastline of Ballinskelligs, Portmagee and Valentia Island, these peaks line up so that the island looks like a large floating pyramid on the horizon.

Skellig Michael History

6th Century – 8th Century – Foundation of the monastery on the island. For contextual purposes, this would have been around the same time as the birth of the Islamic religion and considered to be the beginnings of the Middle Ages.

823 – First extant recorded mention of the monastery in the Annals of Tallaght. Also, a Viking attack took place that year in which the abbot of the island was kidnapped and eventually starved to death by his captors.

12th Century – Abandonment of the monastery due, it’s believed, to changes in prevailing weather conditions making life on the monastery even more difficult.

12th Century onwards – Establishment of Skellig Michael as a noted place of pilgrimage.

1578 – The powerful Butler Family assumes ownership of the island as part of the dissolution of monasteries under English rule.

Early 1800s – Ownership transferred to the predecessors of the Commission for Irish Lights , for the purposes of building two lighthouses on the island. The price paid to the Butler family was in the region of 350 pounds, at the time.

1880 – The Office of Public Works assumes guardianship of the monastic ruins.

1826 – Construction of upper and lower lighthouses begins along with jetty and pathway circling the southern part of the island. South-eastern part of the island is dynamited and southern approach steps are lost forever, in the process.

1978 – Beginning of current phase of archaeological survey and conservation works

1989 – The island passes into State ownership.

1996 – Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status

2014 – 2015 – Filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi

One of the first mention of “Skellic” was in legend as the burial place of one of the sons of Milesius, or Míl Espáine , a purported Iberian invader whose army defeated the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of otherworldly gods who ruled Ireland. There are also earlier stories of the island being the dwelling place of Daire Domhaine , the King of the World.

Though we tend to think of the island’s history as beginning with the monks establishing the monastery, a recent discovery that suggests that the island may have already been inhabited before then, as a place of refuge or self-imposed exile.

Monastic History (6th – 12th Century)

The monastic settlement on Skellig actually took place relatively soon after the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. St. Patrick’s missionary work was primarily carried out in the 5th century. The establishment of the monastery is attributed to Saint Fionán. And our current best estimate as to the beginnings of a Christian settlement on the island date back to between the 6th and 8th Century.

At that time in Europe, the monastic tradition would have been heavily influenced by the ascetic tradition that sprung from the seat of Christianity in Judea with many monks and mystics taking to the desert to sequester themselves away from the world to better contemplate the mystery of God. In the absence of a suitable desert, the forbidding isolation of Skellig, at the edge of the known world, fulfilled many of the same functions.

The monastery on Skellig Michael would have been one of a number of monasteries dotted along the Irish coastline, with a significant cluster on the South West coast, encompassing the Iveragh and Dingle peninsulas.

The monks chose to establish the monastery about  167m (550 feet) above sea level on the slopes of the north-eastern peak of the island as it was sheltered from the fiercest of the prevailing winds and, in some senses, has its own micro-climate distinct from the rest of the island.

The population on the island would haven no more than a dozen monks at any one time.

The monastery is comprised of a number of structures, including:

• A large and small oratory built in the shape of an upturned boats.
• A number of beehive huts which served as the monks’ dwellings.
• An altar – for the celebration of mass and other religious ceremonies
• St Michael’s Church – a small church that was built early on in the monastery’s existence that was expanded and rebuilt around the middle of the 11th century, when the island was dedicated to St. Michael.
• A cemetery where a number of monks are buried.

The location of the monastery, allowed the establishment  a terraced garden area for the purposes of growing vegetables with both an upper and lower Monks’ Garden.

The monastery overlooks a terraced garden built to allow for the growing of crops, which was easy given the nutrient-rich soil which was largely composed of bird guano.

The Beehive huts  or clocháns , to give them their Gaelic name, are constructed using flat stones, without the use of mortar. The huts are curved on the outside and square on the inside. The fact that the majority of the structures survived nearly 1400 years of Atlantic storms is a testament to the spectacular robustness of their construction method.

In addition to the monastery on the Eastern side of the island, a smaller, more isolated hermitage site was created on the higher second peak that would serve as a place of isolation and contemplation for a single monk who would spend weeks at a time there. In later years, when pilgrimages to the island became popular, tradition demanded that pilgrims climb to this location, risking death to kiss a cross at the end of a rock ledge. The rock ledge was lost in the last century.

While the island is famous for its 618 steps up to the monastery , these are only one set of stairs – and possibly the most modern – that allowed the monks to climb the island’s steep slopes in relative safety. There are actually up to 4 different routes.

The most famous section of the steps is the steep staircase to the monastery, as seen at the end of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

Life would have been difficult, obviously, given the challenging environment, the constant need to source food and supplies, and the unforgiving weather.

Days would have been spent observing the traditional rhythms of monastic life: dawn prayers, mass, vespers etc. Monks would break for prayers up to 7 times a day, as per the traditional monastic horarium . Fasting would also have been intrinsic to their ascetic existence.

The first problem to solve in a location like Skelligs is securing a water source. The monks were resourceful and created a system that channeled rainwater into two large cisterns holding up to a hundred gallons. No doubt the plentiful Irish rain would have kept it replenished.

While there’s a certain romance to the idea of the monks solely on diet of fish and bird life, they also had access to vegetables from their garden, would have also raised domestic animals such as goats on the island and would have been regularly receiving supplies from the mainland. But this supply chain would have been subject to the vagaries of the weather, as it still is today.

The monastery was abandoned sometime around the 12th Century due, in part, to changing weather conditions which made living on the island even more challenging than it had been and also due to changes in the formal religious structures in effect in the monks’ religious orders. By this time, the monastery had fallen under the charge of the Augustinian order who were responsible for building St. Michael’s Church on the island and who also had an Abbey on the mainland in Ballinskelligs.

Following the abandonment of the monastery, the island became a relatively famous place of pilgrimage.

The story of Skellig’s lighthouses is relatively short but no less fascinating as a result. Due to the increase in maritime traffic during the early 1800s and the consequent increase in ship wrecks along the west coast, the predecessor to the Irish Lights, who were responsible for the building of lighthouses on the mainland, decided to build two lighthouses on the island in 1821.

Construction took approximately 5 years and incorporated two lighthouses, one on the South-Western end and one on the North-Western as well as dwellings for the light house keepers and an approach road from a jetty in Blind Man’s Cove. The lighthouses commenced operation on the 4th of December 1826.

Lighthouse keepers and their families would live on the island for weeks at a time and would use semaphores to signal to Dursey lighthouse in Cork who would then communicate with the mainland.

Tragically, a number of lighthouse keepers died while on the island and one lighthouse keeper, W. Callaghan, lost two sons to illness in 1868 and 1869, who are buried in the island  the grounds of the monastery beside the bodies of the monks from centuries previously. Horrifically, his request to be transferred from the island on compassionate grounds was denied.

The upper lighthouse remained in operation until 1870 when a new lighthouse was built on Inis Tearaght near Dingle. There is an apocryphal story that it was washed out by a wave during a particularly bad storm.

The lower lighthouse remained in operation with various upgrades to its illumination and buildings with lighthouse keepers serving more humane stints on the island and having their families located on purpose-built homes in Knightstown on Valentia Island. The building of a helicopter pad on the island in 1969 eventually allowed for the keepers to be transported to and from the island by helicopter.

Eventually, the decision was made to automate the lighthouse and this came on line on the 22nd April 1987, leaving no reason for the lighthouse keepers to remain stationed on the island. Their stories, however, have been captured in the spectacular RTE series, Great Irish Lighthouses, which interviews a number of Skellig lightkeepers.

Apart from the obvious alterations made to the island during period of the construction of the lighthouses, the main structures on the island remained untouched until 1978 when repairs needed to be made to one of the main walls in the monastery.  This kicked off an intense period of conservation and restoration, beginning in the main monastery and graduating to the hermitage on the South Peak, which had been more exposed to the elements and, therefore, significantly more compromised over the centuries.

The current restoration work is focused on the path constructed between the two lighthouses on the island, which may lead to these being opened to public viewing in future years.

Skellig Michael was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 for its “exceptional universal value” in demonstrating, “ as no other site can, the extremes of a Christian monasticism  characterising much of North Africa, the Near East and Europe.” 

Skellig Wildlife

As well as being a historically significant island, Skellig has Special Protected Status for a number of species of birdlife who nest on the island. In particular, the Manx Shearwater and the Storm Petrel who have some of the world’s largest breeding populations on the island.

Skellig’s most famous inhabitants are its most photogenic: Atlantic Puffins ( Fratercula arctica ). These surprisingly small birds, with their colourful beaks and comic waddle are resident on the island from April until late July / early August. Their characteristic stomach-groan croaking pulsates from every green corner of the island or from underneath the ledges and steps.

There are approximately 4,000  breeding pairs each year who raise one chick – a puffling – in a deep burrow about a metre from the surface.

Puffins leave the island after raising their offspring and fly westward to the Labrador Coast and, after that, spend many months in the middle of the Atlantic.

Skellig Michael is the most important habitat in the world for the European Storm Petrel. Storm Petrels are tiny birds of the [family] which nest primarily in the stone walls and beehive cells of the island. They are nocturnal birds and so are not generally visible during normal visiting hours on the island.

Fulmars are a member of the longnose family. They’re very similar to gulls, with white under-plumage and grey upper feathers. The easiest way to identify them is by their distinctive bill, which is hooked and has nostrils for excreting salt. Their most impressive characteristic is their use of projectile vomiting as a defense mechanism.

Pods of Common Dolphins regularly accompany the boats out to Skellig. Minke Whales also appear frequently during the Summer months. In recent years, the islands have seen the presence of magnificent humpback whales, which are a truly awe-inspiring sight when seen up-close. The island is also host to a colony of Grey Seals who are often found lounging around on the rocks of Seal Cove on the Western end of the island as well as on the shoreline of Small Skellig.

Skellig Michael was chosen as the location of the planet Ahch-To in both Star Wars: The Force Awakens, co-written and directed by JJ Abrams and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, written and directed by Rian Johnson.

The island was chosen by Rick Carter, the production designer, who immediately saw its otherworldly beauty as a possible home for the island retreat of Luke Skywalker, 30 years after the end of Return of the Jedi. He sent the details to JJ Abrams who is reported to have said, “Oh my God. I love it.” In a video on-set he described the island as a “kind of a miracle”.

Pre-production started in early 2014, with a location scouting visit in February. The crew then set up their production office in the lounge room of the Moorings Guesthouse and set about sorting out the huge logistical challenges associated with filming on an island almost 10 miles out in the Atlantic.

Full cast and crew arrived over August Bank Holiday 2014 an spent three days filming on the island. Transport to the island was primarily via the local Skellig Michael landing tour boat fleet, as helicopter flights were restricted.

The Star Wars team returned in September 2015 to shoot the opening scenes of Star Wars: The Last Jedi led, this time, by writer-director Rian Johnson. Although delayed on their first day by weather, shooting again went off relatively painlessly which was slightly miraculous given that, even during the Summer Landing Tour season, boats only land on the island about 65% – 70% of the season.

Ahch-to featured extensively in The Last Jedi, as the island home of Luke Skywalker and home to an indigenous population of fish-like nuns, the Caretakers, and the now-famous Porgs, a type of cross between a seal and a penguin that Johnson said was inspired by the puffins on Skellig Michael. Though there is a story that the Porgs were designed to account for the presence of puffins in frame during shooting, the puffins had actually left the island by the time the crew arrived on the island in September.

Due to the difficulties of shooting on the island, a number of backup locations around Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way were used as backup locations, including: Ceann Sibeal in Dingle (The beehive hut village), Malin Head in Donegal (The landing Point of the Millennium Falcon), Brow Head in Cork (The Dark Hole)

The net effect of Skellig’s presence in the movies was to massively elevate Skellig Michael’s worldwide fame and popularity. In the weeks following the movie’s release, interest in Skellig Michael rose to 10,000 searches per week. Skellig Michael is now firmly on the world tourist map and is one of the world’s great movie set-jetting locations with thousands of Star Wars fans arriving at the island each year, many in costume to recreate some of the movies’ iconic scenes.

SKELLIG MICHAEL TOURS AND SKELLIG LANDING TOURS

With casey’s skellig islands tours.

On the  Skellig Michael Landing Tour you get off the boat and step on to the island . With the Skellig Michael Boat Tour you stay on the boat as it goes around both the Skellig Islands getting right up close to see the historic sites and wildlife on Skellig Michael and the gannet colony on Little Skelligs. The Skellig Landing Tour season begins mid May and finishes on Sept 30th . The Skellig Boat Tour season runs from April to end September .

SKELLIG MICHAEL ECO TOURS

See the wildlife, historical sites and little Skelligs gannet colony

SKELLIG MICHAEL LANDING TOURS

Climb the 618 steps to the monastery on Great Skellig

STAR WARS FILMING ON SKELLIG MICHAEL

Scenes from the latest Star Wars trilogy were filmed on Skelligs

BIRD LIFE ON THE SKELLIG ISLANDS

Thousands of birds such as puffins, gannets and guillemots nest here.

Two types of Skellig Michael Tour

Skellig Michael Eco Tour around both Islands and Skellig Michael Landing Tour

The Skellig Michael Eco Tours depart regularly throughout the day. On this tour the boat circles around Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs. This allows you get up close to both Skellig Islands. From here you can see both the wildlife and the historical sites. The Skellig Michael Landing Tour departs Portmagee marina only once per day. The departure time changes frequently depending on the sea conditions as well as the available Skellig Michael Landing time slots. The boat arrives back from the Skellig Islands in the afternoon. There is also an option of an  Audio Visual Boat Tour   about Skelligs History and Wildlife. All our Skelligs Michael Tours are dependent on the sea and weather conditions. The tours are popular especially in the busy season so it is advisable to book well in advance.

SKELLIG MICHAEL (Great Skellig Rock)

The Skellig Islands are 12 km (8 miles) off the coast. However, they can be accessed by boat from Portmagee in South West Kerry. Skellig Michael rises from the sea, reaching a height of 218 metres above sea level. On the summit of Skellig Michael there is a well-preserved 6th century monastic settlement. Skellig Michael gets its name from Saint Michael the Archangel.

How much are the Skellig Michael Tours?

SKELLIG MICHAEL ECO TOUR Adults: €45 Students / Seniors: €42 Children: €37  Family: €150 (2 adults + 2 children) Each additional child:  €30 (Plus booking fee)

SKELLIG LANDING TOUR € 125 plus booking fee per person

What options are there to see the wildlife on Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs?

The Skellig Michael Boat Tour around the Skellig Islands (Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs Nature Reserve) has multiple departure times throughout the day. The boat tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes and circles both islands getting right up close to Skellig Michael and the Little Skelligs to see both the wildlife and the historical sites.  This tour can get quite busy especially in the peak season so it is advisable to book well in advance.  The season runs from April to the end of September. The tour departs from the marina in Portmagee, Co. Kerry .

ST FIONAN OF SKELLIG MICHAEL

On our Skellig Michael Tours you will see the 6th century monastic settlement on the north peak of the island. Great Skellig was home to the monks of St Fionan. These monks led very simple lives out in the wild Atlantic, living in stone beehive shaped huts. The huts are round-shaped on the outside. In contrast, they are rectangular on the inside. In fact, they were carefully built to prevent a single drop of rain from coming in. The monks spent their days praying in the church, while dedicating some of their time for studying and tending to their gardens. In general, it is thought that the rock was the permanent home to about 12 monks. In the 13th century the climate started to change and life became very harsh out in the Atlantic. For this reason, the monks left the Skelligs and moved to the mainland in Ballinskelligs. Subsequently, the Great Skellig became a place of pilgrimage.

KERRY CLIFFS AND PUFFIN ISLAND

On the Skellig Michael Tours and the Audio Visual Boat Tour you will see the Kerry Cliffs and Puffin Island. Kerry Cliffs were formed more than 400 million years ago. The cliffs are located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. For the most part, they reach 300m in height. For this reason, they are a spectacular sight to look up at from the boat at sea level. Puffin Island is a designated a nature reserve under the conservancy of BirdWatch Ireland. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow sound. Hence, it is isolated from the mainland. As a result, it is home to thousands of pairs of birds such as Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels and other breeding seabirds.

Where do the Skellig Michael Tours depart from?

All our tours depart from the marina in Portmagee, County Kerry. – Ask for BRENDAN CASEY. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour is due to depart.

How do I change or cancel my Skellig Tour booking?

Login to our customer area to update or cancel your booking. Enter the same email address you used when you made your booking.

It is advisable to stay as near as possible to Portmagee.

You should stay locally the night before the tour because the sea conditions vary a lot and we are often not sure if the tour will go ahead until right before it is due to depart.

AUDIO VISUAL INTERACTIVE BOAT TOUR

The  interactive boat tour  is an Audio Visual experience and is both educational and fun. As an alternative to our Skellig Michael Tours, the boat stays within relatively calm waters. The boat moves from the departure point at Portmagee marina to explore the harbour and the small coastal islands. To begin with, you will learn the history of Skellig Michael and the birdlife living in the area. At the same time, you will experience the joy of wildlife and nature.  Find out about the movies that were filmed in the area including Star Wars and Harry Potter. In summary, the tour is a fun adventure and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The tour takes about 1 hour.

The Audio Visual Tour is not running for the 2023 season .

Experience for yourself the breathtaking beauty of the Skellig Islands.

Book with Paul Devane & Skellig Michael Cruises and experience the tour of a lifetime!!

Our Modern 9 boat fleet allows us to cater for groups – bus tours, school tours, disabled, etc…

Skellig Michael Tours 2024

Skellig Michael Tours  2024 Booking Update:

Click  bookings page here  .

We are a family owned business based in the beautiful fishing village of Portmagee .

Skellig Michael  Cruises offer two types of boat tour to the Skellig Islands .

A Skellig Islands Tour which goes around both islands, and a Skellig Michael Landing Tour where you get off the boat and climb to the Monastery and can explore Skellig Michael and its wildlife / Birdlife

Secure Online Booking or visit Our Booking Office in Portmagee Marina car park

Skellig Islands Eco Cruise

It is also more affordable for individuals and families at less than half the price of the landing tour.

Our Skellig Islands tour lasts approx. 2.5 hours.

The Skellig Islands Tour is suitable all ages and abilities especially for families with children , disabled , also people who are unable to climb 640 steps to the monastery.

Enhance your once in a lifetime tour and let us take your picture in front of this amazing Unesco World Heritage site (Skellig MIchael) or do a selfie. (You can see a sample of such pictures  in our gallery . )

Your journey will take you first to the small Skelligs where you see the second largest colony of gannets in the world and see lots of wildlife such as seals etc… You then continue on to Skellig Michael where you get up close to see the birds, the bee hive huts, the monastery, the light house at the back and the steps the monks carved into the rock in the 5 th Century. This was the old path taken by the Monks – something you do not always get to see on the landing tour.

Skellig Michael Landing Tours

The Skellig Michael Landing Tou r departs daily from Portmagee marina between 8:00am and 10:00am. Landing time slots on  Skellig Michael operates on a rota basis therefore departure times change weekly.  Exact departure times will be emailed in advance. It takes approximately 1 hour to reach Skellig Michael.

You are allowed 2.5 hours on the island to climb the 640 steps to the top and explore the island.

On Skellig Michael there is a tour guide to tell you all there is to know about the island, especially the history of Skellig Michael and lots of information on the birds that live there. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

For more information on the Skellig Islands check our website pages The History of Skellig Michael and More Skelligs articles 

At Skellig Michael Cruises we cater for disabled visitors needing wheelchair access as passengers can board the boat via a door at the back.

We also have shelter from the weather, rain gear is available for all passengers and life jackets must be worn while on board. With seating inside for all passengers as well as a toilet on board.

S tar Wars Filming

The force is getting stronger in Skellig Michael after tourism officials predicted rise in visitors wishing to visit the isolated Unesco world heritage site of Skellig Michael & the Skellig Islands.

This could bring a welcome boost to boat  tour operators, who could be set to enjoy the busiest-ever tourist season, thanks to the recent filming of Star Wars movie “The Force Awakens”

Legendary Wookiee warrior Chewbacca visits Skellig Michael Cruises Read more here

What a trip!

Both my husband and I took separate trips on the boats to go around the Skelligs – one of us was needed to look after our wee terrier – even though he was invited to go on the trip too! It was just marvellous, seeing a minke whale and dolphins on the way there – magical….the skipper was so interesting, too. A must.

” I would like to thank Brendan and Paul Devane of Skellig Michael Cruises for a fantastic voyage. It was luxury all the way.”

Great tour around Skellig Islands

We went out with Christy of Paul Devane boats. Christy was great Skipper, Gave us lots of detail info re both islands. He was very attentive to all passengers. He was very Safety conscious. Showed us Dolphins on the way out.

” The cruise around Skellig Michael is a fantastic experience and perfect for a family both young and old.”

An “Out of this World” Experience”

After experiencing the 660+ step climb to the top of this mountain, you can truly understand why Abrams selected Skellig Michael for the concluding scenes of “Star Wars VII, The Force Awakens.” Pictures and words cannot adequately describe the shear magnitude or beauty of this special place, nor the journey to reach its summit. The journey is not for the faint of heart, but the final destination will leave you in awe…

“Skellig Michael is one of those unique places that if you close your eyes after you visit it, you will again be transported back there. Do not miss it.”

Skellig Islands

Skellig Islands & Skellig Michael

The larger island  is the site of a Monastic Settlement dating back to the 6 th  century; however, one can find legendary accounts of Skellig Michael which date to pagan times, back in 1400 BC.

St Michael Axis

Skellig Michael is the most westerly sacred site in Europe and it also finishes the line of ancient pilgrimage places in Europe.

This line runs from Ireland through to France, Italty, and Greece and on to Palestine.

The line is known as the Apollo/ St Michael axis, as it is believed to be known thousands of years before Christianity.

More recently Skellig Michael has become known for its appearance in the latest (2016) Star Wars Film “The Force Awakens” filming took place in 2015.

Latest News

We have started operating tours around Skellig Michael. You can book your preferred time of departure here : https://www-1557q.bookeo.com/bookeo/b_skelligmichaelcruises_start.html?ctlsrc2=zaAhcC0M4JEyr0TK1uBj53X%2Bc7r47vR8YdGbX7HXvYY%3D&src=02r           Read Full Story here https://www.facebook.com/260491857303744/posts/3274902352529331/?d=n

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Skellig Michael

Landing tour.

Land on Skellig Michael, explore the monastic ruins and experience other-worldly vistas. See the spot where Luke Skywalker stood, and feel the power of this incredible place.

ECO CRUISE TOUR

Enjoy a two and a half hour cruise around the Skellig Islands, taking in the amazing Skellig Coast, local bird and sealife including dolphins and whales.

What are the safety precautions? How long are the tours? What times do the tours depart, Where do the boats depart from? All your questions are answered here.

to Skellig Michael, Irelands UNESCO World Heritage site

Skellig Michael is an island 12 km off the South West coast of Ireland. It houses the incredibly well-preserved remains of an early Christian monastery and that was founded in the 6th century and a place of monastic retreat until the 12th century.

Due to its universal cultural value, Skellig Michael was awarded World Heritage Site status in 1996, one of only two sites in the Republic of Ireland. Most recently, it has achieved worldwide fame thanks to its appearance as the planet Ahch-To, in both Star Wars : The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi .

Skellig Michael Boat Trips, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland Email: [email protected]   •  Tel: +353 66 947 7108

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Skellig Michael Boat Trips, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 66 947 7108

© Skellig Michael Boat Trips • All Rights Reserved • Privacy Policy • Make a Payment Site by Bright Idea

Skellig Michael Boat Trips, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland E: [email protected] T: +353 66 947 7108

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Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

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To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

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Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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