Skellig Michael is an island in Ireland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island climbs 700 feet. It is known for the Gaelic monastery that was founded there in the 6th and 8th centuries. It was also featured in the Star Wars, The Last Jedi.
It is not easy to access. Lots of tourists want to climb the dangerous island steps. Rough waters prevent easy access. And only 15 boat operators get a license each year to land in the island.
If you want to visit the monastery, then there’s a few things you need to do.
- Pick a date to visit the island.
- Go to Skellig Michael website.
- Sign up to the mailing list.
- Wait for an email in February or March when the boat licenses are distributed and tour boats start booking trips.
- Book your trip.
- Hope for the best.
Everything you need to know about Skellig Michael is right here. It’s all maintained by an independent webmaster who knows all about the Island. If you have any questions, go there.
Boat operators can only visit the island during the summer. Spots book up quickly. You have to plan ahead, especially if you plan to go during the height of the tourist season in July and August.
I have always found early June in Ireland to be a good time to visit. There are fewer tourists. The weather is pretty good, and it doesn’t rain much.
The challenge with booking travel to Skellig Michael is that if the seas are rough, boats can’t land.
That means your early planning is all wasted. There’s really not much you can do. Yes, people will drop out of boat spots. You might be able to get a last minute booking. But you never know.
I booked my 2019 visit for my Celtic Invasion of Star Wars. Yet, we might not make it to the island. Hopefully we can still get a boat-only tour.
Happily, the boat I’m taking costs a lot. But if the landing doesn’t happen, we get a half price eco tour.
Hope this helps. And have a happy Invasion!
