Just under two years ago I accompanied the masses and spent my afternoon at the movies to watch The Force Awakens. Twice. I confess, before 2015 I hadn’t watched all the Star Wars movies back to back, and could hardly remember the older ones.
I decided it was time to become one with the force.
Along with finally jumping on board the Millennium Falcon with the rest of the world, I added another location to my list of “must see’s.” Similar to when I first saw the Cliffs of Moher in an online photograph, I saw an island in the final scene of The Force Awakens that stole a part of my soul.
Also similar to the Cliffs of Moher I had no idea where this island was.
It just so happened, that this island was located off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry, you know…in Ireland. The place I was planning to go. The islands were identified, and became a “must see” for our trip. This adventure didn’t come easy though, it took months for us to secure a spot. Thanks to Star Wars this island has become very popular.
Plus, the place is covered in puffins. PUFFINS.
Stepping foot onto Skellig Michael was like stepping into a time machine. I went with the hopes of walking where Luke Skywalker walked, but left with so much more. Before Star Wars was even a flicker in George Lucas’s eye, this island was occupied by monks dating back between the sixth and eighth century.
Their monastery still stands.
I was blown away by the history. The monks began a life on this island and built their huts by chipping away at the rocks on the cliffs. They received a few big ticket items from the mainlands, but lived almost completely off the gardens they built on the island.
The huts are still completely in tact.
Getting to the monastery requires a trek up over 600 steps, but with the surrounding views it almost feels like a walk in the park. Almost. The climb went quick, shout out to the Washington mountains I frequent that made these steps feel like just another hike.
The boat ride to the island left at 9am and took about 50 minutes. There are no bathrooms on the island, so plan accordingly. Our captain advised us when to be back to the boat for our departure back to the mainland, and then we were on our own for about three hours.
I loaded up with Irish pancakes to keep me full. They fueled me for over six hours.
It’s places like this that put perspective to just how large this world is. Here I was, thousands of miles from home, stepping foot onto a large part of Irish history. It was monumental, and I’ll never forget it.
Who see’s the dinosaur?
After hours of exploration, we made our way back to the boat for our trek to the mainland, but not before one last stop. Our captain took us to “Little Skellig,” just around the corner from Skellig Michael. We didn’t get off the boat, as this island is home to the largest bird colony in Ireland.
The bird colonies includes the illusive Gannet. You couldn’t pay me to go on that island.
Little Skellig on the left, Skellig Michael in the background.
Where to stay: About 15 minutes away from the Portmagee Marina, sits an adorable B&B called The Klondyke House. The breakfast was great, and the room was adorable. Very easy drive from here to the marina.
Where to eat: There are plenty of options in the town just down the road from Klondyke House. We chose The Lobster Bar and Grill. The service was phenomenal.
Portmagee is an adorable town, even if you don’t make the trek to Skellig, it’s a must see.
Travel Tip: Specifically in regards to Skellig Michael, if you’re unable to book a spot, still show up. It’s said that if you get there early enough and there is a no show you can snag their spot.
Blissfulbritt 
42 thoughts on “Skellig Micheal”
kathy @ more coffee, less talky
PUFFINS! my fav bird. Did they actually let you get that close and didn’t fly away?
Brittany
YESSS! Some moved or flew away, but most just stared. 😂
Roda
Puffins!!!! I could have stayed there forever!
Brittany
It was SURRRRRREAL!
Anthony
Absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing your adventure….and your food. Now, you’ve made me hungry. Lucky, I am also in the middle of preparing something.
Brittany
Best time to get hungry! 🤗
Becca
OMG THOSE PUFFINS! Adorbs.
Brittany
I dieeeee.
Angie
Fantastic pics! We pass by here but didn’t get off and explore. Now, I’m thinking we should have! OMG, those puffins!! They are so darn CUTE.
Brittany
Next time 😝
Josh dV
*raises hand* I see the dinosaur!
History is so amazing. I love that you are experiencing all this. Not even a bit jealous, just happy for you!
Brittany
Ahhhaha thank you for commenting about the dinosaur! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Josh dV
Stegosaurus is my favorite. Just saying.
stateeats
Wow, oh wow! I did not know the movie was filmed here but the magnificence of the island along with those monk dwellings is enough to entice me. I woulda had to pee tho. -Kat
Brittany
I have the bladder of a peanut, guzzle water like a horse, yet SOMEHOW I made it!
Ellie
PUFFINS!!! OMG I’M DYING! Also, kudos to you for watching all the SW movies. I’ve seen them all….in bits and pieces…I know the story lol 😉
Brittany
Haaaha I was the same as you, but I LOVED watching them all in order!!
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Jessica @ Fit Talker
Beautiful photos!!
Brittany
Thank you!
destination.darling
Love the Puffins!!!
Brittany
They were amazing.
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Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
The force is definitely with you my friend. I’m not sure what I enjoy more: seeing Ireland pictures or seeing them through your eyes. It’s clear how much joy you found on this trip. I’m happy for you. Plus this was uber cool.
Brittany
The joy was spewing all over.
dave379
Those steps are amazing, to think how long they’ve been there, and everything else. Love hte puffins too! Many years back I saw a few on a trip to Iceland…they all flew away as soon as you got too close.
Brittany
Iceland is next on my radar, I hope I see more puffins!
Kayse
Little Skellig is just….. whoa. Those huts and stairs are mind blowingly gorgeous. And so are those puffinnnnns!
Brittany
This place was like something out of a dream.
P
You got to see puffins?! Apparently they are supposed to be all around Iceland but I didn’t see any 😦 . They look so sweet though!
Brittany
That’s what I’ve heard! I hope to see more when I visit Iceland!
Rach
PUFFINS!! I had no idea those were here!!! My desire to go to the cliffs of Moher just increased like ten fold! Love this!
Brittany
Girrlll, this was Skellig Michael! No puffins on the Cliffs of Moher sadly!
Wind Kisses
Beautiful! The boat wan’t running the day we were there. Thank you for taking us there with you today!
Brittany
I’m so sorry you couldn’t go, all the more reason to visit again. 🤗
Wind Kisses
We definitely will. In the meantime I love hearing your insight on your trip. You do more then just say “here I am” and instead share your experience about that space in time!! Well done. I did nominate you for the Blue Sky tag award. Look at it when you return from your trip. It is about self reflection. You master that! XO Keep wandering…
Brittany
Thank you so much, how kind. ❤🙏🏻
Heather
PUFFINS!!! So much of Ireland made me feel like I had gone back in time. I think that’s why I liked it so much 🙂
Brittany
So true! I swooned so hard. Everywhere!
danaelizabethx
WOW – JUST WOW!!!! I will have to put this on my must see list!!! Those puffins are just the cutest!!! The views are amazing!
Brittany
GIRRRL, get your fanny to this place STAT!
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