Up until last week beautiful Skellig Michael in County Kerry was not known to many people in Ireland, let alone the rest of the world. Now this spectacular rock and UNESCO World Heritage site is drawing the attention of the world, having made its big screen debut in the Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens.
Home to one of the oldest Christian Monastic settlements in the world – founded sometime between the 6th and 8th century – Skellig Michael is one of Ireland’s true hidden gems. Or at least is used to be! The rocky outcrop of an isalnd is home to a vast range of wildlife, including Atlantic Puffins, Seagulls and over 50,000 gannets…not bad for a tiny island off the coast of Kerry.
Thanks to its status as a world heritage site, and its remote and exposed location, only 13 boat licenses are granted each year. These tour operators are only allowed to run a single trip each day during the summer season which means that only a lucky few people will ever get to step foot on this incredible island each year. If you happen to make it out to the Skelligs and find the sun is shining and the Puffins are in full view….count yourself some seriously lucky sod!
Luckily for me, I managed to make it here just over two years ago and took some of the best photos I have ever taken in my life. Here are my 15 favourite photos of Skellig Michael from my afternoon in puffin paradise. Enjoy!
Photos of Skellig Michael
Excellent! Nice that you got there a couple of years ago. With very limited access to the island it’s about to be like getting into fort Knox
Great puffin photos. Thanks for sharing!