We didn’t go to Skellig Michael, alas seeing it only from a distance. It’s still worth writing about. Named for the Archangel Michael, the remote UNESCO World Heritage island is the location for the last two Star Wars movies (Luke Skywalker’s final home). Filming has shifted to a site in Dingle in a response to concern about the impact of increased visitors to the island.
Christian monks established a community in the 6th century and the monastery survived multiple Viking attacks until the 12th century. Over 600 steps were hewn into the cliff by the rugged monks to the summit of Skellig Michael. We learnt about the history of the small island from a DVD lent to us by my parents some years ago and walking these steps was high on my original bucket list. Practicality (and visions of being surrounded by modern Jedi) intervened.
Numbers of people allowed to visit the island and climb the steps are strictly limited, and our research indicated most tours were cancelled due to wild weather. We decided time was too short to plan around such an uncertainty. It was a good call as we visited the Skellig Michael museum on the day we had considered the tour, found it had indeed been cancelled and had also been cancelled the day before.
The museum was filled with Star Wars memorabilia. Despite eagerly anticipating and discussing each upcoming Star Wars movie (I saw the first movie three times at the cinema at the age of 12), we initially thought it a little sad the story of the courageous monks has been overshadowed. However, upon reflection, I think it’s great the history of the island is now inspiring a multitude of lightsaber wielding devotees.