Skellig Michael and Star Wars

Which scenes were filmed on the island?

The final scene of The Force Awakens was filmed on Skellig Michael. Rey climbs the stone steps to the top of the island and finds Luke Skywalker near the monastery. In The Last Jedi the island is Luke’s hiding place, and its steps, cliffs and sea views appear throughout the film.

Not every island scene was filmed on Skellig Michael. A copy of the beehive huts was built at Ceann Sibéal on the Dingle Peninsula for closer shots, and other scenes were filmed at Malin Head in Co. Donegal and Loop Head in Co. Clare.

When was Star Wars filmed on Skellig Michael?

The crew spent three days filming on the island in July 2014 for The Force Awakens. They returned in September 2015 to film scenes for The Last Jedi. Conservation groups raised concerns about filming during the seabird breeding season, and the work went ahead with measures in place to protect the island.

Porgs and puffins

The porgs in The Last Jedi are linked to the island’s puffins. Puffins nest on Skellig Michael each summer and kept appearing in shots. As a protected species they could not be moved, and the film makers have said this helped lead to the porgs. You can see puffins on the island from late April to early August. Our guide to the best time to visit has more on when to go.

Can you visit the Star Wars island?

Yes. On our Landing Tour you climb the same stone steps that Rey climbs in The Force Awakens, up to the 6th century monastery. Landing Tours run from mid-May to September on dates set each year by the OPW. Places come from a waiting list and you must be 18 or over.

Our Sea Tour goes around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig without landing. Several of the filming locations, including the steps and the approach to the island, can be seen from the water. It suits all ages and sails three times a day from May to September. All tours leave from the marina in Portmagee, Co. Kerry.