Welcome to ‘Star Wars Island’ Ireland

Viewers may recognise both rock formations in the photo!

The two jagged Skellig rocks explode out of the sea roughly 8 miles (12 km) off the coast southwest Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula (often known as the Ring of Kerry). The larger of the two, Skellig Michael (officially the Great Skellig) is the larger of the two, and is the only one with a harbour. Little Skellig can only be seen from water, or from Skellig Michael. Ironically, this means that the Little Skellig island is possibly more photographed than Skellig Michael!

The closest port of call is Portmagee, where the majority of boats sail from. The islands are weather-beaten and isolated – giving a sense of being at the edge of the world!

• Ceann Sibéal Headland on the Dingle Peninsula – Co Kerry – This is where they recreated the beehive huts where Luke Skywalker was living, as well as the site of the sacred Jedi temple. While the recreated beehive huts have now been removed, the site itself along the Slea Head point is a place of intense beauty, and worth a visit!
• Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula, Co Donegal – The site of Ireland’s extreme north, Malin Head is a  exposed, rocky outcrop at the edge of the world. While in the film it appears that Luke’s island home is quite large, Malin Head’s rugged terrain of jagged headlands, exposed limestone, crashing waves and desolate bogs actually form most of the backdrop of Luke’s island home. While less iconic than the Skelligs, hiking around this northern headland in Co Donegal – nicknamed the Forgotten County – is just an alien and other-worldly!
• Loop Head Peninsula – Co Clare – Loop Head, the narrow peninsula at the southern end of Co Clare, contains a unique rock formation that was even featured in the original trailer. Also part of Luke and Rey’s hideaway, the rough contours of this peninsula will transport you to a galaxy far away!