Skellig Michael

Ireland
 

 

Why
Skellig Michael
is special

Skellig Michael is a small, rugged, rock island dramatically rising out of the Atlantic Ocean. It lies about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Irish mainland. Irish monks inhabited it from the 6th to 12th century. Today, it's unpopulated, except by day-tripping tourists.

Skellig Michael
tips & insights

Monastery

It was tiny and could accommodate only about a dozen monks. To reach the site from the dock, they had to climb over 600 stone steps on a cliff path lacking safety rails. The same holds true for today's visitors.

Stone huts

The monastic life was spartan. Monks lived in bee-hive-shaped stone huts built without mortar - and set near a precipitous cliff. These ancient dwellings are well-preserved considering their age (up to 1400 years), lack of mortar, and hostile environment (Atlantic winter gales).

Getting to Skellig Michael

Small ferries leave the harbor of Portmagee from early April to late September, weather permitting. Access is limited, for conservation's sake - so be sure to make advance reservations. The boat ride takes under 50 minutes each way. You'll have two to three hours to climb up to the monastery and explore other trails.

Sightseeing cruise

You can also take a two-hour cruise out of Portmagee that travels around Skellig Michael. Although you do not land, you get a stunning up close view.

Etymology

The island's name translates "Michael's Rock", referring to the saint.

Sister isle

Nearby is Small Skellig, also striking in appearance. You can view but not visit it because it hosts notable seabird colonies.

  

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