The Skelligs
Our first trip to the Skelligs this year was a great success. The weather was perfect so the boats could make the trip and drop us off at this amazing Island.
The Island is getting a lot more visitors since Hollywood came to town in the shape of Star Wars. Its good to see some people interested in the site steeped in such a rich history.
We started our day in Portmagee and went out to the Skelligs. This takes about 45mins to get out to the Island. We then climbed up to the monetary taking in the views as we went. It doesn’t take that long to go up and down the Skelligs. Three hours in total but the sites you see, stop you in your tracks and make you linger.
When reach the top you are treated to a spectacular vista looking back in to the shores of Ireland or out to the vast ocean of the Atlantic. You think to yourself how did anyone build anything here and then survive for years out in the harsh piece of rock. We were out on a good day but imagining it on a bad day made me shiver.
The journey down the steep steps did not take long and we were back on to the boat in no time. We then took a trip around by the little Skelligs, which is a bird sanctuary. As we approached the sounds of birds calling out became louder and louder, an amazing sight and sound as well as picturesque.
We then arrived back at port and made the small journey to Bray Head an old look out position. We did yoga as the sun stayed shining above us until it was time to go home. A truly relaxing and spiritual experience.
A little history about the Skelligs
The Skelligs comprises of two remote sea crags; Skellig Michael, known as the Great Skellig and its smaller neighbour, Little Skellig. They date back to the sixth century, when a group of early Christian monks settled on Skellig Michael, founding a monastery there. The well-preserved hermitage and monastic remains can still be found on the island, despite the monks leaving in the 13th century.
This fascinating site, as well as the general wildness of the rugged island, gives an incredible glimpse into the lives of the monks. The monastery is perched on a ledge an astonishing 160m above sea level and faces south, protecting those inside from the prevailing winds.
Visitors must take care while following in the monks’ footsteps. The 618 winding stone steps are uneven and irregular, though this is to be expected considering they’re almost 1,500 years old! At the top, there are six beehive huts, a church dedicated to St. Michael, a walled garden and an early oratory. These impressive artifacts prompted the islands to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.
The well-preserved monastic remains have retained a strong spiritual after-life, which appeals strongly to the human psyche. Visitors cannot but be awestruck by the physical achievements of these early monks which, when combined with the sense of solitude, ocean and bird sounds evokes a quiet sense of magic.
The Skelligs is also one of the country’s most important sites for breeding seabirds, as its steep slopes and cliffs provide the perfect nesting places. On the smaller island you’ll find the second largest colony of gannets in the world. In fact it’s home to over 27,000 pairs, as well as puffins, Arctic terns, black guillemots, herring gulls and many more.
Pictures courtesy of John Higgins - Irish and Worldwide Adventures - Guide and Instructor.
