Skellig Michael - Sceilig Mhichil Monastery

Ireland's Skellig Islands (Irish: Na Scealaga), are two small spectacular pinnacles rising out of the Atlantic Ocean just over 12 km (7 miles) southwest of Valentia Island, County Kerry (Irish: Dairbhre, Contae Chiarraí). The Gaelic monastery on the largest of the islands Skellig Michael (Irish: Sceilg Mhichíl) dates back to the early seventh century and may have been founded as early as the sixth century by Saint Fionán (470–549). It stands high on this island rock in the Atlantic Ocean about nine miles from the Iveragh peninsula County Kerry coast. The island of Skellig Michael is linked in pagan legend to the 'Tuatha Dé Danann' Celtic peoples who held the sea and islands as important centres in their mythical beliefs. One such legend is Manannán mac Lir, a sea deity in Irish mythology linked to the 'Tuatha Dé Danaan' also widely known in Scottish and particularly Manx legend.

The monastery on the island is made up of six 'beehive' huts, two oratories, small terraces and a number of grave slabs and early sculptured crosses. It is about 715 feet above sea level and reached by a climb of over six hundred stone steps. Further information of Skellig Michael and the Skellig Islands can be found on this link to an artice in Transceltic.

Getting there

There are a number of boat operators running from Portmagee and Valencia Island, Derrynane Harbour and Ballinskelligs Pier.