The Skellig Islands, Co Kerry
A deviation well-worth making away from the Ring of Kerry to the West will take you to the spectacular Skellig Islands. Sitting in the Atlantic Ocean, almost eight miles off the western coast of Ireland in West Kerry, these 2 islands rise out of the water like pyramids. Far from being manmade, the Skellig Islands are unique and dramatic rock formations made from 350 million year old Devonian sandstone. The Skellig Islands compromise Great Skellig (or Skellig Michael) and Little Skellig. Each island is world famous in its own right and for different reasons.
Great Skellig
Great Skellig, also known as Skellig Michael is best known for the restored remains of 6th century monastic settlement (one of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland) and two lighthouses dating back to 1820. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is well known in the world of archaeology. Rising 230 metres above sea level, it is considered one of the world’s finest examples of an early Christian Monastery and the enclosure consists of 6 beehive huts, a church and 2 oratories.
Monastery
Open to the public all year round, weather and boat trips permitting, guides on the island request visitors to stop for their picnics on the way up to the monastery rather than among the ruins themselves. This is to keep the birds away from the monument. Also, a notice on the island warns of ‘an element of danger’ in visiting Skellig Michael and visitors need to be sure-footed on the rocks and stone steps.
Little Skellig
Little Skellig, which is closed to the public, is best known as a bird sanctuary and the breeding ground for 27,000 pairs of gannets. This makes it the second largest colony of seabirds in the world. Well known in the world of ornithology, it is considered one of the most important sites for nesting birds in the British Isles. Diving is also popular here due to the underwater sea cliffs and interesting sea life. Boat trips to Little Skellig circle the island so that visitors the gannets and possibly basking seals as well.
Boat trips
Boat Trips operate regularly from Caherciveen, Caherdaniel, Portmagee, Valentia Island, or Ballinskelligs. Access is dependent on tidal/weather conditions and so boat trips usually run from April to October by various operators locally.
Puffin Island
To the Northwest of the Skellig Islands lies Puffin Island. An uninhabited steep rocky island, it holds important populations of several seabirds including Atlantic Puffins, Manx Shearwaters and European Storm-petrels. It was acquired as a nature reserve by the now BirdWatch Ireland in the 1980’s. However, the island is also of interest to archaeologists due to evidence of ancient human habitation.
Valentia Island
Valentia Island, only 11km by 3km in size, to the north of the Skellig Islands is connected to mainland County Kerry by both bridge and car ferry. With a population of approximately 700, it is one of Europe’s westernmost inhabited points and is a popular centre for sea angling and diving. Good views of the Atlantic can be seen from the lighthouse.
Skelligs Experience
The Skelligs Experience is located on Valentia Island and this is where the story of the Skellig Islands is told. It is home to exhibitions on the life and times of the Skellig Michael monks, the history of the island’s lighthouse, and the wildlife. Giving all the background information you will need for your visit to the Skellig islands, it all provides a safe haven if the weather poor.