Skellig Mhichíl
Eight miles from Ballinskelligs Bay off the tip of Iveragh Peninsula is situated the island of Skellig Michael, one of the most enigmatic and remote sacred sites of all Europe.
It was probably founded in the 7th century and for 600 years was an Irish Christian monastic settlement. The very spartan conditions inside the monastery illustrate the ascetic lifestyle practiced by early Irish Christians.
The small cluster of six ‘beehive’ huts, two oratories and small terraces are located 714 feet above sea level, after a steep climb of 600 stone steps. Facing southward and sheltered from the winds, the site was favored by hermits and monks wanting to live far remote from normal life. While the slate rock huts appear to be round from the outside, their insides are rectangular with walls curving inward to form a corbelled roof and there are shelves and sleeping platforms built into the walls. Terraces around the huts and oratories were used to grow vegetables, which along with fish from the ocean and bird’s eggs were the main food supply of the monks. There are three wells on the islet, whose area is only 44 acres. At a rocky crag higher up on the south peak of Skellig, called the ‘Needle’s Eye’, is another oratory, inaccessible today, that was favored as a pilgrimage destination even after the monks left in the 13th century.
Now a UNESCO Heritage site, visiting times are limited (and of course the weather often makes it too dangerous to undertake). But, if you get a chance, it's really worth the trip. It's not for the faint-hearted (or anyone with a fear of heights): the trip to it is in an open boat and getting from the boat onto the island is quite scary. Then it's a vertical hike to the cluster of huts and oratories. But the climb is worth it and words really can't express the magic of the place... you'll just have to have your own experience.
It was probably founded in the 7th century and for 600 years was an Irish Christian monastic settlement. The very spartan conditions inside the monastery illustrate the ascetic lifestyle practiced by early Irish Christians.
The small cluster of six ‘beehive’ huts, two oratories and small terraces are located 714 feet above sea level, after a steep climb of 600 stone steps. Facing southward and sheltered from the winds, the site was favored by hermits and monks wanting to live far remote from normal life. While the slate rock huts appear to be round from the outside, their insides are rectangular with walls curving inward to form a corbelled roof and there are shelves and sleeping platforms built into the walls. Terraces around the huts and oratories were used to grow vegetables, which along with fish from the ocean and bird’s eggs were the main food supply of the monks. There are three wells on the islet, whose area is only 44 acres. At a rocky crag higher up on the south peak of Skellig, called the ‘Needle’s Eye’, is another oratory, inaccessible today, that was favored as a pilgrimage destination even after the monks left in the 13th century.
Now a UNESCO Heritage site, visiting times are limited (and of course the weather often makes it too dangerous to undertake). But, if you get a chance, it's really worth the trip. It's not for the faint-hearted (or anyone with a fear of heights): the trip to it is in an open boat and getting from the boat onto the island is quite scary. Then it's a vertical hike to the cluster of huts and oratories. But the climb is worth it and words really can't express the magic of the place... you'll just have to have your own experience.
There are a number of people licensed to take boats to the Skellig:
Michael O Sullivan (departing from Portmagee Pier): 066 9474800, Mobile; 087 220 2355
John Roddy & Sons: 066 947 4268, Mobile: 087 120 9924
Des Lavelle: 066 947 6124, Mobile: 087 237 1017 www.skelligboattrips.com/
Michael O Sullivan (departing from Portmagee Pier): 066 9474800, Mobile; 087 220 2355
John Roddy & Sons: 066 947 4268, Mobile: 087 120 9924
Des Lavelle: 066 947 6124, Mobile: 087 237 1017 www.skelligboattrips.com/