Skellig Michael

Climate

Due to the winter weather boats sail out in the summer season roughly April-September

Understand

Skellig Michael is home to a 6th Century monastic settlement. This complex is perched on the steep sides of the larger of the two Skellig Islands, some 12 km off the coast of south-west Ireland. It illustrates the very spartan existence of the first Irish Christians. Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved.

Landscape

There are two Skellig Islands off the Coast of Co. Kerry. Along with its smaller neighbour, Little Skellig, Great Skellig is an important nature reserve. Between them the Skelligs hold nationally important populations of a number of seabirds, including gannet, fulmar, kittiwake, razorbill, common guillemot, and Atlantic puffin. Storm petrels and Manx shearwaters also nest in large numbers.

History

The monastery on Skellig Michael survived a number of Viking raids in the 9th century, notably in 823, was later significantly expanded, with a new chapel built around the start of the second millennium. The community at Skellig Michael was apparently never large - probably about 12 monks and an abbot. Some time in the 12th century the monks abandoned the Skellig and moved to the Augustinian Monastery at Ballinskelligs on the mainland.

Starting in the 1500s, Skellig Michael became a popular destination for annual pilgrimages, but had no permanent residents. In the 19th century two lighthouses were built and the Great Skellig was again inhabited, this time by a changing rota of lighthouse keepers. The second lighthouse still operates, though it was largely rebuilt during the 1960s and has been automated since the 1980s. In 1986 some restoration work was done and an official tourist bureau associated with the island was established. However restrictions have recently been imposed on tourist access, in the belief that tourist numbers in particular use of the ancient stone steps up the rock were causing a worrying degree of damage to the site. Alternative methods that would preserve the site while allowing public access are being considered. In 1996 it was made into a World Heritage Site

Boat Operator

You will have to get a boat out to the island, but visitor numbers are restricted and a limited number of operators are permitted to run tours. Here is a list of some of the Boat operators:

Feehan's Boats

Trips to the Skelligs depart daily from Ballinskelligs pier. Departure times between 10AM and noon depending on tides. The journey time is approximately 45 minutes each way and you'll have a further 2 hours onthe island Please telephone for reservations,departure times and sea conditions.

The tour is on board a fast boat taking approx 45 minutes to do the 8 mile journey to the Islands

Mr Lavelle is a local historian of the islands and provides very informative trips to the island

Second generation Skelligs’ boat skipper, John O Shea departs daily for the Skelligs from Derrynane Harbour

Skellig Boat Trips

Valentia Island Ferries

Waterville Boats

Boats normally leave at around 10-10:30AM. The boat trip out last about 45 minutes most tours give you 2-3 hours on the island. The return journey is again 45 minutes returning to harbour at around 3-4PM.

The closest town that is fully accessible by public transport is Caherciveen,