Added by Hike Bike Travelon April 18, 2012
Saved under Destinations, Europe
Tags: Ireland, Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael, UNESCO

On my hike around thein western Ireland a few years ago I took a day off to visit the Skellig Islands – a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Skellig Islands were the highlight of my three week trip.

Leaving the town of Portmagee

These waves are the baby ones; it only got worse

The Skellig Islands are two steep and rocky islands lying about 16 kilometres off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula in western Ireland. They are accessed by boat from either Portmagee or Caherdaniel. It can be a scary boat ride out and the toughest part of the trip – at least in my opinion.

The smaller of the islands is home to 28,000 breeding pairs of gannets. These birds have a wingspan of six feet so the sheer mass of birds is mind boggling. They have the good sense to leave for Africa sometime in October and return again in the spring.

Little Skellig Island literally covered with gannets

The other side of Little Skellig Island

The larger island goes by the name of Skellig Michael. It was originally settled in 490AD by Christian monks. The monks endured at least four Viking raids but remained on the island for about 500 years. The island was abandoned in the twelfth century when the monks headed to the Augustinian monastery on the mainland. Two lighthouses were established beginning in 1820 but apart from the lighthouse keepers there has been little human traffic so the site is in excellent shape.

The island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Note the path on the far left

Looking way down

One of the many puffins on Skellig Island

Looking over to Little Skellig Island

You need a head for heights – or follow the lead of the guy who went down on his bum

A visit to Skellig Michael requires a head for heights and the ability to climb 600 stairs. The beehive huts that are part of the monastery are built at the top of the stairs. The island consists of nothing but cliffs. There are no handrails so people with a fear of heights can be seen coming down the stairs on their butts. There are a few small flat sections so one can bring a lunch and enjoy the view. Puffins nest on the steep hillside so you can also enjoy watching theircomings and goings too.

One of the beehive huts the monks lived in near the top

Crosses near the top of Skellig Michael

Back to the safety of the town of Portmagee

Here is this week’s submission to Travel Photo Thursday ata website where Nanci offers a chance every Thursday for fellow travelers to post their favourite photos.

Have you been to the Skellig Islands? How would you fare climbing the steep stairs?

Leigh McAdam

Vote for my article on WorldTravelist.com, sharing the best travel content on the web.

About Hike Bike Travel
Avid world traveler. Craves adventure – & the odd wildly epic day. Gardener. Reader. Wine lover. Next big project – a book on 100 Canadian outdoor adventures.
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