Skellig Islands
The Skellig Islands are two steep rocky islands rising from the Atlantic about 11.6 km west of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. The larger, Skellig Michael (Great Skellig), is a twin-pinnacled crag named after the Archangel Michael and famed for the remarkably preserved early-medieval monastery clinging to its heights. Its smaller companion, Little Skellig, is a major seabird colony and is inaccessible to visitors.
At a glance
- Type
- Atlantic islands with early Christian monastic site
- Period
- Monastery early medieval; islands geologically ancient
- Style
- Early Irish drystone monastic architecture
- Location
- Atlantic Ocean off the Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland
- Coordinates
- 51.7714° N, 10.5400° W (Skellig Michael)
Overview
The Skelligs rise sharply from the sea west of the Kerry coast, formed during a period of mountain building hundreds of millions of years ago alongside the local MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Skellig Michael is the larger, twin-pinnacled island; Little Skellig is smaller and inaccessible. The name derives from the Irish sceilig, meaning a splinter of stone.
History
Skellig Michael was settled by Christian monks who founded a remote monastery on its heights during the early medieval period. The community endured on the exposed rock for centuries before the site was eventually abandoned. Its extraordinary survival has made it one of the best-known early monastic sites in Europe, and it is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
What you see
A long flight of stone steps climbs from the landing to the monastic enclosure, where drystone beehive cells (clocháns), oratories and a small cemetery survive on terraces high above the sea. The twin peaks of Skellig Michael frame dramatic Atlantic views. Across the water, Little Skellig teems with nesting gannets and other seabirds.
Cultural significance
Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of early Christian monastic settlement at the edge of the known world. The islands are also internationally important for their seabird colonies and dramatic geology.
Practical information
Landings on Skellig Michael are strictly limited and weather-dependent, with a short seasonal window; Little Skellig cannot be landed on. Check official sources and licensed boat operators for current access, safety rules and booking.
Getting there
The islands are reached by licensed boat from harbours along the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, weather permitting. Landing tours and eco/viewing cruises depart in the summer season.
Sources & resources
Further reading: Skellig Michael on Wikipedia. More cultural heritage destinations at culturalheritageonline.com.