Skellig Michael Otherwise Known As Great Skellig
August 11th, 2011 by admin
Soaring up from the Atlantic Ocean nine miles off the coast of Ireland, the rocky Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael and Small Skellig, are fascinating to visit for both history buffs and nature lovers. Skellig Michael, otherwise known as Great Skellig, is the site of an ancient Gaelic monastery, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. First occupied in the 7th century and surviving six centuries of both Atlantic gales and Viking raids, the monastery on Skellig Michael was only abandoned in the 13th century. The beehive-like stone < i>clochans which the monks inhabited and the church of St. Michael have survived in remarkable condition to this day. Visitors must climb the original stone staircase of over 600 steps to ascend to the monastery on the east side of the island.
Skellig Michael, otherwise known as Great Skellig, is also the site of a lighthouse built in 1826, which was only automated in 1987. In addition, an excursion to Skellig Michael will provide you with the unforgettable experience of seeing the over 25,000 gannets nesting on adjacent Little Skellig Island. Shearwaters, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, and puffins also make their homes here, as well as choughs and peregrine falcons.
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