Thirteen kilometres off the coast of the South Kerry Gaeltacht area of Uíbh Ráthach lies a group of three rock islands, like floating pyramids of sandstone. The most spectacular of these islands, Sceilg Mhichíl - Skellig Michael - is a peaceful spiritual idyll and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Over five hundred steps up a 1000 year-old stone stairway leads you to one of the most magnificent monastic sites in Europe. Stone beehive huts where monks lived and prayed centuries ago cling to cliff edges alongside oratories, a cemetery, stone crosses, holy wells and the Church of St. Michael. These isolated archeological remains show the dramatically spartan conditions in which this early Christian community lived. Enduring several Viking raids, the monks eventually left the island in the thirteenth century and it subsequently became a place of pilgrimage.

Na Scealga host huge colonies of sea birds, both native and migratory. An Sceilg Bheag is a seabird sanctuary and one of the world’s greatest gannetries. It is home to more than 30,000 pairs of gannets among many other seabirds.

Take a boat trip to Na Scealga to experience these magnificent natural monuments first-hand, but if you want to stay on dry land visit the Skellig Experience Centre on the waterfront beside the Valentia Island bridge.

Highlights
The monastic site, stone beehive huts, walking; bird watching.

Activities
Climbing; meditation; bird watching.

Address
Fáilte Ireland South West Region
Áras Fáilte, Grand Parade
Cork
Cork
Republic Of Ireland
Telephone
+353 ((0)64) 31633
Web
www.discoverireland.ie/southwest

Directions
13 kms off the coast of the South Kerry Gaeltacht area of Uíbh Ráthach. The nearest port is Portmagee.

Opening Months
5th May – 18th September, depending on weather conditions

Population
Uninhabited

Useful Links
www.skelligexperience.com

When to visit
Busiest time is July and August. Best time to visit is May / June and Sept / Oct.