16 Oct The Skelligs , County Kerry
These massive rocks off the Kerry coast are Little Skellig (a bird sanctuary , and breeding ground for 20,000 gannets) and Great Skellig or Skellig Michael. Boat trips to Skellig Michael are made in calm weather from Portmagee and Ballinskelligs , and even the most determined landlubber may find the dramatic journey worth the discomfort!
As you approach there is no obvious route to the summit but from the tiny landing dock steps cut into the cliff face become visible. This is the ancient route taken by monks to their monastery. A roadway leads to Christ’s Saddle , the island’s only patch of green; the ruined St. Finian’s Abbey; the remaining monks’ beehive huts; and two oratories. The monastery was plundered by the Vikings early in the 9th century but continued to be inhabited until the 12th century.
The Skelligs are a truly spectacular sight and a must see on your Ireland tours.