Skellig Michael

The island of Skellig Michael ( Irish: Sceilg Mhichil, dt "Michael's Rock" ), which is also known under the name of Great Skellig, is home to one of the most famous, but also most inaccessible medieval monasteries of Ireland.

It was probably founded in the 7th century on the steep, rocky island, which lies about 12 kilometers from the coast of Kerry. Skellig Michael is about 22 acres in size, with the highest point is 217 meters on the southern tip. In almost the same height, about 180 meters above sea level. NN, there is also the small former monastic settlement, which is accessible via nearly 600 steps of a stone staircase without railings. At the vegetated with sparse greenery and herbs from the time the monk settlement slopes of the island also puffins can be seen in the rise depending on the season.

In addition to Great Skellig, there is the 7 acre island Little Skellig, which is slightly closer to the coast and on the approximately 27,000 breeding pairs, one of the largest gannet colonies in the world is located. The Rock Blue Man 's Rock is located a few meters off the southeast coast.

Daily commute boats between the mainland and Skellig Michael, the interested tourists visiting the monastery allow. On the way there also Little Skellig is close to avoid. However, the bird island may not be entered.

History

The monks lived in small cells above steeply sloping cliffs that they as a small stone huts ( beehive huts in Ireland "beehive huts " called ) in traditional Irish Dry Wall went way built without mortar. The whole area is very spartan, drinking water provided a source of fresh water on the rocks. On the leeward side of the rock, the monks had small garden beds set aside where they grew vegetables and herbs. Even today are found in deeper crevices typical garden herbs. Very little has been handed down over the life of the few monks. Presumably there were exactly twelve monks and an abbot to mimic the Community of the Apostles.

The remoteness of Skellig Michael has until now deterred large flow of visitors, which has also contributed to the good preservation. It can be accessed in good weather, for example, with about 13 persons which motor boats from the fishing village of Portmagee, located across from Valentia Iceland. There is also funded by the EU " Skellig Experience Centre ", which creates more interesting facts about Skellig Michael.

Photo Gallery

Partial view of the early Christian monastery on Skellig Michael with the typical beehive huts made of granite and an old stone cross

Stairs to the monastery overlooks Little Skellig