Skellig Rocks - Skellig Rocks

Skellig Rocks or Skellig Islands are cultural and natural monuments in the southwest the republic Ireland. The islands are 15 km west of the peninsula Iveragh in the County Kerry.

background

History / architectural monuments

The Great Skellig was inhabited by hermits and monks in the early Middle Ages (from the 6th century). Ruins of the abbey and the residential huts are still there. At the moment the islands are not permanently inhabited. The smaller one (Little Skellig) is a nature reserve and entry is prohibited.

landscape

  • Skellig Michael or Great Skellig, Irish: Sceilig Mhichíl
  • Little Skellig, Irish: Sceilig Bheag
The Skelligs

Flora and fauna

  • The Skellig Rocks are important as a transit zone for migratory birds.

climate

  • atlantic climate

getting there

  • There are boat trips to the Skellig Michael from Portmagee.
  • The flow of tourists is limited for ecological and monument protection reasons.
  • Only a few high-performance athletes can swim the distance to the main island.
  • You should be reasonably sporty and have no mobility restrictions for this excursion.
  • The crossing is only possible in very good, relatively calm weather. Whether or not to drive is decided in the morning of each day.

Fees / permits

There is no entry fee. The crossing is only possible with fishing boats from Port Magee and cost 50 euros per person in 2012.

Tourist Attractions

Skellig Michael

  • The climb is arduous

  • This is how the monks lived

  • in simple dwellings

  • The lighthouse

  • A colony of birds

Little Skellig

  • A rock in the sea

  • on which only birds live.

  • Look over at Little Skellig

activities

Notes / safety

  • There are no catering or lodging establishments.
  • There are no toilets.
  • It is strongly recommended that you bring drinking water and rain gear with you.
  • A stay of around 2 to 3 hours should be planned; there is also the boat passage.

Pilgrimage

The Great Skellig is still a pilgrimage destination. Tourists should pay attention to the main pilgrimage times. Information can be obtained from the Catholic diocese of Kerry, among others.

Information center

The Skellig Rocks information center is on the Valentia Island right at the bridge Portmagee.

literature

Web links

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