Monday 13 June 2011

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael has to be one of the most dramatic and awe inspiring places in the world. I visted it as part of an adventure cruise with Zegrahm expeditions. You’ll need to reasonably fit to visit Skellig Michael. OK it’s not Croagh Patrick but you’ve still got to get up 400 steps of a 1000 year old staircase and if you haven’t got a head for heights the narrow path near the top can be a bit daunting. However once you’re up there it’s one of the most incredible and fascinating places in the world.
Now a World Heritage the sight of the stone built beehive cells of this 6th Century Anchorite monastery will live with you forever. This really is Ireland’s history on the doorstep but landing here can be difficult and impossible if the seas are rough, although that didn’t seem to deter the Vikings who sacked this place on numerous occasions!
It’s not just the stunning views across to Little Skellig, the islands baby sister and the Ring of Kerry shimmering some nine miles away but the birds here are simply stunning. Peregrine Falcons glide effortlessly by staring you full in the face with an expression of half curiosity and half contempt and if you time it right, you almost feel you can walk up and shake hands with a puffin such are the bird’s acceptance of humans.
Have a great day now.

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