Ireland day 7: Skellig Michael

Today we made a trip to one of the most incredible places I have ever seen. The Skellig Islands lie about 12km off the west coast of Ireland. Only 180 travellers per day are allowed on Great Skellig, also known as Skellig Michael.

The natural beauty alone would be worth the uncomfortably rough boat ride to the island, but the island also has a truly unique world heritage site to offer. In the 5th or 6th century a monastery was built at what then was the edge of the known world. The monks stayed for five or six hundred years, surviving Viking raids and the harsh elements. Sometime in the 12th century the monastery was abandoned.

The island is home to a significant puffin population. The cute birds were everywhere. If you ever find yourself in Ireland do not miss the Skelligs.

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