Skellig Michael (Chapter 9)

One of the "Chapters" from our April 2007 trip to Ireland. Skellig Michael (or Greater Skellig) is an island a few miles off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula. A monastery was founded there around 600 AD and was active until about 1200 AD. You have to climb over 800 stone steps to get there. This was a once in a lifetime experience.

There are three Skellig Islands. Little Skellig appears a number of times (especially at the end) and is home to thousands of gannets.

If you are planning on visiting the Skelligs, I highly recommend the Portmagee Heights B&B in Portmagee. The opening shots are from the backyard, so the views are incredible, but we had a lovely room that managed to be both modern and comfortable and the full Irish was one of the best.

Music from video:
The Chieftans - Sea Image
Kila - Maith Dhom
Column MacOireachtaigh - Scarce O'Tatties

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Skellig
• Michael
• Ireland
• Portmagee
• Iveragh
• gannet
• monastery

[superbonanza]

I hate to hear that people lost their lives, but I'm saddened by the intrusion of handrails on such a spiritual place.

I distinctly recall the incredible rush of making the perilous climb. It is a magical place and I could imagine what it had been like in its day.

[teslagirlM]

lovely video! I am going next week, and watching this video has made me even more excited! Thank you!

[superbonanza]

Well, I envy you that! It is an incredible place and my video doesn't even begin to do it justice so you have every reason to be excited. Enjoy your trip.

[yuyita75]

Hy!, My name is Alma Judith Avila Lozada, the musical video is Very Gonderful,congratulations!

[banausebrause]

i was there, last week. its really so beautiful! fantastic landscape!

[maUSAmrocks1]

i subbed

[boscoesarmy]

I don't mean to be flippant but how come it was two Americans that were killed RIP. Its fine if you have a bit of cop on. You walk one step after the other and watch what you are doing. There are certain areas that you can take pictures but in general you need to just concentrate what you are doing. A fabulous place to visit. The rails are only up to about 30 feet along the walk to the base of the steps. There's no railings along the steps up (thank god) as this would completely spoil it.

[18rking]

I just got back from ireland. One of my favorite parts of climbing skeling was the puffins they were everywhere. I was expecting to see more pictures of puffins.

[SassiTheKitty]

Used to listen to this piece all the time, I was in love with it as a child, I dunno why, was just something about it, for some reason I kept having the Unicorn from "The Last Unicorn" in my head galloping around and wondering by a stream when I heard it

[327ire]

F*%king Americans! Trust them to ruin such a beautiful thing. Of course its a dangerous place to visit, you are taking a big risk climbing such a thing. Dont climb it if you have a problem with it, handrails DO NOT BELONG THERE!!!!

[Niandralades91]

Beautiful place

[qwer8907]

yes duncan there was and joe duffy was discussing it on livelive now i want to go and see our history

[duncanstewart666]

an american tourist was killed on this climb two months ago and another this weekend. huge uproar about safety. handrails will be added soon and visitors will be screened for suitable attire and fitness.