Also known as Great Skellig, Skellig Michael (Irish: Sceilg Mhichíl) is home to one of Ireland's best-known, but also most inaccessible, medieval monasteries.

It was probably founded in the 7th century on the steep, rocky island some 12 kilometers off the Kerry coast. Skellig Michael is about 22 hectares in size, the highest point is at 217 meters at the South Peak (South Peak). At almost the same height (about 180 m ASL), but on the neighboring northern summit is the small former monks' settlement, which can be reached via almost 600 steps of a stone staircase without a railing. On the slopes of the island, covered with sparse greenery and herbs from the time of the monastic settlement, puffins can also be observed during the ascent, depending on the season (May to the end of July).

Source among others: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skellig_Michael

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rudie

July 21, 2023

But you also have to trust yourself to climb the stairs. Not really a problem if you are reasonably sure-footed and not afraid of heights. However, there were a few visitors who could climb up well, but could hardly master the steps down.

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Wolf Beyenburg

January 1, 2025

One of the most wonderful places I know. It is advisable to arrange one of the few boat berths in good time. On the crossing, it can get a bit wet in the small boats, and disembarking at the mini pier is not exactly wheelchair accessible. Then you climb hundreds of steps with a magnificent view. We were there during the breeding season of the puffins, who were feeding their young with beaks full of fish and only moved slightly to the side of the hiker. An unforgettable climb. At the top you will find the old monastery with beehive huts, which once housed a rich spiritual and intellectual life. Today, the well-preserved buildings provide a great backdrop to the magnificent view.

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Elevation 100 m

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Saturday 17 January

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Location: Kerry, Munster, Ireland

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