Skellig Michael
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| | Difficulty:POI Raps:0
Red Tape:Permit required Shuttle: Watercraft:Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 12 Aug 2015
"Had amazing conditions. Mostly sunny, with a fairly calm boat ride out from Ballinskelligs. Our boat left later than the ones coming from Portmagee, s |
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| Best season: | Apr-Sep
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51.8858, -10.3663
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WaterflowIntroduction[edit]
Skellig Michael, Sceilig Mhichíl in Irish, rises over 700 feet above the ocean 7 miles off the southwest coast of Ireland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with neighboring Little Skellig, is an important breeding ground for Atlantic puffins, gannets, gulls, and petrels. It is also the site of a Christian monastery founded in the 6th century, the remains of which can be seen near the summit. The monastery features a graveyard and stone beehive cells, and is accessed through a winding staircase of rough stones built into the steep hillside. You may also recognize parts of the island from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Approach[edit]
The number of visitors each day is limited to preserve the site; therefore, one must book a boat ride, often weeks or months in advanced, with a licensed operator. Boats for Skellig Michael leave from both Portmagee or Ballinskelligs, and range from poontoon boats to small fishing boats. Travel is weather dependent, with most boats only operating April through September. The eastern Atlantic can be rough and often crossings are not possible. There are no bathrooms and no facilities on the island.
Boats drop passengers off at the pier at East Landing. Pickup is usually 2-3 hours later. A paved road leads to the stone staircase where visitors may climb to the Monastery. There is usually not enough time to visit the Hermitage or the western side of the island. For conservation purposes, no one may leave the main trail.
Descent[edit]
Exit[edit]
Red tape[edit]
Beta sites[edit]
Chris Brennen's Adventure Hikes (World) : Skellig Michael