Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael, also known as Great Skellig, is an island located 15 kilometers off the coast of County Kerry in southwestern Ireland, covering an area of 0.18 square kilometers.

The Celtic-style monastery on the island was built in the 7th century, and for the next six centuries, the island served as one of the centers of Christianity’s spread in Ireland. After the 12th century, the monks moved to the Irish mainland. From the 16th century onward, the island became one of the destinations for pilgrims, though it had no permanent residents. In 1996, the island along with its monastery was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Skellig Michael Monastery is situated on a remote, tiny island just 0.18 square kilometers in size, lying 12 nautical miles off the southwest coast of Ireland. Built in the 7th century, it is one of Europe’s oldest surviving monasteries. It stands as an important historical site reflecting the architectural style of early Christianity. The buildings resemble beehives, constructed along the rugged, uneven rocky terrain without any decorative elements—only crosses indicate that it is a Christian structure. Through unearthed artifacts and remnants of vegetable plots, one can get a glimpse of the harsh living conditions the monks endured on this isolated island. Owing to the island’s isolation from the mainland, the monastery has rarely been visited and thus remains in its original state. In addition, the island is also a paradise for wild birds.