This morning started out like many others, rather grey and rainy. However, by 8am the weather had started to clear, and we found it that the local fishing boat would in fact be heading out to visit the Skellig Islands off southwest Ireland, at the very edge of the famous Ring of Kerry. The weather has been rough throughout August, so we considered ourselves lucky to be able to go.

So we packed up after breakfast, and left our car at Iskeroon Bed & Breakfast, one of our nicest stays in Ireland - here's a view from their driveway down into the bay, a short walk to the pier.

view from Iskeroon B&B into the bay, near Skellig Islands

We met up with our captain, John, but unfortunately had to wait a little while for the last couple to arrive - they turned out to be our undoing for the trip. Even though we'd taken Bonine, the ride was still rather rough, with pretty high swales. After an hour and 45 minutes, we arrived at our destination, the Skellig Islands and the larger Skellig Michael, an outcropping of rock that contains sixth-century Christian monastery perched on a ledge close to the top. To our surprise, it is the only UNESCO WOrld Heritage Site in Ireland.

Here are some photos approaching the Skellig Islands, and some shots of Skellig Michael, also known as Great Skellig.

the Skellig Islands coming into view off the southwest coast of Ireland

captain John evaluates the rising tides at Skellig Michael (Greater Skellig)

steps up to the 6th century Christian monastery on Skellig Michael, Ireland

Due to our original delay from the late Irish couple and the rough seas, Captain John contemplated landing for several minutes. Eventually, based on his experience, the tides, and feedback from other passenger boats, he told us that while he'd be able to drop us off, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to pick us up. So we toured around the perimeter as best as he could, the continued on to Little Skellig.

Little Skellig is not open to the public, as it is Ireland's largest and the world's second-largest Northern Gannet colony, with almost 30,000 pairs. It's difficult in photos to convey the experience of seeing all these birds flying, landing, and resting on the island, but here are a couple shots, along with Captain John's brave dog having a look.

30,000 pairs of Gannets on Little Skellig, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Little Skellig with Skellig Michael in background

Captain John's dog surveys the Gannet colony on Little Skellig

After a short reprieve in relatively calm waters, it was time to ride back, so another 1 and 45 minutes or so later, we arrived back at the dock. From there, we made a beeline as quickly as we could back to Dublin, making the drive in just about 5 hours. We had a great dinner at "Juice", probably Ireland's most well-known vegetarian restaurant, then struggled north in the rain to Evergreen B&B, where we had a late arrival but a friendly welcome.

The next morning we made the short drive to the airport and bade farewall to the Emerald Isle. However, I hope to post some additional thoughts in the coming days...

08/22/09 by visitEarth
Tags: Skellig Islands, Little Skellig, Greater Skellig, Skellig Michael, monastery, Ireland, Kerry, UNESCO