Breathtaking views of Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael (Irish: Sceilg Mhichíl) (or Great Skellig; Irish: Sceilig Mhór) is a twin-pinnacled crag 11.6 kilometres (7.2 mi) west of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. The island is named after the archangel Michael, while the word "Skellig" is derived from the Gaelic sceilig, meaning a splinter of stone. Its twin island, Little Skellig (Sceilig Bheag), is smaller and inaccessible. The two islands rose c. 374-360 million years ago during a period of mountain formation, when they broke away from the MacGillycuddy's Reeks land mass. Later, they were set adrift and surrounded by rising water levels.

Skellig Michael consists of approximately 54 acres of rock, with its highest point, known as the Spit, 714 feet (218 m) above sea level. The island is defined by its twin peaks and intervening valley (known as Christ's Saddle), which make its landscape steep and inhospitable. It is best known for its Gaelic monastery, founded between the 6th and 8th centuries, and its variety of inhabiting species, which include gannets, puffins, a colony of razorbills and a population of approximately fifty grey seals. The island is of especial interest to archaeologists, as the monastic settlement is in unusually good condition. The rock contains the remains of a tower house, a megalithic stone row and a cross inscribed slab known as the Wailing Woman. The monastery is situated at an elevation of 550 to 600 feet (170 to 180 m), Christ's Saddle at 422 feet (129 m), and the flagstaff area at 120 feet (37 m) above sea level.

The monastery can be approached by a number of narrow and steep flights of stone steps which ascend from three landing points. The hermitage on the south peak contains a dangerous approach, and is largely closed to the public. Because of the often difficult crossing from the mainland and the exposed nature of the landing spots, the island is accessible only during summer months. Skellig Michael was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

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