From Dublin to Galway via Cork or Waterford, your language study trip to Ireland with LEC has plenty of surprises in store for you. But today, our organization has chosen to tell you about a truly unique site on the Emerald Isle: let’s head to Skellig Michael!
A rocky islet with steep slopes
Skellig Michael is, along with Brú na Bóinne (the archaeological complex in the Boyne Valley), one of only two sites in the Republic of Ireland listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And to say it more than deserves its place would be an understatement! Listed on the prestigious list since 1996, its name refers to the monastic complex perched on the steep slopes of the rocky islet of Skellig Michael.
From Skellig Michael to Sceilg Mhichíl
Skellig Michael (which is often spelled Sceilg Mhichíl) is, along with Little Skellig, one of the two islands that make up the Skellig Islands. The archipelago is located about fifteen kilometers off the southwestern tip of Ireland. It is one of the last barriers between the Emerald Isle and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.
A staggering account from the 7th century
According to experts, the monastic complex it houses was built in the 7th century CE. This project, which was monumental for its time, stands as a powerful testament to the extraordinary dedication of Ireland’s early Christians. Furthermore, Skellig Michael’s isolation has, until very recently, deterred visitors, thereby ensuring its exceptional state of preservation.
Is it possible to visit Skellig Michael?
Visit Skellig Michael during a language study trip to Ireland is a real challenge—if not quite an impossible mission! In fact, there are no ports on the archipelago: only a jetty on Skellig Michael, which is very difficult to reach due to the rough Atlantic swells. As a result, the site can only be visited by a small number of tourists, and only a few days a year!