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You are here: Home / hills / Visiting Skellig Michael

Visiting Skellig Michael

July 24, 2014 by MCM Mama 4 Comments

Update:  Apparently this won’t be off the beaten path for long.  Rumor has it that they will be filming part of the Star Wars movie here.

Beer Geek tends to like to do things that are a bit off the beaten path.  When he heard about Skellig Michael, he let me know that it was one of the top things on his “to do” list in Ireland.

Skellig Michael is an island about 8 miles off the coast of Ireland.  It was once an active monastery, but now is just ruins.  You can only visit Skellig Michael via boat and only 12-13 boats with 12 passengers each are allowed out each day.  Because it is completely unprotected from the elements, it is often impossible to visit because boats are not allowed to dock due to waves or climbing is not safe due to rain.  The first day we tried to go, boats were cancelled.  Luckily, we managed to reschedule and, despite an incredibly foggy day, we were able to go.

skellig-michael-boat

After the boat ride out (thank God for dramamine), you climb a steep staircase carved into the cliff face to get from the boat to the path on the island.

skellig-michael-docking

Then it’s a short walk on a protected paved path.  As you round a corner at the end of the path, the fun begins.

skellig-michael-walk

600 steps up on steep, uneven rock stair cases.  Most of the stairs have little in the way of protection.

skellig-michael-stairs

But oh, my goodness!

Puffins, everywhere.

skellig-michael-puffins

Views that would be breathtaking on a non-foggy day.

skellig-michael-views

Amazing history.

skellig-michael-top

If you ever get to Ireland, I highly recommend this.  Both of our boys (12 and 8) were fine with the climb and it was worth every single penny and every single stomach turning jolt on the boat.

Some tips:

  • Schedule this early in your trip so you have the chance of rescheduling if it’s closed.
  • Make reservations at least a few days in advance.
  • Bring snacks (or lunch) as the trip lasts from 10-3ish.
  • There are no bathrooms for the public.
  • Dress warm, in layers, with a waterproof layer on top.
  • Do it!!!  It’s amazing!
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Filed Under: hills, Vacation Tagged With: Ireland, Skellig Michael, tourists

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Comments

  1. Deborah Brooks says

    July 24, 2014 at 4:40 pm

    What a great experience for the kiddos. Looks really amazing. Those kind of boats make me so sick-ugh.
    Deborah Brooks recently posted…5 Minute Kale Pomegranate Parmesean SaladMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Andrea says

    July 24, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    It sounds amazing!
    Andrea recently posted…Alaska — ChallengesMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Amanda @runtothefinish says

    July 25, 2014 at 9:40 am

    OHHHH so wish I’d done that too!! I think I need to go back to Ireland to see more

    Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    July 25, 2014 at 6:56 pm

    OH WOW!
    How gorgeous. It sounds like it was a wonderful trip for you and your boys.
    Jennifer recently posted…Thankful Thursday: Faith in the new pathMy Profile

    Reply
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Who is MCM Mama?
A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath.

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A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath. Read More…

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