The Irish Experience 2011: The Monastic life in the Mountains: Skellig Islands

The Skellig (which means sharp rock) Islands rise out of the Atlantic Ocean about 12 Km off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry, Ireland. Skellig MIchael, host to 10,000 pairs of nesting puffins, majestically rises 714ft above sea level. At the top of this incredible rock lies a spectacular and well-preserved monastic outpost of the Early Christian period (early as the 5th century). Here students learned about fascinating stories of the life of the monks and their way of survival on the isolated island.

Small Skellig Island is just as awe-inspiring with 29, 000 pairs of gannets- the second largest colony of such seabirds in the world! From a distance, it looks like a snow covered island in the middle of the Atlantic. You can actually smell it almost before you see it. Incredible.

This weekend, students were courageous, inspiring and full of excitement as we traveled to the Skellig Islands. This included a remarkable road tour on the Ring of Kerry, a wavy, wet and exciting boat tour to the Islands and an awe-striking experience of hiking to the top of the world renowned Monastic historical site.

Puffin Birds, Unexpected Gannet Droppings, Breath Taking Views, and New Friendships...