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around ireland – the skelligs, co. kerry
The Skelligs are rocky islands off the coast of County Kerry in Ireland. The smaller one is now a bird sanctuary, where people are no longer allowed to go. The larger one is Skellig Michael, an old Celtic monastery. It was probably founded in the 7th century, and occupied for centuries by a group of probably 13 monks, seeking solitude on the remote and rocky island. They lived in beehive shaped huts built using dry-wall type building methods – the huts are very well preserved, and are still around today.
The monks eventually left to join the mainland monks, and this became a place for pilgrimage, and then just a place for a lighthouse, before becoming a tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage site (and in general a pretty cool place).
There were lots of puffins and other interesting birds, but of course the only ones that came up close for photos were the seagulls
Carrauntoohil (1038 metres) is Ireland’s highest mountain. At about half the height of Kosciusko, at least it’s a bit more of a challenge to hike up it. Well I thought so until I saw the sheep wandering round at the summit.
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around ireland – up north
