Meeting the Puffins on Skellig Michael: Co Kerry

A trip to Skellig Michael sometimes includes a rough sea crossing, but a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site proves to be one of the most unforgettable experiences in Ireland. The island rises sharply out of the ocean and visitors are able to climb over 600 feet above sea level along stone stairs that were carved and placed by monks over 1,000 years ago. At the top are the remains of a monastery with beehive huts, cemetery, and even old gardens.

Arrive between March and early August and you’ll get to see the colony of puffins that breed on the island each year. The trip to Skellig Michael also includes a trip around Little Skellig, another island known for is seabirds, seals, and dolphins. Note that some Skellig cruises only tour around the two islands and don’t actually stop, so be sure you check before booking if you want to visit the island.

This site is absolutely not recommended for visitors with mobility limitations or serious fear of heights (those with a fear of water or birds probably wouldn’t enjoy this site much either 😉

• Heritage Ireland: Official Site
• Skellig Experience: Skellig Michael
• Wikipedia: Skellig Micheal
• UNESCO: Sceilg Mhichíl
• Irish Fireside: Ireland’s World Heritage Sites with Gary Arndt

Written by Corey Taratuta

Corey hosts the Irish Fireside podcast and blog which has been named Best Blog of the Diaspora by the Irish Web Awards. His work has appeared on Google Field Trip, www.Lonely Planet.com, National Public Radio, www.WanderingEducators.com, www.BritMums.com, www.DiscoveryWorld.org, and elsewhere. His web community has been named finalist for the People’s Choice Podcast Awards and Irish Blog Awards, and his Irish travel program has ranked in the iTunes Top 50 Travel Podcasts. Corey’s Tips | Website