Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael (from Sceilig Mhichíl in the Irish language, meaning Michael’s rock), lies 11.6 km off Bolus Head, the westernmost tip of the lveragh Peninsula. It is the larger of the two Skellig Isles, the smaller being called Little Skellig

Quick Facts

• Skellig Michael is 230 metres high
• There are 670 steps to the monastery
• It has 2 peaks
• The two lighthouses cost £45,721.15s.10p to build in 1821
• The upper light was 121.3m above high water and could be seen from a distance of 25 miles
• The lower light was 53.3m above high water and could be seen from a distance of 18 miles
• Skellig Michael belongs to the Amorican Mountain Range which can be seen on the mainland.

Find out more about the History of the Island