Skellig Michael: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Skellig Michael.jpg|thumb|Skellig Michael]] |
[[Image:Skellig Michael.jpg|thumb|Skellig Michael]] |
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'''Skellig Michael''' (from '''Sceilg Mhichíl''' in the [[Irish language]], meaning ''Michael's rock''), also known as '''Great Skellig''', is a steep rocky island about 16 [[kilometre]]s off the coast of [[County Kerry]], [[Ireland]]. It is the larger of the two [[Skellig Islands]]. A Celtic [[monastery]], which is situated almost at the summit of the 240-metre-high rock, was built in [[588]], and became a [[World Heritage Site]] in 1996. It is one of Europe's better known but least accessible [[mediaeval]] monasteries. |
'''Skellig Michael''' (from '''Sceilg Mhichíl''' in the [[Irish language]], meaning ''Michael's rock''), also known as '''Great Skellig''', is a steep rocky island about 16 [[kilometre]]s off the coast of [[County Kerry]], [[Ireland]]. It is the larger of the two [[Skellig Islands]]. |
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== Inhabitation == |
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A Celtic [[monastery]], which is situated almost at the summit of the 240-metre-high rock, was built in [[588]], and became a [[World Heritage Site]] in 1996. It is one of Europe's better known but least accessible [[mediaeval]] monasteries. |
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== Isolation == |
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Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved. The very spartan conditions inside the monastery illustrates the ascetic lifestyle practiced by early Irish Christians. The monks lived in stone 'beehive' huts ([[clochan]]s), perched above nearly vertical cliff walls. |
Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved. The very spartan conditions inside the monastery illustrates the ascetic lifestyle practiced by early Irish Christians. The monks lived in stone 'beehive' huts ([[clochan]]s), perched above nearly vertical cliff walls. |
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== History == |
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| ⚫ | The |
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| ⚫ | The monestary on Skellig Michael survived a [[Viking]] raid in [[823]] and later was significantly expanded with a new chapel around the start of the second millennium. It was finally abandoned about a century after that. Starting in the 1500s, Skellig Michael became a popular destination for annual pilgrimages, but had no permanent residents. In [[1826]] a lighthouse was built on the island. In [[1986]] some restoration work was done and an official tourist bureau associated with the island was established. However restrictions have recently been imposed on tourist access, in the belief that tourist numbers (in particular in tourists' use of the ancient stone steps up the rock) was causing a worrying degree of damage to the site. Alternative methods that would preserve the site while allowing public access are being considered. |
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Along with its smaller neighbour, [[Little Skellig]], Great Skellig is an important [[nature reserve]]. Between them the Skelligs hold nationally important populations of a number of [[seabird]]s, including [[Northern Gannet|gannet]], [[fulmar]], [[kittiwake]], [[razorbill]] and [[common guillemot]]. [[European Storm-petrel|Storm petrel]]s and [[Manx shearwater]]s also nest in large numbers. |
Along with its smaller neighbour, [[Little Skellig]], Great Skellig is an important [[nature reserve]]. Between them the Skelligs hold nationally important populations of a number of [[seabird]]s, including [[Northern Gannet|gannet]], [[fulmar]], [[kittiwake]], [[razorbill]] and [[common guillemot]]. [[European Storm-petrel|Storm petrel]]s and [[Manx shearwater]]s also nest in large numbers. |
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Revision as of 02:09, 23 February 2006
Skellig Michael (from Sceilg Mhichíl in the Irish language, meaning Michael's rock), also known as Great Skellig, is a steep rocky island about 16 kilometres off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland. It is the larger of the two Skellig Islands.
Inhabitation
A Celtic monastery, which is situated almost at the summit of the 240-metre-high rock, was built in 588, and became a World Heritage Site in 1996. It is one of Europe's better known but least accessible mediaeval monasteries.
Isolation
Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved. The very spartan conditions inside the monastery illustrates the ascetic lifestyle practiced by early Irish Christians. The monks lived in stone 'beehive' huts (clochans), perched above nearly vertical cliff walls.
History
The monestary on Skellig Michael survived a Viking raid in 823 and later was significantly expanded with a new chapel around the start of the second millennium. It was finally abandoned about a century after that. Starting in the 1500s, Skellig Michael became a popular destination for annual pilgrimages, but had no permanent residents. In 1826 a lighthouse was built on the island. In 1986 some restoration work was done and an official tourist bureau associated with the island was established. However restrictions have recently been imposed on tourist access, in the belief that tourist numbers (in particular in tourists' use of the ancient stone steps up the rock) was causing a worrying degree of damage to the site. Alternative methods that would preserve the site while allowing public access are being considered.
Along with its smaller neighbour, Little Skellig, Great Skellig is an important nature reserve. Between them the Skelligs hold nationally important populations of a number of seabirds, including gannet, fulmar, kittiwake, razorbill and common guillemot. Storm petrels and Manx shearwaters also nest in large numbers.
See also
- The popular children's book Skellig by David Almond features a boy named Michael.