This unique island lies eight miles off the coast of Ireland and has it’s own special characteristics that make it so rare and essential to see. This tiny island, which usually is only given notice in the footnote of guidebooks, is only accessible by renting a fishing trawler and a captain to navigate it. When you first arrive on the island, thousand-year-old corkscrew stone steps are there to welcome you, inviting you to climb up their slippery self to the top. There you’ll find abandoned monastic settlements in almost the same shape since the 12^th century. These 20-foot-tall stone beehive-shaped huts keep watch over the island and loom over the few souls who make the 700-foot trek to the top. It’s now considered a World Heritage Site but gets about 300 visitors a day, even in the busy summer season. It also has a darker twin, Small Skellig, a half mine east across the Atlantic. This little island is a treasure chest full of rich avian life.From the 6^th century to the 12^th century, Christian monks lived, worked, and died on Skellig Michael Island. For just 35 euros, you can brave the ocean voyage to experience ancient Ireland and the historic legacy that this island exudes. Most boat trips to the Skelligs drop you off and pick you up about three hours later so you’re left alone to explore the island at your own pace. There are no guard-rails, ticket takers, trinket shops, hot dog stands, or any other touristy shops on the island, just original, pure Ireland. The freedom to explore and create your own memories is what makes this island so special. 

Skellig Michael Island - Ireland’s best kept secret