Skellig Michael is not only the most westerly point in Europe but it is also a very special place, a place apart.  In the 6th century, monks came here to what was the very edge of their  world and then started building upwards into the heavens, in search of reality. They built a monastery on a narrow ledge 160 meters above sea level.

There are two islands Skellig Michael and Little Skellig.  As you approach,  they have an otherworldly appearance, the appearance of maybe an alien spaceship or at least something that has dropped out of the sky rather than part of the natural landscape.

The Skelligs had been on my bucket list for some time and I realized that boats left from Valentia Island.  However, I had always understood that space was limited, the trip was very weather dependent and had to be booked well in advance.  So we went to the tourist center on Valentia that morning with the intention of taking a boat trip around the islands without landing.  We had been told that this was just as interesting but believe me it is not, not even close.  However, it appears that hotels block book spaces on the boats for their guests but they regularly fail to turn up.  Destiny played a hand that morning and we were offered two places on the first boat.

A journey in a small boat, in the wild Atlantic, is exciting enough but when you reach the tiny jetty you realize that every piece of level ground and every foothold, including the one thousand and more stone steps up to the monastery with its bee hive cells, were carved out by the monks.

As you ascend the steps, you become aware of the abundant bird life, especially the puffins who are so plentiful and tame, it is difficult not to trip over them.

Having reached the monastery, you lose sight of the boats, the harbour and the 21st century.  It’s hard to believe that nothing remains of those men who lived here in splendid isolation for 6 centuries.  Maybe, today they are still there in spirit and enjoy mingling with the tourists.

A visit to the Skelligs is a life experience.  Whether or not those monks from ancient times walk amongst the visitors today,  they have left behind something incredible, an example of commitment to an ideal which will last forever.