Skellig Michael, Kerry

The magnificent Skellig Islands - Skellig Michael and Small Skellig – are located in the Atlantic Ocean about 12 kilometers southwest of Valentia Island in County Kerry. Both islands are well-known, although Skellig Michael is more recognized in the realm of archaeology as the location of a well-preserved monastery outpost from the Early Christian period.

The Skellig Islands were first mentioned in history about 1400 BC. A Christian monastery was constructed on the island during the sixth and eighth centuries and was continually populated until the late 12th century.
In 1996, the remnants of this monastery, as well as the whole of the island, were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Skellig Michael, the best island in Ireland, a rugged, difficult-to-access island off the coast of Kerry, rises 714 feet (218 meters) above sea level. It's a difficult hike up, but the sight of the surprisingly well-preserved sixth-century monastery complex and the breathtaking views of the adjacent islands and the Atlantic is well worth it, making it one of Ireland's top things to do. Skellig Michael is today famous not just as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also for its appearances in two recent Star Wars films.