Skellig Michael is a small rocky islet in the Atlantic ocean off the South West coast of Ireland. It is located about 12 km West of the Peninsula Andbelief (County Kerry) and today is a very popular attraction.

Skellig Michael is famous for breathtaking natural landscapes and picturesque scenery. World-famous island received here is where the ancient monastery of St. Michael, which is considered one of the most interesting monasteries of the early Christian period in Europe and at the same time one of the most difficult to reach. Holy abode perfectly preserved until our days and is an important historical and archaeological monument. In 1996, the monastery was inscribed on the world heritage list of UNESCO.

The exact date of Foundation of the monastery is unknown. Ancient legend says that the monastery was founded by Saint Fionna in the 6th century, although the earliest written sources that have survived to our times, date back to the 8th century. It is believed that before the Foundation of the Holy monastery Skellig Michael was uninhabited, though categorically denying or confirming this hypothesis of reliable data was not found. Thus, the history of the island is inextricably linked with the history of the monastery.

To get to the monastery is reached via a steep winding paths to a height of approximately 200 m above sea level. Here, on the large terrace, you will see this fine example of early Christian architecture – the monks ' cells shaped like a beehive, the Church of St. Michael, two oratorio (prayer place), and stone crosses and slabs.

The monastery was abandoned at approximately 12-13-th centuries, and its inhabitants moved to the Augustinian Abbey the village of Ballinskelligs on the island of Ireland. In the 19th century on the island were built two lighthouses, and Skellig Michael became an important landmark for ships.

Skellig Michael is one of the two Skellig Islands and together with the island of little Skellig form an important nature reserve, which is home to a large population of sea birds (cormorants, auks, guillemots, Kittiwakes, puffins, etc.) and a Paradise for the ornithologist.

Island available to the public from April to October and only under favorable weather conditions.