JumbleTown Ireland - View Single Post - Ireland's World Heritage Sites: #3

Chris P · **Posted: 05-07-2009 , 06:28 PM** #1

George Bernard Shaw said that Skellig Michael is "an incredible, impossible, mad place…it is part of our dream world." This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located off the coast of Kerry in southwest Ireland.

Over 600 steps lead to the hermitage at the top of Skellig Michael. The hermitage was occupied by monks from the 6th century to the 13th Century AD.

Shaw also said that "whoever has not stood in the grave-yard on the summit of that cliff [on Skellig Michael] among the beehive dwellings and beehive oratory does not know Ireland through and through."

Alas, too many folks have been standing there over the years so tourist-access is restricted in recent times in order to protect the site. Also, the Office of Public Works (which is responsible for maintaining the ecclesiastical sites) has come in for criticism for what some believe is their less-than-sensitive conservation work.

"Little Skellig" is home to the second largest gannet colony in the world.

	Posted: 05-07-2009 , 06:28 PM #1
Chris P Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: JumbleTown Posts: 5,998	Ireland's World Heritage Sites: #3 - Skellig Michael Hermitage, Co Kerry George Bernard Shaw said that Skellig Michael is "an incredible, impossible, mad place…it is part of our dream world." This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located off the coast of Kerry in southwest Ireland. Over 600 steps lead to the hermitage at the top of Skellig Michael. The hermitage was occupied by monks from the 6th century to the 13th Century AD. Shaw also said that "whoever has not stood in the grave-yard on the summit of that cliff [on Skellig Michael] among the beehive dwellings and beehive oratory does not know Ireland through and through." Alas, too many folks have been standing there over the years so tourist-access is restricted in recent times in order to protect the site. Also, the Office of Public Works (which is responsible for maintaining the ecclesiastical sites) has come in for criticism for what some believe is their less-than-sensitive conservation work. "Little Skellig" is home to the second largest gannet colony in the world. Attached Images