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Day 8 Itinerary
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- Portmagee
- Skellig Michael
- Dingle
Day 8 Impressions
Skellig Michael - Mike
Skellig Michael is the site of an ancient monastery on an island eight miles off the coast of Ireland. The monks arrived around 600 A.D. and established the monastery on the two peaks of the rock island. Over the years they made certain improvements, like carving stairs or constructing them from stone, depending on the need. The monks lived in beehive huts of stone and farmed what little land they could find. Their diet was supplements by fish that they could catch and supplies from the mainland that arrived occasionally.
When we set out for the Skelligs, the day was incredible. It was sunny and warm, with calm seas - the perfect weather for such a trip. The boatman who took us out was very good at keeping the wake down and providing a smooth ride. In order to board the boat, we had to limb down a ladder from the pier. Once we got to Skellig Michael, we had to step from the boat to a set of stairs. That was the easy part. We walked up a pathway to the base of the stairs. Then the work began.
There are approximately 600 steps from the bottom to the top. Very soon you could feel the burning in your legs. We had to stop often on the climb up. At one point my brother Kevin and his daughter decided to stay put. This was at a point where the north and the south peaks split, a site called Christ's Saddle, about two thirds of the way up.
As we continued the climb, it did seem to get easier. At the very top, the path skirted the very edge of the Cliffside. At this point we were about 600 feet up. It was not for the faint of heart. But the experience of seeing the site of early monastic life made it worth it.
I explored the beehive huts and then climbed to the peak via a dirt and stone path. At the peak was a large slab of rock. Sitting there felt like truly being in the presence of God. I read Daytime Prayer there and marveled at the view and the peace. Going back down to the huts, I sat in several while praying the rosary in both thanksgiving for the opportunity of the trip and requesting guidance from the Lord.
The descent was much easer than the climb. On the way down I took pictures of the steps looking up. I could not have stood taking pictures on the way up as it took everything to stay focused on the climb without thinking too much about the distance.
We met the boat back at the landing and started back. On the return, the boatman took us past Small Skellig, where only birds and the occasional seal seem to live. We did see a baby seal and an adult seal (thanks to Maura's sharp eye).
We chatted with the boatman on the way back about Irish and American politics. He seemed very well versed in the situation in the States.
Altogether, an incredible and unforgettable pilgrimage.
St. Finian's Bay - Shayla
Those of use who did not go to Skelling Michael had fun too. After dropping the boat crew off we headed to the chocolate factory and then after we were done there we decided to hit the beach. Saint Finnian's Bay had a beautiful beach. We all walked on the beach collecting rocks and relaxing. Three beautiful dogs came down and were playing with us. It was a fun and relaxing to feel the sand in our toes and to put our feet in the water. So, they really didn't have all the fun.Day 8 Photos
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