After our boat trip was cancelled yesterday, we managed to board one today. So lucky actually because all boats were fully booked. The sea/ocean was calmer during the 50 min. sail. Before reaching the main island, we passed the smaller cliff island which is covered with 50.000 Gannets. On the way we saw groups of them flying in line just above the waves. There was not much guano on the rocks. Washed off each time by the rain?
Skellig Michael is one of the highlights for any Ireland trip. It takes some effort to get to but is worth it. The visit is very organized. Only 160 people per day and only 12 people per boat. The limiting factor is the sea swell (you have to jump off a rocking boat) and the wind (you climb 600+ exposed steps made of flat rocks from the island by the monks over 1400 years ago. The steps at 2 other disused landing point were cut into the cliff/mountain face and off limit to visitors (deemed too dangerous). In the 6th century monks built this retreat to meditate and come closer to God. Up to 12 monks at a time lived on the island till in the 12th century monastic orders and monasteries became the way to serve the lord. The hermits lived a simple retreated life. They built 6 beehive shaped dwellings around a larger chapel. Water came from several cisterns in which rain was collected. Protein came from the nearby bird colony and possible some goats or sheep grazing on the steep sloops Some areas were flattened and soil-filled for vegetables.
The climb up is strenuous and challenging due to the steep steps and cliff drop on the side. In total we spent some 2 hours on the island.
On the boat ride back, we noticed that the captain had caught several mackerels while waiting for us. He kindly gave us a few to bring back when we disembarked. We drove on to Cromane on Dingle Bay in the direction of Killarney. We parked on a pebbles beach. Many local residents were swimming in the water or walking their dogs. Next to us is a mobile sauna but so far, we saw nobody using it.
Jamaliah cleaned the 4 mackerels. 2 are marinated and saved for tomorrow. The others were grilled and eaten together with corn fried rice, delicious seaside camping meal.
