The Skellig Story: Ancient Monastic Outpost

by Des Lavelle

NEW EDITION 'Magic that takes you out, far out, of this time and this world.' George Bernard Shaw, after a visit to Skellig This is the story of two of the world's most stunning and unspoilt islands, Skellig Michael and Small Skellig, which lie off the coast of Kerry. Lavelle explores the extraordinary, isolated Early Christian monastic settlement with its stone 'beehive' huts. He describes the abundant bird life, including the huge colony of gannets, and tells of the history, the legends, geology, plant life, the lighthouse, the seals and the underwater world. A comprehensive and accessible book on a unique and fascinating place.

Genres: Nonfiction, Ireland, History, Travel

94 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Bill Sheridan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fairly short book provides a nice overview of the Skelligs by an author who clearly has a deep interest and knowledge of all aspects of these unique islands. The topography, geology and flora and fauna of the Skelligs and the surrounding seas are dealt with in some detail but the historical sections of the book seem to be somewhat less detailed. Although this may simply be due to a scarcity of historical data, the stories and legends that are mentioned provide a fascinating, if limited, perspective on life in the monastery and the lighthouses on Skellig Michael. Overall a very pleasant read for anyone interested in the Skelligs.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was looking for a bit more detail in both the section about the monastic times as well as the geology. Gives a good enough overview of the island history and birds.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short history and natural history of the Skelligs, Skellig Michael and Little Skellig, two small rocky islands of the western coast of Ireland. Only reachable by boat about 5 months of the year and then only on good days, Skellig Michael was home to a monastic community who lived in stone beehive huts then later to lighthouse keepers. Both are home to thousands of sea birds. Des Lavelle has visited, sailed and dived by the Skelligs all his life and an ancestor was a lighthouse keeper. My husband and I have arranged for him to take us to Skellig Michael on our imminent trip to Ireland.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated, but a very clear description of the Skellig and its history, flora, fauna, etc, providing a good overview of the island.