Living Among the Puffins on Skellig Michael

by Catherine Merrigan

In the summer of 2000, Catherine Merrigan took a rough boat ride out to the rocky island of Skellig Michael off the coast of County Kerry to begin her new job as a guide. Almost alone on the dark and mystical island that first night, she realised she’d made a big mistake and decided she would leave the next morning. A massive storm blew up though and she couldn’t leave for five days; whereupon, in fact, she stayed. Catherine has spent six months of every year since showing visitors this magical isle, and hanging out with her beloved puffins – 10,000 breeding pairs which she likes to say she counts every night, by name. Here is a one of a kind insight into life on this dramatically beautiful, monastic sanctuary, laden with a millennium and a half of some of Ireland’s richest history, and in the company of a hundred thousand nesting birds. Told with love and passion, Catherine’s anecdotes are interspersed with her photos of ‘Charlie Chaplin’ puffins, Skellig’s dramatic staircases, and much more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Birds, Nature

106 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Anne Herridge]

This unique book is a real gem! I started reading it and literally couldn't put it down. If you have ever wondered what life is like for the guides or the birds on the beautiful Skellig islands then this is the book for you! Written by Catherine Merrigan, a Skellig guide for the past 20 years, it gives an insider look at the highs and lows of life on Skellig Michael, and is filled with stunning, never before seen photos of the puffins and birds on the island, along with delightful anecdotes detailing their antics and struggles. Easy and enjoyable to read, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the Skellig islands' history, birds or in travelling to Ireland in general.

[Katja]

A really interesting read, a fascinating brief glimpse into the life of a Skellig Michael guide. I read this while on holiday in Ireland and went on a trip to the islands which I found really breathtaking. I can see why people consider the place sacred. A really quick but charming read which draws you in, and I found it hard to put down! The pictures are lovely and now I'm looking for more books on Skellig Michael...

[Sam]

What a beautiful little book. Gentle, calming, some lovely photographs.

[Ross Mckinney]

It's a sweet book. Not great or elaborate prose, but it is interesting getting an insight into a what it's like to live on Skellig Michael.

[Barbara Schmich]

A chosen life of solitude among the birds in Ireland.

[Jenny]

New special interest: Skellig Michael

[Peter]

Fascinating account of a woman who has been caretaker at Skellig Michael for 24 years. Just imagining how I’d adjust to the solitude, silence, storms, and the ever-churning sea. Luckily, hundreds and hundreds of puffins. Some nice photos as well.