Perched high at the summit of a 230-metre-high rock is an ancient monastery probably founded during the 7th century.
For 600 years the island was a centre of monastic life for Irish Christian monks.
The very spartan conditions inside the monastery illustrate the ascetic lifestyle practiced by early Irish Christians.
Because of the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael, the island has until recently discouraged visitors.
This kept the site exceptionally well preserved.
However, a monastic presence was maintained and the buildings were kept in repair until the 16th century.
Although monastery no longer existed, it continued to be a place of pilgrimage.
Skellig Michael in its entirety became a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Sea birds are abundant on Skellig Michael the Guillemots, Puffins, Razorbills, Gannets, Fulmar and Kittiwakes.
The whole Island turns white in the summer months from the vast number of birds nesting there.
