‘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, legend, geology, plant life, the lighthouse, the seals and the underwater world.

There has been a huge growth in interest in these spectacular islands, driven by Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way and the filming of Star Wars.

A comprehensive, accessible and beautiful book on a unique and fascinating place.

"

his intimate knowledge of and love for this special place seeps through his words so that the reader of this accessible overview of the various aspects of the islands cannot help but be sucked in. His detailed description of a boat trip from Valentia to Skellig … will strike a chord with anyone who has undertaken similar journeys or provide a pleasant alternative for those who, for whatever reason, cannot … All of this is written in the conversational and at times poetic style of an experienced storyteller and tour guide. A really lovely little book