Skellig Islands Lying off the southwest coast of County Kerry, the Skelligs are two uninhabited rocky islets famous for their breathtaking beauty, ancient monastic ruins and massive colonies of puffins, gannets and other bird life, while their offshore waters are a regular haven for seals, dolphins and whales. While Little Skellig is closed to the public, Skellig Michael (the larger of the two) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a remarkably preserved sixth-century Christian monastery perched high above the Atlantic. Visitors can climb the steep, rugged steps to view the ancient site and its “beehive” stone huts that once housed the monastery’s residents. Together, the islets are perhaps best known as remote, otherworldly sites with Skellig Michael having been used as a location for the filming of segments for two Star Wars movies – The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens. The coastal islets lie about 10 miles offshore and the official tour season for landing on Skellig Michael operates from mid-May through late September, departing from the Iveragh Peninsula’s town of Portmagee. Cliffs of Moher In a country with no shortage of beauty and a wellspring of awesome sites, the Cliffs of Moher stand out as Ireland’s best natural attraction. In fact, it’s generally accepted that their overwhelming majesty alone makes them the crown jewel of the Wild Atlantic Way and one of the world’s natural wonders. Stretching for nearly eight miles along the rugged, southwest coastline of County Clare, the mammoth cliffs that were shaped more than 320 years ago rise 700 feet above the Atlantic. Viewing them is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Regular tours are offered by experienced guides who share the mysteries and tales associated with this rare stretch of stunning cliffs, including their distinction as one of the best places in Ireland for birdwatching. The colossal Cliffs of Moher host more than 20 distinct seabird species including Atlantic puffins, Peregrine falcons, razorbills, guillemot and more. 18 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx