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The
Skellig Islands are situated nine miles offshore
and are an individual experience which words alone
cannot describe such is the aura of the rock formations.
At the summit of Skellig Michael which is accessed
by climbing almost 600 steps, are the remains of
a monastic settlement dating from the sixth
century. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1996 and access is very strictly controlled and restricted.
Little
Skellig is home to Europe's largest colony of gannets,
estimated to be in excess of 60,000 birds. There
are also thousands of other birds primarily puffins,
manx shearwater, terns, etc. The islands are just
over a mile apart and are home to approximately
200 seals |
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Below
the water you will experience the clearest waters
in Europe where visibility is seldom less than
15m and is often in excess of 30m! Hard and soft
coral is plentiful but the most startling underwater
experience is the sheer volume of life and the
acres of every type of anenome resulting in spectacularly
colourful diving. The rock formations above water
continue below and dives range from a recently
discovered pinnacle rising to within eight metres
at its summit and dropping down almost as a sheer
wall to 45m, to dives in the 15m to 25m range,
to canyons, gullies and boulders. For photographers
it is a dream come true! However photographers
be warned - it is a condition of bringing cameras
etc on board that you send us a copy of your photos! |