Donal Hickey: The wonders of Skellig Michael

The huge, cone-shaped rock rising out of the Atlantic, about 11km off the south-west coast, requires constant care.

The islands continue to be a haven for seabirds and its monastic remains, perched high on cliff tops, evoke awe.

It took a visit from Luke Skywalker and the Hollywood circus for some people to hear about one of our greatest natural treasures. For about 1,500 years before the arrival of Star Wars, Skellig Michael was a place of mystery and pilgrimage.

It continues to be a haven for seabirds and its monastic remains, perched high on cliff tops, evoke awe. However, this huge, cone-shaped rock rising out of the Atlantic, about 11km off the south-west coast, requires constant care.