The Skelligs

Sea Kayaking

The Skelligs

Postby Chris McDaid » Sun May 20, 2012 5:58 pm

Just back from a trip to Co Kerry and The Skelligs
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Since taking up sea kayaking seriously just over a year ago I've wanted to visit these magical islands. We departed from Boat Cove in St. Finans bay and headed out past Puffin Island
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We headed straight for Little Skellig, using the prominent Lemon Rock as a marker
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Sea state was pretty choppy but manageable and soon enough we were fast approaching Great Skellig (Skellig Michael)
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Landing was pretty tricky as the small jetty is subject to much surge and scend in the swell and the small steps presented a small target. After landing safely we explored the old monastic ruins
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It really is an outstandingly amazing and unique place
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Our route can be viewed here....
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/178886656

Well worth the visit when in area, further valuable info can be found in David Walsh's excellent book "Oilean"
This is my first attempt at posting a wee report on here so apologies if its not up to the usual standard, I'll get better hopefully
Cheers
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Re: The Skelligs

Postby The Portage King » Sun May 20, 2012 8:19 pm

Serious undertaking mate, well done.
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Re: The Skelligs

Postby soundoftheseagull » Sun May 20, 2012 9:05 pm

Great trip and photos
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Re: The Skelligs

Postby Mark R » Sun May 20, 2012 10:14 pm

Phenomenal place, thanks for sharing.

I paddled around Puffin Island years ago and that was a fantastic trip in itself, the Skelligs looked tantilising and I will get back there...
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Re: The Skelligs

Postby tommfuller » Mon May 21, 2012 7:24 am

That's a pretty committing trip! I was there about 20 years ago but we went on an old lifeboat.

Cheers,

Tom.
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Re: The Skelligs

Postby Yakdiver » Mon May 21, 2012 2:11 pm

Lovely photos well done
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Re: The Skelligs

Postby andreadawn » Mon May 21, 2012 2:29 pm

Looks fantastic. Somewhere I've always wanted to visit but I don't think I'll ever get there.

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Re: The Skelligs

Postby John Kennedy » Tue May 22, 2012 1:17 am

Congrats dude, that's a sweet trip. I've been half looking at it too, but it's a tad too committing for me at the moment.
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Re: The Skelligs

Postby JohnA » Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:04 am

Nice report Chris,

that must have been a seriously isolated place to live for the monks. They wouldn't have had a lot of visitors I suspect.
It looks amazingly well preserved.
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