Skellig Michael: Ireland's Ancient Island Retreat

• HelloDia dhuit
  [dee-uh gwit]
• GoodbyeSlán
  [slawn]
• YesTá
  [taw]
• NoNíl
  [neel]
• Please/You're welcomeLe do thoil
  [leh duh hull]
• Thank youGo raibh maith agat
  [guh rev mah ag-at]
• Excuse me/SorryTá brón orm
  [taw brohn or-um]
• How are you?Conas atá tú?
  [kun-us ah-taw too]
• Fine. And you?Tá mé go maith. Agus tú?
  [taw may guh mah. ah-guhs too]
• Do you speak English?An bhfuil Béarla agat?
  [ahn will bayr-lah ag-at]
• I don't understandNí thuigim
  [nee hug-im]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBa mhaith liom an billeog a fheiceáil, le do thoil
  [bah wy luhm on bill-ogue ah eck-ah-il, leh duh hull]
• I don't eat meatNí ithim feoil
  [nee ih-him foh-il]
• Cheers!Sláinte!
  [slawn-cheh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBa mhaith liom íoc, le do thoil
  [bah wy luhm ee-uk, leh duh hull]

• Help!Cabhraigh!
  [ka-vree]
• Go away!Imigh uaim!
  [ih-mee oom]
• Call the Police!Glan an Garda!
  [glan on gar-dah]
• Call a doctor!Glan dochtúir!
  [glan dohk-too-ir]
• I'm lostTá mé caillte
  [taw may kahl-cheh]
• I'm illTá mé tinn
  [taw may chin]

• I'd like to buy...Ba mhaith liom ceannach...
  [bah wy luhm can-ukh]
• I'm just lookingNíl mé ach ag amharc
  [neel may ahk ahg ow-ark]
• How much is it?Cé mhéad atá air?
  [kay vade ah-taw air]
• That's too expensiveTá sé sin ró-dhaor
  [taw shay shin roh-yuhr]
• Can you lower the price?An féidir leat an praghas a laghdú?
  [ahn fay-dur lat on prah-guhs ah loo-goo]

• What time is it?Cén t-am é?
  [kane tahm ay]
• It's one o'clockTá sé a haon
  [taw shay ah hayn]
• Half past (10)Leathuair tar éis a deich
  [lah-hir tar aysh ah deh]
• MorningMaidin
  [mah-din]
• AfternoonTráthnóna
  [traw-noh-nah]
• EveningTráthnóna
  [traw-noh-nah]
• YesterdayInné
  [in-ay]
• TodayInniu
  [in-you]
• TomorrowAmárach
  [ah-maw-rakh]
• 1A haon
  [ah hayn]
• 2Dó
  [doh]
• 3Trí
  [tree]
• 4Ceathair
  [cah-her]
• 5Cúig
  [coo-ig]
• 6Sé
  [shay]
• 7Seacht
  [shokht]
• 8Ocht
  [ukht]
• 9Naoi
  [nee]
• 10Deich
  [deh]

• Where's a/the...?Cá bhfuil a/n...
  [kah will ah/n...]
• What's the address?Céard é an seoladh?
  [kay-ard ay ahn shoh-lah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?An bhfuil tú in ann dom a thaispeáint (ar an léarscáil)?
  [ahn will too in on dum ah hash-paynt (ar on lay-arscawl)]
• When's the next (bus)?Cathain a bheidh an t-iar-bhus seo?
  [cah-hain ah vay an t-ee-ahr-vuss shuh]
• A ticket (to ....)Ticéad (go dtí ....)
  [tick-ayd (guh dee ....)]

Perched atop the jagged cliffs of Skellig Michael, the monastic settlement dates back to the 6th century. Founded by early Christian monks, this remote island sanctuary was developed as an ascetic retreat in the spirit of early Celtic monasticism. The monks built a series of stone beehive huts, or clocháns, which still stand today, offering a glimpse into their austere way of life. The settlement also includes two oratories, a communal graveyard, and several stone crosses and slabs.

Skellig Michael did not escape the Viking invasions that swept through Ireland in the early medieval period. Historical records suggest that the island was attacked at least twice by Viking raiders, in 823 and 824 AD. Despite the island's remote and rugged location, the monks and their treasures were not spared from these brutal incursions. The raids left a lasting impact on the island's monastic community, shaping its history and resilience.

In the early 19th century, Skellig Michael took on a new role as a crucial navigational aid. In 1826, the Commissioners of Irish Lights established two lighthouses on the island to guide maritime traffic through the perilous waters of the Atlantic. The lower lighthouse was later decommissioned, but the upper lighthouse remains operational, a testament to the island's continuing importance in maritime safety. This era marks a significant shift from religious solitude to practical utility.

In 1996, Skellig Michael was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value. The designation highlights the island's unique cultural heritage, particularly its well-preserved monastic remains and exceptional natural environment. This status has helped to protect and preserve Skellig Michael, ensuring that its historical and cultural significance will be appreciated by future generations.

In recent years, Skellig Michael has gained international fame as a filming location for the Star Wars franchise. The island features prominently in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' (2015) and 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' (2017), serving as the secluded hideaway of Luke Skywalker. This newfound cinematic fame has brought a surge of tourism to the island, blending ancient history with modern pop culture.

Skellig Michael is located off the southwest coast of Ireland, approximately 12 kilometers from the coast of County Kerry. The nearest airports are Kerry Airport and Cork Airport. From there, you can drive to the small town of Portmagee, where most boat tours to Skellig Michael depart. It is advisable to book your boat trip in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as the number of visitors allowed on the island each day is limited.

Once you arrive in Portmagee, the primary means of reaching Skellig Michael is by boat. Several licensed operators offer daily trips, weather permitting. The boat journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour each way. There are no public transport options to the island, and it is not accessible by car. Taxis and car rentals are available to get to Portmagee from nearby towns and airports.

The official currency in Ireland is the Euro (EUR). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Portmagee and other major towns, it is recommended to carry some cash for smaller establishments, boat trips, and tips. ATMs are available in Portmagee and nearby towns, but ensure you have enough cash as facilities on Skellig Michael are non-existent.

Skellig Michael is generally a safe destination, but it is essential to take standard precautions. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. However, the terrain on the island is rugged and can be dangerous. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, stay on designated paths, and follow all safety instructions provided by guides. Carry water, sun protection, and be prepared for the weather, which can change rapidly.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 or 112 for immediate assistance. Emergency services are limited on Skellig Michael, so it is crucial to follow safety guidelines. In case of medical emergencies, first aid may be available on the tour boat, but more severe cases will need to be transported back to the mainland. Travel insurance that covers accidents and medical emergencies is highly recommended.

Fashion: Do wear appropriate hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Avoid wearing high heels or flip-flops. Religion: Do respect the ancient monastic site and refrain from touching or climbing on the ruins. Public Transport: Do plan your transport in advance, as there are no public transport options to the island. Greetings: Do greet locals and fellow travelers with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. Eating & Drinking: Do bring your own snacks and water, as there are no facilities on the island. Don't litter; take all your trash back to the mainland.

To experience Skellig Michael like a local, take the time to learn about its history and significance before your visit. Engage with local guides and boat operators, who often have fascinating stories and insights. For a more immersive experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) when the island is less crowded. Also, explore the surrounding areas of County Kerry, including the Skellig Ring and the Ring of Kerry, to fully appreciate the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.