We will be in Ireland 7/25/11-8/1/11. Planning a day trip to Skellig Michael. I am concerned about height & stairs. Average health, but issues w/ knees & hips. If anyone has been there...can you please advise. thanks
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Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
The following is a quote from the Skellig Michael Heritage Site website: "Skellig Michael is a wilderness site and a designated Nature Reserve. The site presents a unique landscape and visitors must take care at all times. A visit to the monastery will entail a climb on 618 steps, ascending over 600 ft. (180 metres). It is a demanding climb and any person with health issues should consider carefully their own physical limitations before exploring this part of the site. · Visitors must stay on the recognised pathways at all times · Children must be strictly supervised at all times · Beware of falling rocks · Steep gradient on the steps
· Uneven steps · Steps slippery when wet" The site further advises that there are no toilets or restaurant facilities on the island. I haven't been myself, so I can't give a personal recommendation, but speaking as someone who is otherwise very fit but has arthritis in both knees and an untrustworthy ankle, I wouldn't attempt it.