History uncovered on Little Skellig in recent expedition

THE OPW has been notified of the discovery of an early Christian oratory on Little Skellig, alongside the UNESCO Heritage site of the world-famous Skellig Michael.

This island or crag is rarely visited and is home to a host of sea-birds.

Though passed on the way to Skellig Michael by thousands of tourists, the little island is home to mainly gannets.

It is believed that there are about 35,000 nests on the rock but now a futher discovery has been made by archaelogist Michael Gibbons – and a team of of climbers – of an early Christian oratory. Little Skellig is a protected bird colony and is looked after by Birdwatch Ireland.

Though little is known yet about the latest discovery, it is believed it dates back to 7 th or 8th century.

This is after the monastery on Skellig Michael had already been built. It is thought that the oratory may have been used for shelter when the island was protected by sheriffs or bailiffs after the famine, to stop the island been raided for eggs from sea-birds. The discovery is on the narrow terrace on the island and the OPW has been informed.

This year Skellig Michael has been closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, preventing thousands of visitors from the world-famous sight, that has now become a goal for many following the filming of Star Wars on the island.