World Heritage Sites in the REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

 

• Skellig Michael

• Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne

 

 

 

Skellig Michael (Inscribed: 1996) 

This monastic complex, perched on the steep sides of the rocky island of Skellig Michael, 12 km off the coast of south-west Ireland, illustrates the very spartan existence of the first Irish Christians (7th c). Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved. Small Skellig (top-left corner in the above picture) is equally renowned in matters of ornithology as the home of some 27,000 pairs of gannets – the second largest colony of such seabirds in the world.

 

 

Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne (Inscribed: 1993) 

The three main prehistoric sites of the Brúna Bóinne Complex, Newgrange (left), Knowth (right) and Dowth, are situated on the north bank of the River Boyne 50 km north of Dublin. This is Europe's largest and most important concentration of prehistoric megalithic art. The monuments there had social, economic, religious and funerary functions.

 

 

source & credits:

Short descriptions: World Heritage Sites © UNESCO World Heritage 2006