Archaeological works on Skellig Michael detailed
A DETAILED account of archaeological works on Skellig Michael has been released by the National Monuments Service casting new light on the evolution of the island's spectacular monastery and the monks who inhabited the popular world heritage site.
Titled 'Archaeological Stratigraphic Report: Excavations 1986-2010' the report details findings within the island's early medieval monastery and its south peak.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan yesterday welcomed the publication which contains full details of features and artefacts uncovered during the excavations, supported by numerous drawings and photographs.
"Archaeological excavations carried out by Department archaeologists and on contract have been an integral part of the conservation works carried out at the early medieval monastic site on Skellig Michael since the early 1980s.
"The importance of providing a record of the conservation and research carried out over the last 30 years with a view to broadening our knowledge of its historical significance cannot be underestimated," he added.
The minister also thanked the OPW, which is responsible for the management of the World Heritage site.
The report is available on worldheritageireland.ie.
- KEVIN HUGHES
