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Sketch of the Skellig Michael Sundial

Located 12 Km off the south-west coast of Ireland, the small island of Skellig Michael is a pinnacle of barren rock that rises to 218 metres above of the Atlantic Ocean. Its remoteness made it an ideal location in the 7th century for an Early Christian monastic settlement. One of the best preserved early Christian monasteries in the world, the remains consist of six stone 'Bee Hive' huts and two 'boat shaped' oratories built on two narrow terraces. During reconstruction work at the monastery an ancient sundial was used as the inner lintel of the 1200mm high door of the oratory on the upper terrace. Little of it can be seen now in this position. Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are two others in Ireland, Bru na Boinne in Co. Meath and the Giant's Causeway in Co. Antrim. National Monument No 61. Lat 51° 46' North    Long 10° 32' West Irish Grid    V  025140    060170