Skellig Michael Ring of Kerry is the third story in our series exploring the seven symbols engraved on Ring of Kerry Jewellery. Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of County Kerry, Sceilg Mhichíl is one of Ireland’s most extraordinary places—a remote island where faith, endurance and craftsmanship have survived for centuries.
For many visitors, the Skellig Michael Ring of Kerry story captures the character of the county itself. The island feels remote and almost unreachable, yet generations have carried its memory through storytelling, pilgrimage and art. Its stonework reflects the same respect for material and place that remains central to Irish craft, making it a fitting symbol for jewellery designed to connect the wearer with Kerry.
Skellig Michael Ring of Kerry: An Island of Faith
Skellig Michael lies approximately 12 kilometres off the Iveragh Peninsula. Its steep, rocky outline is instantly recognisable, yet the island’s true wonder is found high above the sea. Early Christian monks established a monastery close to the summit, creating a place of prayer in one of the most demanding environments imaginable.
The monks built stone terraces, oratories and distinctive beehive-shaped cells using carefully fitted local stone. These dry-stone structures have endured Atlantic storms for generations and demonstrate remarkable skill, patience and understanding of the landscape.
The Monks of Sceilg Mhichíl
Reaching the monastery required determination. Today, visitors climb hundreds of steep and uneven stone steps to reach the settlement. At the summit, the surviving cells and places of worship offer a powerful glimpse into the daily lives of the monks who chose isolation, simplicity and devotion.
The monastic community later moved to the mainland, but the island remained a place of pilgrimage. Between the tenth and eleventh centuries it became associated with Saint Michael, giving us the name Sceilg Mhichíl, or Skellig Michael.
UNESCO recognises Skellig Michael as an outstanding example of an early religious settlement. Its exceptional preservation, dramatic setting and spiritual history led to its inscription as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Why Skellig Michael Is Symbol 3 of 7
The seven Ring of Kerry symbols tell the story of the Iveragh Peninsula through its history, people, landscape and traditions. Skellig Michael was chosen because it represents resilience, belief and the ability to create something lasting in the most challenging surroundings.
It is also a symbol of Kerry’s connection with the Atlantic. The sea that isolated the monks also protected their settlement, shaping a story that is inseparable from the coastline and communities of the Ring of Kerry.
Skellig Michael on Our Sterling Silver Celtic Cross
The Skellig Michael Ring of Kerry symbol is engraved on our Ring of Kerry Sterling Silver Celtic Cross with Chain. It appears alongside six other carefully selected Kerry symbols, bringing the region’s story together in one meaningful piece of Irish jewellery.
The cross is crafted in hallmarked 925 sterling silver and bears our PK maker’s mark. It measures approximately 1.7 inches high and 1.1 inches wide and is supplied on an 18-inch silver chain with a 2-inch extender. Every piece is independently hallmarked at Dublin Castle, giving assurance of its precious-metal purity. You can learn more in our Irish Hallmarking Guide.
Carry a Piece of Kerry’s Story
The Skellig Michael Ring of Kerry story is more than a spectacular island. It is a lasting reminder of faith, courage and extraordinary human skill. By engraving it on our Celtic Cross, we honour the generations who shaped Kerry’s heritage and keep their story close to the people who wear our jewellery.
Discover the Ring of Kerry Sterling Silver Celtic Cross, or explore our full Irish jewellery collection.
Learn more about the historic island through Heritage Ireland and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.