John Quinn experiences the magic and mystery of Skellig Rock, the monastic settlement off the south-west coast of Kerry.

In September 2000, John Quinn realised a personal ambition when he made a two day visit to Skellig Rock, the monastic settlement off the coast of Kerry.

The monks came to Skellig about the 6th century and remained for another five centuries in this wild and sacred place. To get to the beehive cells, one must climb about 600 steps (alot of breathless recording here ... !), but it is a most rewarding climb, if only to savour the magnificent panorama and to delight in the sound scape of seawash and seabirds.

The monastic village is preserved and restored by Duchás and Duchás guide Bob Harris and geologist Grellan Rourke reveal Skellig's wonderful story to John Quinn. The documentary is illustrated with Seamus Heaney's poetry, but the most telling pictures of all are the bird calls, the seawash and the silence of this haunting and sacred rock of ages.

'Rock of Ages' was first broadcast on 4th December 2000

Produced by John Quinn

An Irish radio documentary from RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland - Documentary on One - the home of Irish radio documentaries.