One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the Skellig Islands. The primary purpose was to visit the 6th century monastery on Skellig Michael, but we were also able to view the 50,000-bird-strong Northern Gannet colony on Small Skellig. The birds use every single possible ledge on the island to nest, and are quite a sight (and sound) as they fly around the craggy island. (Years ago we saw the world's largest colony of these birds on Bonaventure Island, Quebec.) Here you can see Skellig Michael in the background. Little Skellig, Co. Kerry, Ireland. 10 July 2008.