Des Lavelle of Valentia, County Kerry, is a man of marine passions, and the beautiful Skellig Islands are listed ahead of the rest. A seaman, photographer, diving instructor and author, he – with his venerable boat, the Béal Bocht – has guided many thousands of visitors to the Skelligs. Allied to this activity, his summer days are spent personally appreciating the wonders of wildlife, archaeology and history that occupy every nook and cranny on Skellig – above and beneath the sea – and he has spent many winters taking these topics on a lecture circuit that stretches from mainland Europe to the west coast of the United States. His photographs and texts also form the core of the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre on Valentia.
Though now retired from commercial boating, the call of the Skellig still draws him, on special summer days, to his Lorelei in the Atlantic Ocean.
‘There were twenty-five hours in my day then ... any job or challenge that the ocean or the harbour might offer was an option.’ From movies to oil rigs, damaged ships to deep-sea diving, running ferries and literally writing the book on the Skellig Islands, discover a unique life lived to the full.
A comprehensive, accessible and beautiful book on a unique and fascinating place. With the famous monastic beehive huts, teeming birdlife and spectacular vistas, The Skellig islands invite exploration. Des Lavelle is a leading expert and tour guide with a unique insight into these amazing islands.
