What is the history of the Beehive Huts on the Skelligs in Co. Kerry?

Question

What is the history of the Beehive Huts on the Skelligs in Co. Kerry?

Answer 1

Hello Mary,

                    These were built by early monks, as housing, they didn't really know in those dark days very much about House building, and they were very likely all they needed at the time for their simple needs. but the beehives as they are known as housing were very handy in so far that they sufficed, as a home, but the wind and reain was kept at bay because if you can get to have a closer look at them from the inside, you won't see any daylight through. the wall, and yet still a hole in the roof would emit the fire-smoke, and not let rain into them.

             If you get a chance to see a repeat of Billy Connollys " World Tour of Ireland" again he will tell you more about these unique Huts. Bye for now...Tony M

Answer 2

They were for monks who lived as hermits long ago, who were very close to the elements and to what they perceived as God. Christianity in ancient Ireland was just a thin veneer over the indigenous Pagan religion of the country anyway. Still is in many places.

Answer 3

They are part of an old monastery. The monks used to live in them. They believed by living in harsh conditions they would become closer to God.