Sceilg Mhichíl – Attributes of Outstanding Universal Value
Attributes convey the Outstanding Universal Value of a World Heritage Property and enable an understanding of that value. These attributes should be the focus of protection and management actions.
Landscape
- Most spectacularly situated of all early medieval island monasteries in an isolated and dramatic marine setting, deliberately sited on a pyramidal rock in the ocean
- Dramatic topography and scenery of the island with Christ’s Valley 130 m above sea level flanked by the North and South Peaks
- Integration within the landscape of the principal monastic remains on a sloping shelf on the north-eastern side of the island and of the hermitage on narrow terraces just below the South Peak within the landscape of the island
Archaeological/architectural/structural features/qualities
- Outstanding example of a perfectly preserved early medieval monastic settlement including landing points, flights of steps, terracing, plots for food production, paved areas, living spaces, buildings for worship
- Intact indigenous stone architecture of a past millennium, uniquely documenting the evolution of dry-stone masonry techniques
- Structural-historical integrity
Intangible
- Symbol of the spread of Christianity and emerging literacy across the world, illustrating the extremes of early Christian monasticism
- Strong sense of spirituality derived from the long presence of the monks on the island and the retention of the visual-aesthetic integrity of this iconic site
Nature
- One of Ireland’s most important sites for breeding seabirds