THE OFFICE of Public Works (OPW) has announced that Skellig Michael/Sceilg Mhichíl, one of Ireland's most popular natural tourist attractions, will reopen to visitors on Saturday 14 May for the 2022 season.
The OPW's work crew are currently on site finalising preparatory health and safety works in advance of the opening.
However, the reopening date is subject to weather conditions remaining favourable and intending visitors are advised to check www.heritageireland.ie for updates.
Sceilg Mhichíl, or Skellig Michael, is an island monastery towering over the sea located off the coast of Kerry.
The monastery is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Ireland, and the monks who lived there prayed and slept in beehive-shaped huts made of stone, many of which remain to this day.
The monks left the island in the thirteenth century. It became a place of pilgrimage and, during the time of the Penal Laws, a haven for Catholics.
The site became even more popular as a tourist destination when it was featured in two Star Wards movies: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Making the announcement today, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan said:
"I am very pleased to be able to share this much-anticipated good news with holidaymakers eager to visit Sceilg Mhichíl this summer and with the local rural communities who rely on tourism to the island.
"I was privileged to visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site last year to view the ongoing conservation works at the upper and lower lighthouse and the development of visitor facilities on the island, which will continue throughout the season.
"These works will preserve the island’s fragile cultural heritage and will help us to protect, conserve and promote an appreciation of the early monastic site and its breath-taking natural setting for present and future generations," he finished.
