Tourist access to one of Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites, Sceilg Mhichíl (Skellig Michael), has been restored following a key High Court ruling that allows the Office of Public Works (OPW) to proceed with issuing boat permits for the 2025 season.

The OPW welcomed today’s decision, which ends a legal dispute that had delayed the issuing of boat operator permits. The court granted the OPW’s motion to lift a suspension that arose from legal proceedings brought by two unsuccessful tenderers following a recent competition for permits.

With the legal obstacle removed, the OPW will now move swiftly to complete the permitting process with successful boat operators. Trips to the UNESCO World Heritage site are expected to resume from Saturday, 7 June 2025, subject to weather conditions.

Sceilg Mhichíl, a dramatic island monastic site located off the coast of South Kerry, is one of Ireland’s most treasured landmarks and a major draw for domestic and international tourists alike. The OPW emphasised its awareness of the vital role the island plays in the region’s tourism economy and confirmed that it has been preparing for the site’s reopening.

“The OPW is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the World Heritage site this season,” the agency said in a statement.

The decision is expected to bring relief to tourism operators and businesses across South Kerry, who rely on the seasonal influx of visitors to the island, made internationally famous through its appearance in recent Star Wars films as well as its ancient monastic heritage.

Weather permitting, the first trips of the season are expected to begin tomorrow, marking the long-awaited return of tourists to one of Ireland’s most remarkable cultural and natural sites.

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