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Skellig Michael gets all-clear for tourist season following rockfall

Skellig Michael is famous for its beehive-shaped stone structures built by monks in around the 6th Century
Skellig Michael is famous for its beehive-shaped stone structures built by monks in around the 6th Century Skellig Michael is famous for its beehive-shaped stone structures built by monks in around the 6th Century

VISITORS will be allowed to return to Skellig Michael this weekend following last-minute safety work on the world-famous island.

Located off the coast of Co Kerry, the iconic island attracts throngs of visitors each year to walk along its rugged stone stairways and explore monastic ruins dating back to around the 6th century.

Interest in the UNESCO World Heritage site – the larger of the two Skellig islands – has rocketed since it was used as a filming location in the new Star Wars movies.

Visitors are allowed onto the island between May and October each year following minor repairs on standard winter damage such as loose steps, but a recent rock fall led to fears safety requirements could not be met in time.

However, following work by contractors and a safety inspection by structural engineers, the green light for tourists to return has been given by the Office of Public Works, and boats will ferry visitors to Skellig Michael from Sunday.

With the tiny island expecting its busiest season ever ahead of this year’s Star Wars movie, which will feature the island as the Jedi temple home of Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill, inspectors have said regular safety checks will continue in the coming months.

“The rock fall posed a considerable challenge for our staff and contractor who have worked hard to deal with the problem while simultaneously dealing with the normal pre-season maintenance checks at the site to make sure the visitor areas are ready,” said senior conservation architect Grellan Rourke.