Sceilg Mhichíl UNESCO World Heritage Property

Update 9 May 2025:

OPW plans for reopening the season at Sceilg Mhichíl

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has lodged a motion before the High Court seeking permission to issue Sceilg Mhichíl boat operator permits for Summer 2025 to the successful applicants in a recent competition.

This follows a high court challenge from unsuccessful participants in the open competition to operate the boat licences.

The OPW ran a competition in late 2024 to award 15 permits for summer 2025 and onwards. The number of permits is limited to protect the fragile ecosystem of Sceilg Mhicíl.

In April 2025, two unsuccessful participants in the competition brought High Court proceedings challenging the outcome of the competition. Under Irish and EU law, this means that the OPW is precluded from issuing permits for summer 2025, until the proceedings are resolved (or unless the court gives permission to issue permits).

The OPW is acutely aware of the key role the Island plays in the tourism economy of South Kerry and the wider region.

On 7 May 2025, the OPW issued a motion before the High Court seeking permission to issue permits for summer 2025 to the applicants who were successful in the competition.

On 8 May 2025, a third unsuccessful participant in the competition brought further High Court proceedings. As the matter is now before the court, the OPW will not make any further comment at this time.

The OPW has made all necessary preparations, subject to the High Court decision, so that Sceilg Mhicíl can be opened. The OPW conservation team, made up of architects, stonemasons and a safety expert, has been on the Island for some weeks preparing for the re-opening of the Island to visitors. The annual post-winter check-up and maintenance is underway. This maintenance programme covers the East, South and North Steps, the monastery and all the structures on the South Peak including the pier.

Likewise, the OPW visitor experience guide team has been completing the required intensive training to prepare for the forthcoming season including certified rope access handling training, sea-survival training, first aid wilderness training and VHF (radio communications) training. This is bespoke, specific guide training for Sceilg Mhícíl that must be undertaken by staff prior to the Island opening to visitors.

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The magnificent Skellig Michael is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Ireland.

On the summit of this awe-inspiring rock off the Kerry coast is St Fionan’s monastery, one of the earliest foundations in the country. 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.

Following in the monks’ footsteps involves climbing 618 steep, uneven steps. Getting to the top is quite a challenge, but well worth the effort.

As well as the wealth of history, there is a fantastic profusion of bird life on and around the island. Little Skellig is the second-largest gannet colony in the world.