Sceilg Mhichíl UNESCO World Heritage Property

Update 15 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.

A date for the High Court to hear the OPW motion to lift the suspension has been assigned for either the 3^rd or 4^th of June, 2025.

In December 2024, the OPW published a competition to award 15 permits for summer 2025 and onwards. The number of permits is limited in order to protect the fragile ecosystem of Skellig Michael.

The OPW contacted applicants in late March 2025 to tell them the outcome of their applications. Since then, three unsuccessful participants in the competition have brought High Court proceedings challenging the outcome of the competition. The OPW will be fully defending the proceedings.

Under Irish and EU law, the proceedings brought by three unsuccessful tenderers mean that the OPW is prevented from issuing permits for summer 2025, until the proceedings are resolved or unless the High Court gives permission to issue permits.

Essentially, the proceedings brought by unsuccessful tenderers act as an injunction. Unless the proceedings are settled or unless the High Court gives permission to issue permits, it will not be possible for any ferry operator to bring passengers to Skellig  Michael in summer 2025.

The OPW is acutely aware of the key role the Island plays in the tourism economy of South Kerry and the wider region. In an attempt to resolve the situation, the OPW has been making urgent applications to the High Court requesting permission to lift the injunction in place (also known as a suspension). If the injunction/suspension is lifted, this will enable the OPW to issue permits to the 15 applicants who were successful in the competition, on the terms advertised in the competition. No permit can be issued until the High Court gives permission to do so or unless the proceedings are settled.

The OPW has been making all necessary preparations, subject to the High Court decision, so that Skellig Michael 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.