- Skellig Michael visitor season ends early due to weather
- OPW ends visitor season at Skellig Michael
- Season concluded early on 21 September 2026
- Decision made due to inclement weather and sea conditions
- UNESCO World Heritage Site off Kerry coast
- Visitors will next be hosted in 2027
The Office of Public Works has officially concluded the 2026 visitor season at Sceilg Mhichíl Skellig Michael early effective from Monday 21 September 2026. The decision to end the season ahead of its normal late-September schedule was made due to inclement weather and adverse sea conditions off the Kerry coast.
The OPW stated that the closure was necessary in the interest of the health and safety of both visitors and island staff given the challenging nature of the UNESCO World Heritage site.The UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Kerry coast typically operates from mid-May until the end of September subject to weather and sea conditions. Access is limited to permitted boat operators and the site plays a key role in the local rural tourism economy. Landing tours onto the island are now finished until the 2027 season.
The decision to end the season ahead of its normal late-September schedule was made due to inclement weather and adverse sea conditions off the Kerry coast. The OPW stated that the closure was necessary in the interest of the health and safety of both visitors and island staff given the challenging nature of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Kerry coast typically operates from mid-May until the end of September subject to weather and sea conditions. Access is limited to permitted boat operators and the site plays a key role in the local rural tourism economy. While landing tours onto the island are now finished until the 2027 season visitors will next be hosted in 2027.
