A flotilla of boat operators, organised by the Skellig Coast Tourism Network (SCTN), has protested the impact of the closure of Skellig Michael due to ongoing legal action.
The protesters sailed from Portmagee to Skellig Michael and circling the island to highlight the “urgent threat to tourism” caused by the closure. The SCTN represents over 120 businesses in South Kerry and is calling for immediate action to protect jobs and livelihoods.
James Murphy, organiser and spokesperson for Skellig Coast Tourism, says that the Skellig Coast has already lost over €1m in tourism revenue since the season’s intended start date of May 10, 2025. The closure affects not only boat operators but also local businesses like accommodations, cafes, and other tourism-related services in south Kerry.
The situation hinges on the High Court’s decision, expected in early June 2025. Until then, the island is likely to remain closed, and further protests or negotiations may occur as stakeholders push for a resolution.
The SCTN, representing over 120 businesses, says that Skellig Michael is a cornerstone of Kerry’s tourism industry, attracting global visitors, especially since its appearance in Star Wars. The ongoing closure has led to widespread cancellations, damaging the region’s reputation as a world-class destination.
The Office of Public Works (OPW), which manages Skellig Michael, ran a competitive tendering process in late 2024 to award 15 boat landing permits for the 2025 season, which typically runs from mid-May to late September, allowing only 180 visitors daily to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem.
Three boat operators, whose permits were not renewed, initiated High Court judicial reviews challenging the OPW’s decision, arguing the process lacked clarity, objectivity, and transparency. This legal action has prevented the OPW from issuing permits to any of the 15 approved operators under Irish and EU law until the court resolves the matter or grants permission to proceed.
The OPW lodged a motion on May 7, 2025, seeking High Court permission to issue permits to the successful applicants, but a third legal challenge emerged on May 8, further complicating the process. A court hearing was scheduled for June 3 or 4, 2025, to address the OPW’s motion, but as of May 24, no resolution has been reported, and the island remains closed to visitors.
Boat operators have proposed a compromise to allow 18 operators to receive permits, reducing the number of passengers per boat from 12 to 10 to accommodate all parties. This proposal was discussed in the context of ongoing legal negotiations, but no confirmation of its acceptance or implementation is available as of May 24.
In the meantime, Skellig Michael remains closed to landing tours, with no permits issued due to the ongoing High Court challenges. Eco-tours (non-landing boat trips around the island) may still be operating, as they are less restricted, but the inability to land on the island significantly impacts the region’s tourism draw.
