Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is likely to remain closed until early June due to ongoing legal disputes over landing permits for boat operators which was heard in the High Court this week.
The expected opening was missed, leading to widespread cancellations affecting tourism businesses in South Kerry, including accommodations and restaurants.
Tourism operators, including B&B and restaurant owners, express serious concern that the closures will have a ripple effect on the entire region’s economy.
The Office of Public Works lodged a motion in the High Court seeking permission to issue permits for boat operators for summer 2025 amidst legal challenges from unsuccessful applicants.
The Skellig Coast Tourism Network warns that the unresolved situation could cause lasting damage to local businesses and harm Ireland’s reputation as a tourism destination. The Network shared: “This is bigger than the boatmen, it is the entire hospitality industry. Failure to resolve the situation risks serious and lasting damage to businesses, livelihoods, and Ireland’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination. The current closure of the island is detrimental to tourism and the negative publicity could lead to the loss of visitors to the area.”
