Deal struck with Skellig boatmen over Star Wars shoot

The Office of Public Works has confirmed that it will allow extra sailings for tourists to Skellig Michael after the famous island plays host to a Star Wars film shoot next week.

The Unesco World Heritage site has been earmarked for three days of shooting next week, beginning on Monday, for the eagerly anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII, which is due in cinemas in December 2015.

It is understood that at least 12 private boat operators have had their services booked up for the days of the shoot as they ferry cast, crew, and equipment over to Skellig in the morning and back again in the evening.