Star Wars boosts interest in Skellig Michael but Office of Public Works has no plans to extend visitor season

Hundreds of Star Wars fans planning to follow in the footsteps of Luke Skywalker and set foot on Skellig Michael this year are facing disappointment after the Office of Public Works (OPW) said it has no plans to extend the short visitor season to the protected Co Kerry island.

Tourist operators in west Kerry are anticipating a huge surge in interest in the isolated Unesco World Heritage site from both Irish and overseas visitors, after it featured in the final scene of the record-breaking blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

However, many visiting Star Wars enthusiasts could be left frustrated, after it was confirmed that visitor numbers will remain capped at 180 per day, and the island’s four-and-a-half month season will be not be extended to cater for increased tourist demand.