Star Wars pushes Skellig visitors above approved levels

There has been a surge in visitor numbers to Skellig Michael, according 2016 figures released by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

The fragile monastic site, which hit global headlines with the filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, saw almost 14,700 people land on the island — well above the figure considered sustainable in the current Unesco approved management plan for the island.

The OPW said the 2016 figure was “exceptional” and due to good weather during the mid-May to October visitor season.