Call for more Skellig Michael boats and longer visitor season rejected

An extension of the visitor season and number of boats operating to world heritage site Skellig Michael have been firmly ruled out.

The Star Wars global exposure of the Kerry landmark has led to unprecedented visitor demand, but Office of Public Works minister Kevin Moran said the island remains “an emblem” rather than a destination in itself.

Visitor numbers are to be “robustly controlled”, he advised Kerry county councillor Michael Cahill, who had been lobbying for an extension at either end of the season on behalf of Skellig boatmen.