Boats sail out to Skellig Michael in protest to 'urgent threat to tourism'

Manager of the site, the Office of Public Works (OPW), said it cannot issue permits to any of the 15 operators awarded landing rights for the 2025 season because of legal constraints. Pictures: Alan Landers

“An urgent threat to tourism” in South Kerry prompted a flotilla of boats to head out to Skellig Michael on Thursday evening in protest over the ongoing closure of the Unesco World Heritage site. 

The popular tourist attraction has not opened to visitors since legal action was initiated by three boat owners who were not awarded permits for this year.