Boatmen warn September becoming write-off for Skellig Michael tourism

Skellig Michael off the Kerry Coast. Picture Dan Linehan

Boatmen bringing tourists to Skellig Michael have warned that climate change is making the current visitor season increasingly unworkable, with the month of September quickly becoming a write-off.

Records released under FOI show a unanimous push from operators to open the UNESCO World Heritage site to visitors earlier in the year.

Notes of meetings detail repeated pleas for a change, with boatmen saying conditions in late April or early May would be more reliable than the early autumn.

One internal summary noted that landings took place on just nine days in September during the 2025 season.

A summary document said: “The length of season was raised by each operator, with calls for an extended season or earlier start to the season.

“This is due to the impact of climate change and in recent years September has been very unpredictable with many days lost due to bad weather.” 

Some of the boatmen said a Star Wars festival begins on May 4 and that the island – a major location for the movie franchise – should be open by then.

Notes of one meeting said: “Suggested that September could be curtailed, even for the last two weeks and that end April/start May start would be better.” 

Another noted: “Earlier season opening would be an advantage as the tourists are around from April onwards and weather is better."

Asked about the possibility of an earlier start, the OPW said opening and closing dates were agreed in consultation with a number of organisations including the Department of Housing and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

It said multiple factors had to be considered including safe access, health and safety for people visiting, the island’s fragile ecology, nesting birds, and the site’s UNESCO World Heritage status.

“The current opening and closing dates reflect a careful and considered balance of all of these factors. While weather conditions are a factor in determining access throughout the season, they are highly unpredictable.

“The OPW will keep the seasonal dates under review if there are significant changes to any of the above.”