'Our team carries out tremendous work' - Popular Irish tourist spot to reopen next month

A popular Irish tourist attraction is reopening to the public next month. 

According to the Office of Public Works (OPW), Sceilg Mhichíl will welcome back visitors to the island for the 2023 season on Saturday May 13. 

The OPW, which manages the UNESCO World Heritage site, has stated that access will be dependent on favourable weather, sea and island conditions. 

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, said, "I am very pleased to announce the reopening to visitors of this unique world heritage site for the summer season." 

He called the site "one of the most challenging" in the care of the OPW and said it plays "an important role" in the local tourism economy. 

The minister said, "Our team carries out tremendous work against the severe challenges of its location, isolation and unpredictable weather conditions to ensure safe access for visitors and the protection of the island’s heritage."  

He confirmed that the tourist destination - where Hollywood blockbusters The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi were filmed - is one of ten worldwide sites participating in the Preserving Legacies: A Future For Our Past project. 

The project aims to equip communities with the tools to anticipate worsening climate impacts on culture, and help them turn that scientific knowledge into action to safeguard sites. 

The OPW, National Monuments Service (NMS) and National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will develop the technical training of site management teams and the local community at Sceilg Mhichíl to develop adaptation plans for the islands. 

Minister O’Donovan added, "As custodians of this World Heritage property we in the OPW, alongside NMS and NPWS, are privileged to work with others around the globe in this important project, strengthening our engagement with the community of south Kerry in terms of the island’s value and significance." 

All prospective visitors are encouraged to view the Sceilg Mhichíl Safety Video prior to booking a visit to the island to get an idea of what to expect. 

People are also advised to remember that a visit to the monastery on the island will entail a demanding climb of 618 steps ascending over 600 feet. 

Anyone with health issues should consider their own physical limitations before exploring.