Update on Sceilg Mhichíl reopening to visitors

Since the rockfall on 13 June which necessitated the temporary closure of the island to visitors for health and safety reasons, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has been working hard to progress investigations and safety measures to restore safe access to Sceilg Mhichíl as soon as possible. Specialist teams are on site to visually assess and remove debris and we hope to welcome visitors back on Saturday, 2 July. The reopening date is, of course, subject to weather conditions remaining favourable.

Sceilg Mhichíl’s remote location in the Atlantic creates numerous issues as an operational visitor site, not least its accessibility, and throughout the more than three decades since the OPW began providing access to visitors, the safety of the public visiting and of our staff working on Sceilg Mhichíl has been our priority at all times. In all rockfall events, even minor ones, our expert-led investigations have to be very comprehensive.

Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, said:

“Our staff, supported by experts and colleagues in the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, are currently on site and are taking all necessary steps to enable a safe return of visitors within the shortest possible turnaround time while strictly adhering to any environmental and other legal obligations imposed at this UNESCO World Heritage Site that is, at the same time, a sanctuary for breeding sea birds.”

He continued:

“Sceilg Mhichíl is one of Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites and plays an important role in the local tourism economy, which we are proud to support through this and other OPW sites in the county. We thank our local partners for their continued assistance in managing unforeseen incidents like these or adverse weather events in what is a challenging natural environment. Together with them, we look forward to the reopening of Sceilg Mhichíl at the start of July so that visitors can enjoy safe access to the island again this summer in addition to the other beautiful attractions in South Kerry.”

For queries, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie