Huge swells, high winds and lashing rain subside as the first visitors return to the Unesco site this summerSkellig Michael: Tourists arrive by boat to visit the island renowned for its sixth century monastic site, 12km off the coast of Co Kerry. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Nick BradshawJohn O'ConnorSat May 30 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READBoats carrying the first summer visitors to Skellig Michael have been landing on its rocky shores in recent weeks. The Office of Public Works (OPW), which manages the island, had originally aimed for the site to reopen on May 9th. This was later delayed due to severe weather.The OPW says access to the island is dependent on weather and sea conditions. Fifteen boats a day, each carrying up to 12 passengers, are allowed to land on Skellig Michael. One of Ireland’s best-known Unesco World Heritage sites, visitor numbers are limited because of its fragile nature.The site gained popularity internationally since it featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015 and has witnessed an increase in tourism since the film’s release. The island is under special protection and is a sanctuary for bird and marine life. Demand to see its isolated sixth century monastery up close often exceeds the 180 daily visitors permitted.[ ‘If I didn’t do it now, I would be too old’: Skellig Michael opens to first summer weekend visitorsOpens in new window ]“It can be challenging,” says Paul Devane, owner of Skellig Michael Cruises. “That’s the way with Skellig. If we can’t bring them on the island, then we bring the boat around it.”Speaking about the reopening, Devane, who has been carrying visitors to both Skellig Islands since 2013, added: “We’re delighted to be back. The weather is glorious.” Skellig Michael will be open for tours until to September 30th. Visitors climb the steps to the monastic site on Skellig Michael, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Little Skellig island, seen from the monastic site on Skellig Michael, its larger neighbour. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw A puffin on Skellig Michael, with the Little Skellig in the background. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Around 8,000 puffins breed here every year. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Visitors make their way up from the landing site on Skellig Michael. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Boats ferrying visitors to Skellig Michael. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Skellig Michael's distinctive beehive huts dry-stone cells built by Christian monks in the sixth century. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Beehive huts and weathered cross, at the monastic settlement on Skellig Michael. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Graveyard on Skellig Michael. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Atlantic swell at the Skellig Islands, off the southwest coast of Ireland. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw IN THIS SECTION