Skellig Michael's re-opening to visitors has been deferred to July 1st due to weather and sea conditions, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has said.
The OPW had set a target date of June 21st for the 2021 season, but says that this has been put back "owing to recent poor weather and sea conditions off the south west coast.
"This target date was dependent on favourable weather conditions, allowing preparatory safety works to progress in a timely manner prior to opening," the OPW said today.
"Unfortunately, due to periods of poor weather conditions hampering the progress of work on-site, the re-opening of Skellig Michael has now been postponed,"it said.
Subject to weather, the opening will take place on July 1st.
OPW guides sought urgent talks several weeks ago about the re-opening date, as the announcement was made when consultations were still underway on health and safety issues related to Covid-19.
The pandemic and a serious rockfall last summer meant that the UNESCO world heritage site was closed to visitors throughout 2020.
Donal McCrohan, chairman of the Skellig Boatmen’s Association, said that the 15 licensed operators serving Skellig Michael have been informed they can take their maximum of 12 passengers.
McCrohan, who runs Skellig Coast Adventures, said that bookings were brisk but there was still good availability.
The OPW had advised visitors watch a safety video to prepare for a trip to Skellig Michael, which is on www.heritageireland.ie