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Skellig Michael set to reopen this weekend

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It's expected that visitors will be allowed to return to Skellig Michael this weekend.

Unexpected rockfall on June 13 shut the visitor attraction down temporarily to allow the Office of Public Works (OPW) and specialist teams visually assess and remove debris. 

Now it's hoped that the popular UNESCO World Heritage site will reopen this Saturday (July 2) but this is 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 TD, 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."

Sceilg Mhichíl is one of Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites and plays an important role in the local tourism economy, he added.

"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.”

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Glenflesk GAA hosts cardiac screening clinic

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Glenflesk GAA hosts cardiac screening clinic


Glenflesk GAA Healthy Club recently welcomed the Dillon Quirke Foundation to run a cardiac screening clinic for its young members.


A total of 45 club players aged 12 to 18 underwent vital heart checks designed to promote early detection and heart health awareness among young athletes.
Medical personnel from Advanced Medical Services conducted the screenings with professionalism and care, while the club’s Healthy Club Team oversaw the smooth operation of the event.
The Dillon Quirke Foundation operates without government funding, relying entirely on public support to raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) and provide non-cost cardiac clinics to sports clubs across Ireland.
Glenflesk GAA encourages anyone wishing to support the foundation’s ongoing screening work to consider making a donation online at dillonquirkefoundation.com.

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Traditions past and present meet at Muckross School House

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Two distinct eras of Irish storytelling collided at Muckross School House last week, showcasing how traditional culture adapts across generations for National Heritage Week 2026.

Representing the classic lineage of Irish folklore, renowned local historian, musician, and seanchaí Dáithí Collopy delivered an authentic masterclass in old-school storytelling.

Performing alongside his children Sadhbh, Siún, and Daithí Óg, Collopy relied on the ancient oral tradition to captivate the audience through spoken word, presence, and music.


Contrastingly, social media creator Eoin Reardon brought traditional heritage into the modern digital age.

Known for sharing his traditional green woodworking craft with millions online, Reardon hosted a hands-on workshop demonstrating traditional utensil crafting techniques while engaging attendees through the lens of modern storytelling.


The events brought together two completely different methods of preserving Irish heritage—one rooted in the timeless art of the fireside seanchaí, the other leveraging modern platforms like TikTok to keep historic skills relevant for a global, digital audience.


Photos: Valerie O’Sullivan.

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