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Skellig Michael to reopen to the public later this month

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WELCOME NEWS: Mayor of Kerry Patrick Connor Scarteen says he welcomes the announcement that Scellig Michael can reopen later this month.

By Michelle Crean

There was a welcome reaction to news this week that Skellig Michael can reopen to the public later this month.

On Wednesday, Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), announced a target date of June 21 for the reopening of Skellig Michael to public visitors.

The OPW’s work crews are currently on site undertaking preparatory health and safety works prior to reopening, and as things stand, it is likely that the target date will be achieved. The reopening date is subject to weather conditions remaining favourable for works on the island and intending visitors are advised to consult heritageireland.ie for updates ahead of planning their visit.

"I am very pleased to be able to share this much-anticipated good news with holidaymakers eager to visit Skellig Michael this summer and with the rural communities who rely on tourism to the island," the Minister said.

"I myself look forward to visiting this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site soon and I hope that weather conditions will allow OPW staff to complete the required preparatory works so the reopening can go ahead on June 21. Thanks to the progress we have made on the path to recovery, we will have the opportunity to discover and enjoy national treasures such as these over the coming months.”

WELCOME

Mayor of Kerry Patrick Connor Scarteen says he welcomes the announcement as he called for the reopening "on numerous occasions".

The announcement by Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Mr Patrick O’ Donovan TD that boat tours to the Skelligs can recommence on June 21 pending works being done which is contingent on decent weather is a huge boost to tourism in Kerry," he said.

"I’m sure the announcement is very much welcomed by those who earn their livelihoods from such trips and associated businesses. I look forward to visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site again soon. Fingers crossed for good weather!"

The news was also welcomed by Councillor Michael Cahill who said that it is great news for Cahersiveen, the Iveragh Peninsula, South Kerry and the entire county.

However, he added with caution that "this “target” date must be struck accurately as the recovery of business in the whole area is dependent upon it".

“The Skellig boatmen have been drawing people to South Kerry for decades and the knock-on spend by visitors can be felt in shops, restaurants, pubs, accommodation, B&B's, hotels, etc., throughout the county,” he said.

“This is a unique product which has been enhanced by its association with Star Wars and it is critical that it reopens as soon as possible in order to save the local jobs and livelihoods that itself has created down through the years. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of Skellig Michael to the Kerry tourism package and it is integral to future employment in the region along with The Ring of Kerry, The Kerry Way and hopefully soon, The South Kerry Greenway. We must show that we are ‘Open For Business’ and get back to what we do best.”

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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