Sceilg Mhichíl to reopen for 2023 season on 13 May

Sceilg Mhichíl will welcome back visitors to the island for the 2023 season on Saturday, 13 May.

The Office of Public Works (OPW), which manages the UNESCO World Heritage site, stated that, as always, access will be dependent on favourable weather, sea and island conditions.

Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, said:

“I am very pleased to announce the reopening to visitors of this unique world heritage site for the summer season. 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.”

Referencing the site’s participation in a global initiative to safeguard cultural landmarks from the effects of climate change, Minister O’Donovan said:

“Sceilg Mhichíl is undoubtedly one of the most challenging sites in the care of the OPW. Our team carries out tremendous work against the severe challenges of its location, isolation and unpredictable weather conditions to ensure safe access for visitors and the protection of the island’s heritage.”

Sceilg Mhichíl is one of ten sites worldwide participating in the Preserving Legacies: A Future For Our Past project.

The project will equip communities worldwide with the tools to accurately anticipate and assess worsening and future climate impacts on culture, and help them turn that scientific knowledge into action to safeguard sites.

The OPW, National Monuments Service (NMS) and National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will develop the scientific knowledge and technical training of site management teams and the local community at Sceilg Mhichíl to develop place and people-based climate change adaptation plans for the islands.

Minister O’Donovan added:

“As custodians of this World Heritage property we in the OPW, alongside NMS and NPWS, are privileged to work with others around the globe in this important project, strengthening our engagement with the community of south Kerry in terms of the island’s value and significance.”

All prospective visitors are encouraged to view the Sceilg Mhichíl Safety Video prior to booking a visit to the island to get an idea of what to expect.

For example, a visit to the monastery on the island will entail a climb of 618 steps, ascending over 600 ft. (180 metres). It is a demanding climb and any person with health issues should consider carefully their own physical limitations before exploring this part of the site.

Advance booking is essential and details can be found at www.heritageireland.ie.

For further information and high res images, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

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Notes

Opening arrangements are variable, depending on weather conditions.

At all other times this site is unmanned and visits are prohibited.

Average Length of Visit: 2.5 hours (excluding boat trip).

visitors must stay on the recognised pathways at all times
children must be strictly supervised at all times
beware of falling rocks
steep gradient on the steps
uneven steps
steps slippery when wet
visitors are advised to carry water and to wear protective clothing

This is a particularly vulnerable site and visitors are therefore asked to co-operate with our efforts to protect this monument. No animals are allowed on this site.

Visitor queries can be addressed to Saoirse Houston at opwskellig@opw.ie