Skellig Michael: Closure Until 2021
An Irish island showcased in two Star Wars films has decided that it will not open to visitors until 2021. Skellig Michael, situated 12 miles off the coast of Kerry, is unable to open for its regular visitor season this year, as those in charge wish to maintain visitor and staff safety in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
About Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is a dramatically beautiful rocky outcrop that gained fame as a filming location in two Star Wars films—The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. It has a smaller sister island, Little Skellig, which is always closed to the public. Skellig Michael can only be reached by boat, which proves highly challenging considering COVID-19 risks. On a mobile, constantly-moving platform like a boat, there are multiple touch points that passengers will need to hold onto, and they all require direct assistance to safely board and disembark at the destination pier, according to the Office of Public Works.
Social Distancing Challenges
Moreover, the island formerly housed a monastery and its monks, leading to narrow passage routes that make social distancing problematic. It is extremely difficult to maintain the two-metre gap recommended for social distancing. Consequently, the OPW has concluded that opening would be hazardous not only for visitors but also for its on-island guide staff, as accommodation facilities are extremely limited, requiring staff to live in close proximity to one another.
For further information on Skellig Michael, please seek reliable resources online.
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