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Irish Examiner
17-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Skellig Michael: Kerry tourism on a rock in a hard place
While not as widely known as its link to Luke Skywalker, the fact that Skellig Michael sits on a so-called ley line is fast becoming a reason why people visit it. To the uninitiated, these are straight lines drawn through strings of ancient natural structures across a large geographical area. In Skellig Micheal's case, the 54-acre island home to a sixth century monastery — and a lot of Atlantic puffins, guillemots, and gannets — is aligned with six other monastic sites along a line known as Saint Michael's Sword, which stretches from Ireland to the Holy Land. They include St Michael's Mount off the Cornish coast in England, Mont Saint-Michel in France, and Saint Michael's Abbey on Mount Pirchiriano in the Piedmont region of Italy's northwest. Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, one of the stops on the Saint Michael's Sword ley line connecting Skellig Michael to the Holy Land. Picture: L Leloup/Normandy Tourist Board While the attraction is not as powerful as it was after the release of Star Wars films The Force Awakens in 2015 and The Last Jedi in 2017, the draw is still there. But whatever the pull that attracts people to this rugged 218m-high twin-peaked pyramidal crag 12km off the southwest Kerry coast, an altogether different set of lines is keeping people away. These are the crossed lines between some tour operators who bring people to and from the island and the Office of Public Works which runs the sacred Unesco world heritage site. At stake are millions of euro in tourism revenue and the knock-on effect the dispute will have on future tourism seasons. Skellig Michael was due to open to visitors last weekend, but will now stay closed until next month at the earliest because of a High Court challenge over boat permits. US tourists Paul and Lourdes Page from Virginia told the 'Irish Examiner': 'We would love to have seen the island, but we are now going to go the Aran Islands instead. It's very unfortunate we couldn't see the island. Such a historical landmark should be open.' Picture: Neil Michael. The Skellig Michael landing season — with boats from Portmagee, Derrynane, Ballinskelligs, and Valentia — operates between May and the third week of September each year. A maximum of 180 visitors a day is allowed land on the monastic island off the Kerry coast. Fifteen boat landing permits are normally offered for fixed terms and renewed under a public tendering system. The permits for bringing passengers take into account sea vessel safety and restrictions on numbers visiting, as well as the unique and very challenging landing conditions on the fragile island which is both a heritage site and a special conservation area for birds. Portmagee postmaster Mark Conway points out the shutdown of Skellig Michael affects businesses right across the region — 'not just in Portmagee, but obviously in Valentia, Caherciveen, and Waterville and as far away as Kenmare, Killorglin, and Killarney. That is not a good message to give to tourists.' Picture: Neil Michael However, three operators whose permits were not renewed for 2025 have now taken a judicial review. Three other operators were selected but none of the approved 15 permits have been issued. Rows over the awarding of permits to land on the Skellig have led to at least three legal actions in the past decade. The knock-on effects will be felt across South Kerry. Based on the fact that around 18,000 people would normally travel to and from the island over a period of around 100 sailing days, it is worth an estimated €9m directly to the local economy. Each visitor will stay one or two nights for between €100 and €160 a night, they will eat and drink in local pubs and restaurants, and they will pay €130 or so to land on the island. While the €9m is almost entirely the value of the island to Portmagee and Valentia Island and their immediate areas, tourists who come to stay in places like Killarney or Kenmare do so in the hope that they might be able to add attractions including Skellig Michael to other bucket list must-sees such as the Killarney Lakes or the McGillicuddy Reeks. Between now and September, boats should be putting out for Skellig Michael daily from Portmagee Harbour (above) as well as Derrynane, Ballinskelligs, and Valentia. But legal action has put a stop to all such trips at least until June. Picture: Neil Michael Around 50% to 60% of those who come are from abroad, travelling from from as far away as America but also Japan and Korea. Die-hard Star Wars fans even dress up like their on-screen heroes for the crossing and walk up the 618 steps to the top of the island and where Luke Skywalker had his remote refuge from his foes. Alan Landers, who runs the six-bed guest house San Antoine in Caherciveen, says the impact of the legal impasse is potentially 'devastating'. 'I have lost two bookings in the past week,' he said. 'Both were for people who wanted to see the island. Anthony Keating at his Fisherman's Bar & Seafood Restaurant in Portmagee. Tourists say they are baffled that they can visit all the St Michael's Sword sites except the one in Ireland, on Skellig Michael. Pictures: Neil Michael 'Once they found out they couldn't go, they cancelled. 'Whatever you say about anything else of interest in this part of Kerry, there is no doubt that the Skelligs and in particular Skellig Michael is the main attraction. 'It is the Holy Grail for people coming into this area. 'For some it is like a pilgrimage, and they have some kind of spiritual yearning to be on the island, and to see how the monks who ran the monastery lived. 'For others it is undoubtedly the fact that Star Wars was filmed there, and for others still, they just want to get onto the island for no other reason but that it is there and it is interesting for a whole host of reasons.' He says he feels sorry for the boat operators because, when they take bookings, they have to assume their licence will be renewed if they haven't done anything wrong. Skippers who successfully applied for a new permit but who cannot operate due to the legal action include Timmy Casey who has been landing people on the island for 30 years. Picture: Neil Michael 'People are on to them 12 months before they want to come to Kerry and if they don't take the booking, tourists will just book with somebody else,' he said. The current permits should have expired in 2021 but were extended by one year in 2022 because of covid, and again in 2023. In late 2023, the Office of Public Works (OPW) began a competition process to award new permits, which would be for three years, but cancelled it. It has been claimed the competition was cancelled after concerns were raised around the permit process but the OPW says this was because of 'technical errors'. However, it has also been said criteria was also an issue as it had been perceived as being weighed too much in favour of existing permit holders, given that previously anybody applying for a permit had to have experience landing on Skellig Michael. Director JJ Abrams and crew members setting up a shot for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' on Skellig Michael — its use as a location for the movie franchise is one of the factors sparking international interest in visiting the Kerry island. WHEN asked about the criteria being changed, the OPW told the Irish Examiner: 'The experience of the boat operators did form part of the criterion in the most recent competition. 'The competition documentation stipulated that in addition to applicable certification, the experienced, qualified principal skipper must have 'local knowledge, experience operating boats in the Atlantic coast or similar water expanse, and knowledge of landing at Skellig or at a pier like Skellig.' 'Without the above clause the only companies allowed land at Skellig would be permit holders. This is anti-competitive under EU [law].' Whatever about the whys and wherefores, as a consequence of the legal action, the OPW was automatically precluded from concluding contracts with the successful applicants. In response, the OPW wants the High Court to — in effect — put the legal action to one side and allow all those who were successful to land passengers on the island. Those taking the legal action also want the successful applicants to ply their trade, but on a temporary license for just one year, and they want an entirely new competition to be held before next year's season. The matter was the subject of an hour-long motion hearing in the High Court on Wednesday but it won't be until the beginning of June before both sides meet again. Mark Hamill — Luke Skywalker — and his canine companion greeting Star Wars fans after arriving at Cork Airport en route to filming at Skellig Michael in Co Kerry in May 2016. Picture: Irish Examiner Archive / Eddie O'Hare Friends of those who run the three companies taking legal action say they regret what has happened and they never intended successful permit holders to suffer as a result. Those affected include skipper Timmy Casey who has been landing people on the island for the past 30 years. They also include a company run by the owners of Portmagee's Moorings Hotel. Commonsense solutions have been put forward including those from Bruno Herbots, who specialises in procurement law and who represents two of the three companies. These revolved around the OPW issuing another set of one-year temporary licences to all those who had been successful in getting a permit and agreeing to run another competition for the 2026 season and beyond. 'The OPW has stated it cannot issue landing permits because proceedings have been issued,' Mr Herbots said. 'But I believe they can issue statutory landing permits on an annual basis under the National Monuments Act, as it has done in the past and this was raised in the High Court on Wednesday.' It is business as usual for anybody who wants to go out and at least see the island, says Skellig Michael Cruises skipper and boss Paul Devane. Picture: Neil Michael For its part, the OPW says in court documents there have been so many temporary permits issued already, and that even if it did issue temporary permits, the agency could be sued by 'disappointed or excluded operators, just as the outcome of the competition has been challenged'. Portmagee postmaster Mark Conway is one of the people who will suffer from any fall in the Skellig Michael season. 'We're not the only ones affected,' he said, standing in the doorway beside a life-size cardboard cutout of a Star Wars stormtrooper. It is all that remains of this year's May the 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival — its name a play on the phrase heard in each of the Star Wars films, 'may the Force be with you'. The festival has become an annual event since 2023. 'There are the bars in Portmagee and surrounding areas, the restaurants, the coffee shops, the bed and breakfasts, even houses for renting — you know, short-term renting, Airbnbs, and stuff like that. 'They're all affected, not just in Portmagee, but obviously in Valentia, Caherciveen, and Waterville and as far away as Kenmare, Killorglin, and Killarney. 'That is not a good message to give to tourists.' Nobody wanted this to happen, says Patricia Kennedy, looking out on to Portmagee Harbour from her hotel in the Co Kerry town, The Moorings. Picture: Neil Michael. He said that while tourists can still get a boat to go round the island, 'it's just not the same thing'. He said: 'People come down hoping they can get onto the island. 'Obviously not everybody can get on, but it is always at least the hope. People want to get on there and see the monastery and see the birds and see the steps and climb up the steps and all that, like, you know. 'I suppose we need a temporary solution just to get it open, whether that's, you know, for a month or two months until this legal issue gets sorted. 'Closing the island is just negative. 'It's negative for the area, it's negative for tourism, and it's negative for Kerry, and I do wonder if this could have all been avoided and sorted out long before the start of the season.' There are those who also feel this Skellig Michael dispute could not come at a worse time for Kerry tourism. This is because many of its big hotels are already filled with refugees from war-torn Ukraine and international protection applicants and the money they spend in the local economy is less than what a tourist would spend. 'The lack of accommodation is a huge factor,' Mark said. 'Yes it benefits the hotel owners, but it's hard to beat the family coming in the fine weather and have them dining out and buying ice creams and using local services and attractions.' He said livelihoods are at risk. 'Life is now on hold for those families who will have little or no income. 'The boat owners can't criticise the OPW but I can and I firmly believe the OPW should have sorted this all out ages ago. 'Like everything with the OPW, they leave things to the last minute. Even when they did finally get round to telling companies they had won a permit in March, it was just six or so weeks before the start of the season. 'That is no time at all to promote yourself, to get the boat ready and to get set for the season.' Skellig Michael. Valerie O'Sullivan. IF A SOLUTION is not found quickly, it's not just the local economy that will be impacted but Ireland's tourism reputation as a whole, according to Skellig Coast Tourism Network chairman James Murphy. 'Tourists who had booked trips over to Skellig Michael are already cancelling their trips and changing their plans. It's a complete disaster, and I fear businesses will be forced to close down because of this. 'We need the OPW to stop digging their heels in, and come down and talk to us and get this sorted. 'We need to find a solution to this, because that's what everyone wants. 'Immediate confirmation of temporary permits for 2025 is essential. Without it, our businesses, communities and the future of South Kerry tourism are at serious risk,' he told the Irish Examiner. Caherciveen B&B owner Alan Landers: 'There is no doubt that the Skelligs and in particular Skellig Michael is the main attraction. It is the Holy Grail for people coming into this area'. Picture: Neil Michael Like him, restaurateur and publican Anthony Keating feels it's time to draw a line under the controversy. He deals with tourists who see the island as either the last or the first point of that St Michael's Sword ley line. 'There was a lady here two days ago and she was actually following the line, and Skellig Michael was the last stop,' he said. 'She'd started in Israel about 10 years ago, and visited all of the sites along the way. Skellig Michael. Picture: Irish Examiner Archive / Dan Linehan 'She was very disappointed not to be able to get on. 'OK, so she went round the island instead, but you have to land. People don't just want to see it, they want to get on to it.'
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marvel's new Star Wars #1 enters the post-Return of the Jedi era with new adventures for Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Star Wars Saga has risen to great heights with spin-offs and stories that have explored the different eras of the epic franchise. But now, Marvel is bringing it all back to the characters of the classic Star Wars trilogy with a new Star Wars #1 that puts Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa in the spotlight for new adventures. Set in the time after Return of the Jedi and before The Force Awakens, the new Star Wars ongoing title is written by Alex Segura with art by Phil Noto. We've got a gallery of newly revealed interior pages from Star Wars #1, showing Luke and Leia dealing with their own aspects of the end of the Galactic Civil War: Image 1 of 6 Image 2 of 6 Image 3 of 6 Image 4 of 6 Image 5 of 6 Image 6 of 6 "AN EPIC NEW ADVENTURE BEGINS FOR LUKE, LEIA AND HAN IN THE WAKE OF RETURN OF THE JEDI! New York Times best-selling author ALEX SEGURA launches the bold next era of STAR WARS," reads Marvel's official description of Star Wars #1. "LUKE SKYWALKER must defend the NEW REPUBLIC from a bloodthirsty gang of mercenaries! HAN SOLO investigates a deadly underworld mystery - and saves a surprising ally! LEIA ORGANA must grapple with a new alliance opposed to the goals of the New Republic!" Return of the Jedi was the last film in the original Star Wars trilogy. And though older comics and novels explored the period directly after the film, this period has been far less thoroughly explored in current Star Wars continuity. Star Wars #1 goes on sale May 7. Check out the best Star Wars comics characters of all time.
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Star Wars Day 2025: two UK areas included in the top 15 filming locations to visit
Star Wars Day is almost upon us, as what began as a political pun has evolved into an annual celebration of the characters and worlds of the Star Wars universe. From the icy plains of Hoth to the desert landscapes of Tatooine , the franchise's otherworldly scenery has always been a point of fascination. Fortunately, you don't need the Millennium Falcon to visit some of these locations. But for those seeking Instagram-worthy destinations, what are the most popular Star Wars filming locations to visit? To determine the most popular filming locations globally, a study by used a data-driven approach leveraging Instagram's popularity. They identified various filming locations from across the Star Wars movie franchise. then tracked the total number of posts shared on Instagram using the most common hashtag associated with each specific location or landmark. By compiling and comparing these Instagram post counts, ranked the Star Wars filming locations based on their popularity and visual appeal among Instagram users. So, what made the list – and where are the two UK locations you can visit over the Early May Bank Holiday? 1 . Stradun, Croatia (Episode VIII - The Last Jedi) The ancient and picturesque main street of Dubrovnik, known as the Stradun, served as the elegant city of Cantonica on the casino planet of Canto Bight in The Last Jedi. Its historic stone pavements and beautiful architecture provided a glimpse into the galaxy's elite. | AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Plaza de España, Spain (Episode II - Attack of the Clones) The stunning architecture of the Plaza de España in Seville stood in for a plaza on the planet Naboo in Attack of the Clones, its grand semi-circular design providing a memorable backdrop. | AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Mývatn Lake, Iceland (Episode VII - The Force Awakens) The unique geological formations and volcanic landscapes around Mývatn Lake in Iceland contributed to the snowy Starkiller Base exterior in The Force Awakens, offering a stark and powerful visual. | Visit Mývatn Photo Sales 4 . Redwood National Park, USA (Episode VI - Return of the Jedi) The towering redwood trees of Redwood National Park famously portrayed the lush forests of the moon of Endor in Return of the Jedi, home to the Ewoks and the site of a crucial battle against the Empire. | Redwood National and State Park Photo Sales
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Star Wars Day 2025: two UK areas included in the top 15 filming locations to visit
Star Wars Day is almost upon us, as what began as a political pun has evolved into an annual celebration of the characters and worlds of the Star Wars universe. From the icy plains of Hoth to the desert landscapes of Tatooine , the franchise's otherworldly scenery has always been a point of fascination. Fortunately, you don't need the Millennium Falcon to visit some of these locations. But for those seeking Instagram-worthy destinations, what are the most popular Star Wars filming locations to visit? To determine the most popular filming locations globally, a study by used a data-driven approach leveraging Instagram's popularity. They identified various filming locations from across the Star Wars movie franchise. then tracked the total number of posts shared on Instagram using the most common hashtag associated with each specific location or landmark. By compiling and comparing these Instagram post counts, ranked the Star Wars filming locations based on their popularity and visual appeal among Instagram users. So, what made the list – and where are the two UK locations you can visit over the Early May Bank Holiday? 1 . Stradun, Croatia (Episode VIII - The Last Jedi) The ancient and picturesque main street of Dubrovnik, known as the Stradun, served as the elegant city of Cantonica on the casino planet of Canto Bight in The Last Jedi. Its historic stone pavements and beautiful architecture provided a glimpse into the galaxy's elite. | AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Plaza de España, Spain (Episode II - Attack of the Clones) The stunning architecture of the Plaza de España in Seville stood in for a plaza on the planet Naboo in Attack of the Clones, its grand semi-circular design providing a memorable backdrop. | AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Mývatn Lake, Iceland (Episode VII - The Force Awakens) The unique geological formations and volcanic landscapes around Mývatn Lake in Iceland contributed to the snowy Starkiller Base exterior in The Force Awakens, offering a stark and powerful visual. | Visit Mývatn Photo Sales 4 . Redwood National Park, USA (Episode VI - Return of the Jedi) The towering redwood trees of Redwood National Park famously portrayed the lush forests of the moon of Endor in Return of the Jedi, home to the Ewoks and the site of a crucial battle against the Empire. | Redwood National and State Park Photo Sales
Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
May the Force be with you as Tubbercurry boldly goes Star Wars
Star Wars fans are being invited to attend the 'May the 4th Be With You' celebration in the south Sligo town. It promises to be an unforgettable weekend filled with Star Wars-themed fun, activities, and special guests. Saturday begins at 6pm with a Star Wars Fan-Film Extravaganza with three films created by Afterwards, film director Martin Zenic and two special Star Wars guests will discuss each fan film and what goes into making these epic projects. Alongside the fan films, a fan-written one-act play will premiere on Saturday evening entitled Echos in the Desert, featuring two well-known Jedi from the Star Wars Universe. Sunday is an all-day event beginning at 9.30am. Organisers say Star Wars FX actors Dee Tails and Paul Warren will be available to meet fans, sign autographs, and take photos throughout the event. Additionally, fans of all ages will have the chance to meet acclaimed Star Wars comic book artist Reese Hannigan, who will showcase his stunning artwork from 'The Bad Batch.' For aspiring Jedi, YouTube sensation J-Knight Vince, known for his lightsaber skills, will be demonstrating and teaching the different forms of lightsaber combat. The Ludo Sports Ireland team will showcase their talents in an international lightsaber competition. See how these skilled performers duel and combat with lightsabers in a thrilling, competitive setting. Adding to the excitement, there will be professional cosplayers, including the renowned Tuscan Cork Raiders travelling along with costume group Reel Icons. A special new character will also be making an appearance, ensuring plenty of interactive moments for fans looking to take pictures and engage with their favourite characters. Organiser Elizabeth Moore said the three actors from the various movies and TV series will be talking to the audience and telling them about filmmaking, what it's like being on the set. 'Then on Sunday the actors will be there to meet and greet people with photos and autographs. 'The best known actor we have is Jack McKenzie and he was in The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and he has been in different BBC tv shows like Blake's Seven and Space 1999. 'The next actor is Dee Tails, and he has been a special effects character in films like The Force Awakens, the Acolyte, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Rogue One and The First Avenger. 'The third actor is Paul Warren, and he is also a special effects character in The Force Awakens, Harry Potter, Captain America from Marvel and the First Avenger. 'Our fourth guest is Donegal native Reese Hannigan who is a Star Wars Comic Book artist. 'These actors are all top class and Star Wars still has such a following and it was great to be able to get them to come to Tubbercurry.' Elizabeth explained how the events in Tubbercurry will benefit a cancer charity. 'My cousin Christian hadlymphoma cancer when she was two years old, and she lived with it for many years, and she has been in remission, and I spoke to the lady in Childhood Cancer Ireland about doing a fund raising event for children with cancer in Ireland.' Elizabeth added that there will be a photoshoot at Lough Talt on Saturday morning at 10 am. 'The event itself is from 6pm-9pm in St Brigid's Hall on Saturday evening and on Sunday all day from 9.30am to 5pm also in the hall. 'Tickets for both days are €20 and a single ticket is €10 and under 17's is €7.50. 'These actors are coming from the UK, and we are looking forward to a big weekend,' she said.
