Ireland’s only cable car to reopen this Friday after urgent repair work

Fiona Frawley

The Dursey Island Cable Car has been closed since March 2022.

Ireland’s only cable car and the only cable car that crosses open seawater in Europe will reopen to the public this Friday.

The cable car was affected by a severe weather incident in late 2021, at which time Cork County Council concluded that essential remediation work was necessary to ensure continued safe operation.

Dursey Island, image via Cork County Council.

Dursey Island, which is located at the southwestern tip of the Beara Peninsula in West Cork is one of the few inhabited islands that lie off the southwest coast of Ireland. It’s also home to a total of 100 cattle and 500 sheep, some of whom were removed from the island while the cable car was closed as farmers were concerned for their safety. Difficult sea conditions regularly affected the Dursey Island ferry service, meaning farmers were often unable to get over to care for or bring food to their animals.

In statement shared by Agriland, TD for Cork south west Michael Collins criticised the ferry service and government response to the cable car closure, saying:

“I have spoken directly with the islanders and landowners in the past week, and they told me they have had no way on or off the island for almost two weeks. The temporary ferry service put in place has not been able to travel due to inclement weather, leaving no access to the island.

“A helicopter service must be put in place immediately for the people of Dursey Island, so people can get food and get onto the island to feed their cattle, as well as a derrick being provided on the mainland.”

The cable car is a truly unique transport method. Image via discoverireland.ie

Cork County Council confirmed yesterday that the service would reopen to the public this Friday (9th June) at 3.30pm.

The cable car runs back and forth to the island continuously between the hours of 9.30am and 7:30pm, and the trip across takes ten minutes. It’s a popular attraction for tourists, although island residents get priority for the limited spaces on board. Tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for children, cash only. You can find out more about Dursey Island and the unique cable car service right here.

Header image via Wikipedia

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