A ‘Significant’ Rock Fall Has Hit Star Wars Location Skellig Michael

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced that another significant rockfall has occurred at the famous Skellig Michael UNESCO World Heritage Site in Co. Kerry.

The island suffered a ‘significant’ rock fall which was discovered last week, and there are no worries that it could delay the re-opening to tourist visits next month.

The fall occurred on the Island’s Lighthouse Road, close to staff accommodation huts, with rock, shale and other debris falling from slopes above.

Grellan Rourke, Senior Conservation Architect for Skellig Michael told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that rock falls are usually caused by weather conditions, and downplayed reports of any effects from Star Wars filming.

“It’s a natural phenomenon”, he said. 

“It’s just unfortunate that we’ve had two in the last two years, which comprises 50% of all rock falls in 40 years. But it’s nothing to do with filming.

“I think weather conditions have played a role.”

Decisions on whether the island will go ahead with its May tourist opening date will be made next week.

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