“It’s sad in one way, the real history of the place, over 1,400 years, that the real history is set to one side and the more recent make-believe is to the fore.” says Grellan Rourke the former site manager at Skellig Michael who worked on the island for more than 40 years. Skellig Michael was used for filming scenes for both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Now the tour guides are asked more questions about the Star Wars than the site’s history itself. Footfalls have also increased with the boat trips being at the full capacity. Attempts at changing the perception by restoration Mr. Rourke hopes that the restoration of the island’s lighthouse road will broaden the appeal of the world heritage site.
Find out more about the challenges faced by the site management at Skellig Michael at Irish Examiner.