Skellig Michael may reopen next month after being closed for the summer due to the restrictions surrounding COVID-19.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is in discussions with local boatmen about the prospect of a late-season opening.
The Unesco world heritage site, which was the location for filming of a recent ‘Star Wars’ trilogy, is usually open to visitors from mid-May until late September each year, but the monastic site was closed to visitors amid concerns about visitors being in close quarters on the sea journey over to the island as well as on the narrow steps and paths on the island.
Just 15 boats are licensed to land on the Skellig and most operate from the village of Portmagee.
Passenger numbers are limited to 12 on the large boats and just 180 people can land on the island on any one day.
