No guides on death-fall island
There were no official guides on the Skellig Michael world heritage site when a 77-year-old American tourist lost his life on Sunday.
The official visiting season to the site runs between May 21 and September 25, according to visitor information on the Department of the Environment list of heritage sites open to the public.
However, up to 100 visitors travelled by ferry to the Skellig on Sunday. However, none of the boats had landing permits for the season because of a dispute, the Office of Public Works has confirmed.
Normally, between three and four guides live on the island, which is 12km off the Kerry coast, and which is considered a dangerous site during the official season.
They advise on safety and on the island's wildlife and the history of the early medieval monastic settlement. An OPW spokesman said while the island is never closed off, the OPW, which manages Skellig Michael, "prefer" if the public visit when the guides are resident.
There is no charge for visiting the island but private licensed boat operators charge visitors to for the sea trip out and back from the mainland.
The Skellig receives 11,000 visitors per season.
Joseph Gaughan, from Pennsylvania, was with members of his family. He had reached the summit and was on his way down when he fell on Sunday.
- Anne Lucey
