An Irish island that was shown in two Star Wars films decided that it would not open for visitors until 2021. Skillig Michael, who is located 12 miles off the coast of Kerry, is unable to open for the regular visitor season this year, to maintain the safety of visitors and employees in the aftermath of a pandemic COVID-19.

 

An additional problem is that the island formerly housed a monastery and its monks, and the narrow passage routes for people going to visit the ruins make social distancing problematic. It is extremely difficult to pass at the two-metre gap recommended to achieve social distancing. In addition to the risks to visitors, the opening would be hazardous for its on-island guide staff because accommodation facilities are extremely limited on the island, and staff are required to live in close proximity to each other.