The Force is strong in Ireland.
Star Wars fans from all corners of the galaxy have gathered in London to mark Star Wars Celebration and it seems that quite a lot of them will be making the trip over to Ireland in the coming future.
We wonder why that is? It’s not just because of this amazing t-shirt!
As many of you know, the beautiful landscape of Skellig Michael in County Kerry was very prominent at the end of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and it’s set to return in Episode VIII along with a host of new Irish locations.
Star Wars fans in London did have the chance to walk in Rey’s footsteps as she ascended the steps of Skellig Michael, but nothing beats the real thing!
Tourism Ireland were on hand to greet the hordes of Star Wars fans and having spoken to quite a lot of them, the Emerald Isle is at the top of their wishlist of places to see.
Here’s what everyone in attendance was reading about the Irish locations that will feature in Rian Johnson’s upcoming film.
Malin Head, Donegal
Ireland’s most northernly point welcomed the Star Wars cast and crew into their hearts during filming. During his downtime, Mark Hamill popped into Farren’s Bar for a pint and some intergalactic banter.
Loop Head, Clare
Famed as much for its big beautiful lighthouse as it is for its views, this dramatic coastline delivers on scenery and is home to Keating’s Bar – aka the nearest bar to New York!
Al parecer tambien se rodarán escenas de #StarWars #EPVIII en Loop Head, Irlanda. pic.twitter.com/IbVMooXLMQ
— Argentina Star Wars (@ArgStarWars) May 18, 2016
Dingle, Kerry
Once called “the most beautiful place in the world”, the most famous resident is a dolphin named Funghi. Until now, that is. Filming centred around a spectacular headland called Ceann Sibeal in Ballyferriter.
The film site for new #StarWars. Road up the hill being dismantled now #CeannSibeal #Dingle #Ireland #tourismIreland pic.twitter.com/5gyZEJarGF
— Coast For Cancer (@CoastForCancer) June 12, 2016
Near Crookhaven, Cork
This final filming location was no stranger to actors and crew arriving to their shores to take in the views that unfold here. Former Star Wars actor Liam Neeson filmed some of his 1990s movie, Michael Collins, right here in West Cork.
Well said, the force was with us ! Can't wait to see how it looks in the movie. #StarWars #Disney #crookhaven pic.twitter.com/hLVI98A0Jg
— Cloud IT (@cloudforireland) June 1, 2016
Skellig Michael, Kerry
When Rey found Luke at the end of The Force Awakens, Skellig Michael shone through the cameras. No CGI was required to enhance the island’s beauty, and so it was again when director Rian Johnson, accompanied by a somewhat less secretive Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley returned to this rocky outcrop to continue the intergalactic story.
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