By the beard of a Bantha! Parts of Star Wars Episode VII may be filmed in County Kerry

A long time ago in a Kingdom close, close to home...

Ever since Episode IV: A New Hope was released, the Star Wars universe has become famous for its use of stunning landscapes, locations and imagery. Think about some of the series' most iconic images; like Luke standing under the twin suns of Tatooine (Tunisia), the epic battle on the ice planet of Hoth (Norway) or the jaw dropping lakes of Naboo (Italy). Well Star Wars fans, you can now add the beautiful World Heritage island of Skellig Michael to this famous list. News has broken that Kerry may have pulled off its biggest film coup yet as the gorgeous island is rumoured to have been chosen by J.J. Abrams as a location for his new Star Wars movie. Filming on the much-anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII has already commenced at locations as diverse as Abu Dhabi and the famous Pinewood studios in London, however, the cast and crew might be visiting the Kingdom very soon. It is also understood Skellig Michael will not be open to visitors for three days at the end of August to facilitate filming.  The news should provide a major tourism boost for the area and, as huge Star Wars fans, JOE's delighted to hear this news. The Office of Public Works (OPW) confirmed to Kerry’s Eye that “Skellig Michael is being made available for a film production shoot on the island... this production is being fully supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Irish Film Board”. JOE has already brought you news of the supposed plot for the new film however we wonder if it's possible to add a little Irish flavour to the Star Wars universe, just like this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtYCOAFPPVc Clip via - CreightonGriffiths