The filming of
Star Wars Episode VIII at various locations around Ireland has captured the imaginations of people all over the world. Star Wars - The Force Awakens smashed box office records and the new film looks set to do the same. We look at the best locations for Star Wars spotting in Ireland:
Skellig Islands, Co. Kerry
The spectacular UNESCO world heritage site, Skellig Michael, on the
Skellig Islands, which was once one of Ireland’s best kept secrets, was thrust in to the world spotlight when it was featured in J.J. Abram’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. While filming is now over, it is still possible to take a trip to this unforgettable gem to revisit the scenes from the film. The islands lie 12km off the coast of Portmagee in the South West of Kerry. There, after a short and very vertical climb, you will see the sixth century monastic settlement that featured in the film. The boats, which need to be booked well in advance, leave daily, weather permitting and the islands also offer another unique opportunity to see gannets, puffins and a host of bird life.
Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry
Lucasfilm has moved away from the Skellig Islands and the focus has now turned to Ceann Sibeal, a headland on the Dingle peninsula near
Ballyferriter village. The shooting at Skellig Michael proved to be controversial with ecologists, archaeologists and conservation groups expressing concern about the Early Christian Monasteries, so the decision was made to recreate the scenes elsewhere, including the beehive huts at Ceann Sibeal. The eighth Star Wars film, written and directed by Rian Jackson is scheduled for release in May 2017, but the crews and cast are descending at Ballyferriter this May to film the blockbuster, with the help of over 150 local volunteers. Actors Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Daisy Ridley (Rey) are reported to be arriving for filming.
Crookhaven, Co. Cork
Locals at Brow Head on the
Mizen Head Peninsula, Co. Cork have been watching as a large metal roadway has been constructed near Crookhaven to facilitate the technical requirements for filming Star Wars. This is similar to the one that was constructed at Ceann Sibeal, near Ballyferriter and that will be removed once filming has ceased. The dramatic landscape and cliffs provide the backdrop and the beauty spot is one of the most spectacular in Ireland looking over Fastnet lighthouse. Filming, following an application to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is said to also take place in May 2016.
Malin Head, Co. Donegal
The strange spectacle of the Millennium Falcon could be seen at
Malin Head, Co. Donegal perched on cliffs over the Atlantic this May. The global interest in Star Wars has seen people from all over the world visiting the area asking to see the exact location of filming. This rocky outpost on the Wild Atlantic Way is enjoying renewed popularity with 300 members of the cast and crew working to create what are undoubtedly going to be iconic scenes.
Lightsabers at the ready – feel the force in Ireland for Summer 2016!