May the Fourth be with the Kingdom

THE Force is set to be very strong in Kerry next week as south and west Kerry prepare to celebrate their role in the latest episode of the blockbuster Star Wars franchise.

Much of the latest Star Wars film ‘The Last Jedi’ was filmed on Skellig Michael and at Ceann Sibéal – which doubled for the Skelligs – and west and south Kerry have enjoyed a surge in tourism as a result with film fans from across the globe arriving to get a closer look at the locations.

May the fourth has become known across the world as Star Wars day and to celebrate the occasion the communities in Portmagee, Valentia and Ballyferriter – working in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland – have organised a galaxy worth of events planned over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

A highlight of the weekend’s events in both areas will be open-air drive-in screenings of The Last Jedi – at Bray Head car park in Valentia and at Béal Bán beach near Ballyferriter – set against the very backdrop on which it was filmed.

In south Kerry visitors will also be able to enjoy boat trips around the Skelligs; stargazing; a Jedi-inspired céilí at The Moorings Bar in Portmagee and a Star Wars-themed family fun day at the Royal Hotel in Valentia.

Over in west Kerry there’ll also be plenty for Star Wars fans to enjoy.

Events there include an exhibition of behind the scenes photos from the film shoot; tours of beehive huts like those inhabited by hermit Jedi Luke Skywalker in the film; guided tours of the filming location at Ceann Sibéal; and boat trips along the stunning coastline that drew the film makers to the Kingdom.

There’s lots more going on in both areas from May 4 to May 6 and for the full details of the ‘May the Fourth Be With You’ weekend log on to the www.wildatlanticway.com.

Photo courtesy of Vanity Fair magazine. Daisy Ridley (Rey) and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) photographed for Vanity Fair by world-renowned Annie Liebowitz at The Last Jedi set at Ceann Sibéal where a replica of the Skellig monastery was built.