May the 4th be with you...
Want to walk in the footsteps of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader without having to warp speed out of the galaxy? Well, now you can.
Two of the latest Star Wars movies were filmed along the Wild Atlantic Way and there’s no better way to dive into the magic of the Star Wars universe than during this year’s May the 4th Be With You festivals being hosted in Kerry and Donegal.
Kicking off on May 3rd in the Kerry village of Portmagee and for the first time, across Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, the three-day festival includes a host of fun activities for all-ages to celebrate May the 4th.
Filming for the recent Star Wars films took place in locations across Kerry, Cork, Clare and Donegal. The festivals include visits to the home base for the cast and crew, while they shot on the extraordinary Skelligs in Portmagee County Kerry; exclusive screenings of Star Wars movies against actual film locations, behind-the-scenes exhibitions, visits to local historical sites that formed key backdrops, tours, tastings and even trainings in the way of the Jedi. Then, of course, there’s the ability to soak up that otherworldly atmosphere of the Wild Atlantic Way, from County Kerry, to Loop Head in Clare, and
Malin Head in County Donegal. Announcing this year’s ‘May the 4th Be With You’ festival, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin said: “The inclusion of iconic Irish landscapes in the Star Wars films has given the Wild Atlantic Way fantastic exposure around the world and with events in Kerry and Donegal this year, the festival is a brilliant opportunity to promote the West Coast of Ireland and the country as a whole.”
New to this year’s ‘May the 4th Be With You’ festival will be a geodesic space marquee, where fans can immerse themselves in a galaxy far, far away with interactive activities from panel discussions to video game competitions. Also joining the programme this year will be a display of Star Wars-themed sand sculptures, an Augmented Reality treasure trail and an epic lightsabre battle, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the west coast.