Ireland

Star Wars fever grips Malin Head as stars arrive in Ireland

Luke Skywalker himself (Mark Hamill) touched down at Belfast International Airport today 
Luke Skywalker himself (Mark Hamill) touched down at Belfast International Airport today  Luke Skywalker himself (Mark Hamill) touched down at Belfast International Airport today 
By Seamus McKinney

PUNTERS at one of Ireland’s most northerly pubs had to do a double-take as they were served pints by a Star Wars Stormtrooper.

John J McGettigan, from Carrigart in Co Donegal, did a tour of Malin Head dressed in full costume on Thursday as excitement reached fever pitch in advance of this weekend’s expected filming for the next blockbuster movie.

A spectacular set has been built at Malin, with what appears to be an iconic Millennium Falcon overlooking the headland.

The spacecraft - at least 50 feet (15m) across and 10 feet (3m) high - is balanced precariously on cliffs a mile from Bamba's Crown, a headland known for producing dramatic photographs of the Northern Lights.

But the entire shoot is top secret and access to the beauty spot is closed for the next three days as the arrival of Hollywood actors is eagerly awaited.

Hugh Farren, who owns Farren’s pub at Malin Head, said security staff around the set refused to confirm or deny if filming was to go ahead.

However, local people were looking forward to a glimpse of actors including Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, who arrived at Belfast International Airport today, along with director Rian Johnson.

Replying to The Irish News on Twitter, Mark Hamill claimed that he had not landed in Ireland at all and was instead at an 'undisclosed location.'

He said locals were thrilled by Mr McGettigan's gesture.

"He called into the pub and everyone was delighted," he said.

“He was up at the school (St Mary’s national school) as well and the youngsters loved it. More power to him, he got the outfit from Emerald Garrison (a Star Wars costume company) and he’s doing it all for charity to raise money for the Donegal Hospice."

Lots more arriving to make a movie #malinwood #StarWars #MalinHead pic.twitter.com/zvDjGh9hWF — Ali Farren (@SunnyMalinHead) May 12, 2016

Malin Head was selected as a backdrop for a scene in the film following the use of Skellig Michael, off the Kerry coast, in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Ali Farren, a local campaigner for the tourist centre at Malin Head, said the spin-offs will be huge for the remote area.

"It will help put Malin Head once again on the map," he said.

"This will be bigger than the likes of Game of Thrones like we've seen in the north attracting loads of tourists. Hopefully this will really benefit the area.

"Everybody in this location is tied into the secrecy. It's been a great talking point. Star Wars is one of the biggest movies of all time and for them to be in Malin Head it's top class."

Security is tight in Donegal, with only one country road leading to the location and access for eager fans closely guarded by teams of security.

Roads around the Malin Head set will be closed from tomorrow to Tuesday.

Further filming is expected to take place in Co Kerry later this month, where Jedi Temple sets have been constructed on a mountain headland, Ceann Sibeal.