Ireland

Star Wars: New Irish festival will mark 'May the 4th' celebrations

Skellig Michael has featured in both The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens films
Skellig Michael has featured in both The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens films Skellig Michael has featured in both The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens films

A NEW Star Wars festival will bring fans to Co Kerry for a three-day celebration of the iconic film series.

From May 4, the day when Star Wars fans celebrate the films, a series of events will be held across the Kerry villages of Ballyferriter, Portmagee, Ballinskelligs and Valentia Island.

Fans can enjoy drive-in movie screenings, guided film location walks, children's workshops and a special céilí.

Scenes from The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens were shot in locations across Kerry, Cork, Clare and Donegal, including Skellig Michael off the Kerry coast.

The new festival is being organised by Fáilte Ireland.

The body's chief executive Paul Kelly said the Star Wars films had increased the profile of the Republic's Wild Atlantic Way.

"We have worked with local tourism businesses to create a festival that not only gives fans the opportunity to visit the filming locations and take part in some fantastic themed activities but also to learn about the history and natural landscape of the area," he said.

"We hope this event will both attract visitors over the May the 4th weekend and raise the profile of the region further, attracting more visitors throughout the year."