Lightsabers at the ready! It’s time to enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way at its most galactic with Fáilte Ireland’s new three day ‘May the Fourth Be with You’ Star Wars festival.

Kicking off on Friday May the fourth, the day when fans across the globe commemorate the Star Wars universe, the new festival will celebrate the ‘galaxy far, far away’ with a host of events across the Kerry villages of Ballyferriter, Portmagee, Ballinskelligs and Valentia Island.

Joining Star Wars enthusiasts all over the world in celebration of Star Wars Day, fans can enjoy outdoor drive-in movie screenings, guided film location walks, children’s workshops, a special céilí for Star Wars fans (fancy dress encouraged!) and more, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the west Kerry coast, which featured in the latest movie instalment.

Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s National Tourism Development Authority, will also be capturing the excitement of the festival to develop imagery and social media content to build on the connection Ireland has with this iconic film universe, after recent Star Wars filming took place in locations across Kerry, Cork, Clare and Donegal.

Ireland’s Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin said: “The inclusion of iconic Irish landscapes in recent Star Wars films has already given the Wild Atlantic Way fantastic exposure around the world. This festival is not only a great celebration of the Star Wars universe for fans but a celebration of our rugged coastline, which will further promote our outstanding natural assets at home and abroad.”

Commenting on the new festival, Fáilte Ireland’s CEO Paul Kelly said: “Star Wars has created a curiosity around the Wild Atlantic Way and raised its profile amongst fans both domestically and internationally. 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.”

Malin Head in Donegal where The Last Jedi was filmed

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, added: “It’s good to hear that the Wild Atlantic Way is building on the global recognition it has received because of its inclusion in recent Star Wars films. I hope this festival will become a regular fixture which will give Star Wars fans from all over the world a chance to celebrate their love for the films, as well as promoting awareness of the fantastic landscapes of this part of Ireland.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a Star Wars location tour of Ireland, or indeed a tour exploring any other of your favourite film and TV locations in the UK and Ireland, please do contact our friendly team today.