Lightsabers at the ready! It’s time to feel the force of the Wild Atlantic Way – now at its most galactic as Ireland creates yet more Star Wars magic in a new three-day ‘May the Fourth Be with You Festival’.
Kicking off on Friday, May the 4th, the day fans across the globe commemorate the Star Wars Universe, the festival offers the perfect chance to celebrate that galaxy far, far away.
It’s all set against the seriously cinematic backdrop of the County Kerry coast, which featured in the latest movie installation, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
A host of otherworldly fun awaits in the villages of Ballyferriter, Portmagee, Ballinskelligs and Valentia Island, with opportunities to visit filming locations, take part in fantastic themed activities and learn about the history and natural landscape of the area.
Joining fellow enthusiasts from all over the world, there will be outdoor drive-in movie screenings, coastal cruises, guided film location walks, photography and videography exhibitions, children’s workshops, a special céilí for Star Wars fans (fancy dress encouraged!) and much more to enjoy.
Ireland’s Star Wars journey, which began in the picturesque fishing village of Portmagee in 2014, has spanned some 2,000kms of the Wild Atlantic Way – from the south-western Skellig islands to Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head.
The savage beauty of Skellig Michael, the legendary island off the coast of County Kerry, was first introduced to the world when Rey finally tracked down the long-lost Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The Wild Atlantic Way was then catapulted to further global fame following the release of the next space epic installment, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, with Ireland’s dramatic coastal scenery wowing millions of fans around the world in the box-office smash-hit.
So, clear your calendar, set your coordinates to the Wild Atlantic Way, and get ready to explore the unrivalled charm of Kerry's villages, cultural attractions, lively pubs and gift shops on this wonderful weekend festival.
And, of course, May the fourth be with you.
www.ireland.com
www.wildatlanticway.com/may-the-fourth-festival
www.ireland.com/starwars.