May the force be with you! In Irish, that’s Go mbeidh an fórsa leat! … as you travel to Ireland’s Star Wars film locations. This road trip covers the length of the country, starting at mainland Ireland’s most southerly point, Brow Head. It leads to the country’s most northern point, Malin Head. Your vacation may not take you to a galaxy far, far away, but it is definitely filled with adventures. From tiny cozy coastal villages to pubs that pay tribute to Yoda, there are worlds to discover on a tour of Irish Star War film locations.
Brow Head, County Cork
Brow Head stars in Stars Wars: The Last Jedi. In 2016, 300 Star Wars cast and crew members descended on windswept Brow Head to film scenes that, until the release of The Last Jedi, were shrouded in secrecy. Brow Head is a remote place with stark beauty, sheer cliffs, thundering waves, and extraordinary ocean views. From Brow Head, take winding roads to Mizen Head—along the way, stop and walk the golden sands of Barley Cove Beach. Also appearing in The Last Jedi, Mizen Head is famous for sweeping coastal scenery and an arched bridge, standing high above crashing waves.
The Skellig Islands, County Kerry
Skellig Michael has a small, but pivotal, role in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This is the site where Rey locates the missing Luke Skywalker. When you visit the island, wear good walking shoes. The ancient monastic site sits upon a steep path of 500 stone steps. While here, you’ll discover the ruins of a Christian monastery, a late-medieval church, and ancient distinctive beehive-shaped huts, known as clocháns. The Skellig Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site of Outstanding Universal Value. On nearby Valencia island, attend the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre for the history and heritage of Skellig.
The Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
The Star Wars crew arrived in Sybil Head, Ballyferriter, on the Dingle Peninsula, and they built beehive huts like the ones on Skellig Michael. With its scenic walking trails plus hidden coastal nooks and caves, Sybil Head is a great place to feel the wind in your hair and get away from it all. Once declared “the most beautiful place on earth,” by National Geographic, the Star Wars cast and crew were so charmed by the Dingle Peninsula, and its people, that local school children were treated to a visit from Chewbacca. The children repaid Chewie’s kindness by playing a rendition of the Star Wars theme on their tin whistles. Dingle is a picturesque town with great live music and fabulous pubs. Enjoy!
Loop Head, County Clare
The spectacular cliffs at Loop Head in County Clare grabbed the interest of Star Wars location scouts; they informed the local tourist board that a movie called ‘Star Bears’ would be filming in the area. Get on a bike, take a hike, or explore the Loop Head Heritage Trail. Head to Loop Head’s lighthouse for stunning Irish views.
Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal
The last stop on your tour of Ireland’s Star Wars filming locations is Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head, on the Inishowen Peninsula. Here, the Star Wars cast and crew filmed at Hell’s Hole. This wild and dangerous ravine is carved into the surrounding rocks by wild Atlantic waves. Follow in the footsteps of Mark Hamill and visit Farren’s, Ireland’s most northerly bar, which has a Yoda mural and a notice from the management that strictly forbids any and all use of the ‘Force’ on the premises!
If you love the Star Wars films, a trip to Ireland should be on your bucket list. You’ll not only see the stars in the landscape, you’ll see them in the Irish people from one end of the country to the other.
If you love movies, talk to your Destination Expert about the locations that would be grand for your Ireland itinerary.
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