Star Wars in Ireland Filming Locations: Visitor Guide

Every single Star Wars fan in the world knows that Ireland became the place for filming Star Wars movies. Star Wars in Ireland included filming of Episode VII “The Force Awakens” (2015), Star Wars Episode VIII “The Last Jedi” (2017) and Star Wars Episode IX “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019), all of these movies star key locations in Ireland as the backdrops to the Star Wars universe.

When Lucasfilm scouts first laid eyes on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, they discovered a landscape that seemed designed by nature for Star Wars. From ancient monastic islands to towering cliffs that pierce the Atlantic sky, Ireland’s western coast has become hallowed ground for fans of the franchise. This comprehensive guide covers every filming location, behind-the-scenes detail, and essential visitor information for your 2025 Star Wars pilgrimage to Ireland.

The dramatic Irish coastline served as the backdrop for three consecutive Star Wars films: Episode VII The Force Awakens (2015), Episode VIII The Last Jedi (2017), and Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Each location was carefully chosen to bring the mysterious planet of AHCH-TO to life, creating a seamless blend of Earth’s natural wonders and the Star Wars universe.

Skellig Michael: The Sacred Heart of AHCH-TO

Rising 218 meters above the churning Atlantic, Skellig Michael has stood as a testament to human determination for over 1,400 years. The UNESCO World Heritage site, with its ancient monastery and 600 hand-carved steps, provided the perfect setting for Luke Skywalker’s exile and the location of the first Jedi temple. The site’s spiritual history as a place of meditation and isolation perfectly mirrored Luke’s journey.

Filming Details

Rey’s first encounter with Luke

The lightsaber toss

Luke’s meditation sequences

Porgs’ introduction (added to mask native puffins)

Malin Head: Where the Millennium Falcon Found Rest

Ireland’s northernmost point, Malin Head in County Donegal, embodies the raw, untamed spirit of AHCH-TO. The natural chasm known as Hell’s Hole served as the perfect landing site for the Millennium Falcon, while the surrounding windswept grasslands provided ideal training grounds for Rey’s character development.

Specific Sites:

Hell’s Hole (Millennium Falcon landing site)

Bamba’s Crown (Rey’s training ground)

Esky Bay (Rey’s running scene)

Visitor Facilities:

• Parking: €5 daily
• Visitor Center hours: 9:00-18:00 (April-September)
• Guided tours: €35 per person
• Local Star Wars-themed pubs and restaurants

Loop Head: Rey’s Contemplative Haven

The peninsula’s dramatic cliffs and sweeping coastal views created the backdrop for some of The Last Jedi’s most introspective moments. The natural amphitheater of the cliffs provided perfect acoustics for filming, while the wild Atlantic created the perfect atmosphere for Rey’s character development.

Dunmore Head: The Legendary Thala-siren Scene

As Ireland’s westernmost point, Dunmore Head on the Dingle Peninsula provided two iconic sequences: Luke’s controversial thala-siren milking scene and the submerged X-Wing fighter revelation. The location’s unique geological formations required minimal set dressing to create an alien landscape.

Sybil Head: The Ancient Jedi Temple Site

The location served as part of Luke Skywalker’s exile planet, Ahch-To. The production team built beehive-shaped stone huts there to match the ancient structures found on Skellig Michael, making it a convincing double for scenes that couldn’t be filmed on the more environmentally sensitive Skellig Michael.

The scenes filmed there were primarily focused on the Jedi temple settlement where Luke Skywalker had chosen to live in exile. The dramatic coastal cliffs and rugged landscape of Sybil Head provided the perfect backdrop for these important sequences in the film.

May the 4th Be With You Festival 2025/26

The May 4th Star Wars festival in Ireland, celebrated as “Star Wars Day” (a playful nod to the famous phrase “May the Force be with you”), brings together fans of the iconic saga for a day of themed fun. Events often include movie marathons, cosplay competitions, and trivia contests at cinemas, comic book stores, and fan meetups. The Festival hosts lightsaber workshops, gaming tournaments, and special exhibitions featuring Star Wars memorabilia. Pubs and cafés might offer themed drinks and snacks, while some larger events feature guest appearances from actors, prop displays, or even charity fundraisers for fan-favorite causes.

Ticket Options and Packages

Standard Tickets:

• Day Pass: €25
• Full Festival Pass: €60
• VIP Experience: €120
• Family Package: €150

Practical Travel Information

Car Rental: Generally speaking the best way to reach these spots will be to rent a car.

Location-Specific Photography Tips

Skellig Michael:

Golden Hours: 06:00-07:30 and 19:30-21:00 (summer)

Best viewpoints:

Monastery steps (early morning)

Christ’s Saddle (midday)

Beehive huts (late afternoon)

Weather considerations:

Sea spray protection

Wind stabilization

Fog opportunities

Malin Head:

Dawn shots of Hell’s Hole

Northern Lights opportunities (September-March)

Millennium Falcon site angles

Long exposure seascapes

Loop Head:

• Cliff edge compositions
• Wave action sequences
• Sunset positioning
• Weather drama shots

Where to stay in Kerry

There is a lot taking place in Kerry around Portmagee and I would recommend if you are looking for a great place to eat and to stay check out The Moorings. They’ve been voted Munster’s best gastro pub with fantastic local seafood offerings. The rooms are newly refurbished and in the pub, there is live music.

 On Valentia Island, the best recommendation is the 200-year-old family-run Royal Hotel Valentia which has the Royal Bar and Restaurant for some lovely local cuisine. The hotel has amazing views of the Iveragh Peninsula, Valentia Harbour and the Portmagee Channel and its rooms are also newly refurbished.

 Apparently, they take food and drink very seriously on Valentia and while you have the Royal Hotel restaurant, which comes, highly recommended you can also check out the Valentia Island website, which has several places to choose from.

The Ceann Sibéal Hotel is a small family-run hotel that comes highly recommended in Ballyferriter. It’s full of local artwork and has some of the most stunning views in the area. They have a terrific pub and restaurant where you can enjoy traditional music and every February they host a traditional Irish music festival called “Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh”

Skellig Island Eco Tours

For the princely sum of €40, you can take a tour of the Islands from the waters. These eco-tours will sail from Portmagee Marina, depending on the weather. This boat tour circles both Islands and you get up close to Skellig Michael and the small Skelligs to see both the wildlife and the historical sites.

The landing tour departs Portmagee marina in the morning at approximately 8:30 am arriving back at the marina in the afternoon around 2 pm.  

May the force be with you / / Go mbeidh an fórsa leat

Take on some Jedi Training, learn about the stars, experience virtual reality, and take part in guided walks to explore the Star Wars filming locations. There’s torchlight storytelling, stargazing, cruises around the Star Wars coastline, virtual reality experiences and much more. 

In County Donegal, Malin Head is the place to be. It’s a bit of a drive from Kerry but well worth the trip.

Where to stay in Malin Head

You will really be able to see Donegal’s motto “it’s different up here”.  In Malin Head, you will want to stay at the Ballyliffen Lodge and Spa Hotel which is superb.  Spectacular views over Malin Head and located a short drive away from Ireland’s most famous golf course Ballyliffen Golf Club, the Lodge is ideally suited for a little luxury during your stay for the Festival.

In Ballyliffen, you need to grab a bite at Nancy’s Barn it’s located in a converted barn and has won many awards not the least of which is one for its brilliant seafood chowder.

You must check out Cafe Banba, which is Ireland’s most northerly bakery and coffee shop. A family-run business they have two coffee vans, which can be found at Banba’s Crown and Ballyhillion.

The Star Wars phenomenon in Ireland is a testament to the power of fandom and how one series can bring people together. It has also inspired an industry of merchandise, events, and fan clubs that have become a part of Irish culture. While the original trilogy may no longer be as popular today, its impact on Irish society remains strong. With each new movie release, there is sure to be another wave of excitement from those who call themselves Star Wars fans in Ireland.

Ireland’s Star Wars locations offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience both cinematic history and natural beauty. With proper planning, respect for the environment, and attention to safety, visitors can fully immerse themselves in these iconic filming locations while creating their own memorable experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Note: All information, prices, and schedules are current as of April 2025. Please verify details before traveling

How are you celebrating May the 4th be with you?

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Slán go fóill! (Goodbye for now!)

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