Ireland’s Star Wars connection

Several regions in Ireland were used as filming locations for individual scenes in Star Wars films. They have of course become popular since the films were released but well worth a visit.

One of the most notable locations is Skellig Michael, a small rocky island off the coast of County Kerry, which was used as the location for the planet Ahch-To in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”

Another location used in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” was Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland, located in County Donegal. The crew also filmed scenes on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry.

Additionally, scenes for “Star Wars: Episode VIII” were also shot at Loop Head, County Clare, and Ceann Sibeal, County Kerry.

The Skellig Islands are now a UNESCO World Heritage site meaning it is a protected locale. It’s actually an ancient monastic site perched upon a steep 500 stone step path. While here, you’ll discover the ruins of a Christian monastery, a late-medieval church, and ancient distinctive beehive-shaped huts, known as clocháns. Clocháns, also known as beehive huts or dry stone huts, are ancient stone structures found in various places around Ireland. They are made entirely of stone without the use of mortar and were constructed by piling up stones in a circular shape to create a domed roof. These were used as dwellings, storage spaces, or animal shelters, and some of them date back to prehistoric times.