Happy May 4th, Star Wars fans! To celebrate the legendary franchise - and all the tourism it brought to our fair aisle - we're checking out the top four destinations for all you Han Solo lovers.
1. Skellig Michael
Settled by monks well over a millennium ago, Skellig Michael is home to a monastery, a large oratory, St. Michael's Church, the Monk's graveyard and over a hundred stone crosses of varying sizes.
Only accessible by boat, this UNESCO World Heritage Site looks like something out of a movie... which is probably why it was chosen to feature in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Anyone with a fear of heights or reduced mobility may want to skip this trip as it takes approximately 600 steps to reach the summit – some 218 metres (714 feet) high.
Even poor Mark Hamil had a tough time of it, he told Vanity Fair that he had to take multiple breaks getting to his set. While the crew were given 45 minutes to reach the location, Hamill was given 90.
2. Malin Head
Venture north to Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal to see why the Star Wars: The Last Jedi team brought the Millennium Falcon to the Wild Atlantic Way.
All dressed up and Malin Head to go ;-) pic.twitter.com/MPnqFfSwo8
— Farren's Bar (@FarrensBar) August 7, 2016
OK, full disclosure, the Millennium Falcon may have been a replica but Luke Skywalker himself did spend time in Farren's pub. The local spot went all out for their famous guests with a Yoda mural and 'strictly no use of the force' signs.
No using there force there now sir!! #Empire #StarWars #malinhead #Inishowen #Donegal pic.twitter.com/DbBPHd9uHo
— Farren's Bar (@FarrensBar) May 12, 2016
Their decoration was so welcoming that a local stormtrooper even strolled in for a game of pool.
Leonard's losing again! #StarWars #malinhead #Inishowen @JohnjMcGettigan @SunnyMalinHead pic.twitter.com/GTrsT2PKH0
— Farren's Bar (@FarrensBar) May 12, 2016
3. Loop Head
The Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare is drop dead gorgeous. In the trailer for The Last Jedi (below), you can see Rey, the lead character, standing in the amphitheatre at Loop Head.
If you're in the mood for a road trip, why not check out the stunning Peninsula Drive on the west end of Kilkee and, while you're at it, take a tour of the famous Loop Head Lighthouse which was closed to the public during filming.
4. Ceann Sibéal
While Skellig Michael proved to be a jaw-dropping location to film at, it came with a number of preservation restrictions that led the crew to recreate it's historical beehive huts on Ceann Sibéal in Co. Kerry.
This change of scenery meant that Mark Hamill could skip all those pesky steps, plus the cast were able to spend some down time in the beautiful town of Dingle.
How I will miss IRELAND! Its' Beauty-Its' People-It's...Snack Food (#MagnificentMillie on alert for #Ep8DietPolice) pic.twitter.com/klCpbGLQ7w
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) May 25, 2016
