The Skellig Ring, a 30km drive off the Ring of Kerry, has been named by travel guide publisher Lonely Planet as one of the top ten regions in the world to visit in 2017.
The route is the gateway to Sceilg Mhichíl, which features in the closing scenes of the Star Wars Episode VII movie, and is expected to feature extensively in the sequel due for release next year.
The publisher recommends ten countries, ten cities, ten regions and ten value destinations every year.
Saying it is "Perhaps Ireland's most charismatically wild and emerald stretch of coastline", Lonely Planet has listed the Skellig Ring as number ten in its recommended regions for 2017.
The Ring of Kerry has always been a magnet for tourists, but the shorter Skellig Ring travels narrower paths, suitable for vehicles no bigger than a car.
Sceilg Mhichíl, with its 6th Century monastic settlement, An Sceilg Bheag, with a 50,000-strong gannet colony, and picturesque villages are highlights of what Lonely Planet describes as the Skellig Ring Region.
But visitor numbers have always been restricted by the area's remoteness.
Exposure through the Star Wars movies is expected to drive tourist numbers from next year, with Lonely Planet advising early booking to ensure "unmissable experiences".
The "Best in Travel" collection by @lonelyplanet has named the #SkelligRing in #Kerry as one of the world's top regions to visit. @rtenews pic.twitter.com/SY1zei5Dgi
— Paschal Sheehy (@PaschalSheehy) October 25, 2016
