Malin Head – as captured by Ronan McLaughlin
WE told you last October that STAR WARS was coming to Donegal – and there was more speculation last week.
Now the producers of Star Wars have finally confirmed tonight they are returning to Ireland this year to shoot scenes for the next film in the blockbuster series – at Malin Head.
Lucasfilm is preparing to film sequences for Star Wars: Episode VIII in May at the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, where contractors are installing a 1.5km metal roadway to facilitate the transport of gear and crew.
Plans are also underway to film at Malin Head in Donegal, where a number of B&Bs and rental homes have already been booked out for the production for May.
The chief executive of the Irish Film Board, James Hickey, said it was “delighted to welcome the production of Star Wars: Episode VIII to some of our most spectacular locations along the Wild Atlantic Way”.
Candice Campos, vice-president of physical production at Lucasfilm, said the company was “thrilled” to return to Ireland to film several sequences for the next chapter in the Star Wars saga.
“We want to thank the people of Ireland for their warm welcome and continued support. Ireland has become an important part of Star Wars history,” she said tonight.
Joe McHugh, junior minister who has been kept abreast of developments, told us: “I knew when Donegal Daily reported this last autumn but I was sworn to secrecy and wanted to make sure everything was sorted out.
“This is a massive boost to Donegal and to Donegal tourism. This isn’t just about the film crew bed nights this summer, it’s also about the massive following of the Star Wars franchise and getting them to come to Donegal to see where it was filmed.
“I am so pleased or everyone involved in tourism in Inishowen and the county generally. It’s a boost to the Wild Atlantic Way in a week when a new hotel has opened in Dunfanaghy and another will open outside Dungloe.”
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys said: “We have already seen how the most recent Star Wars film has brought Sceilg Mhichíl and southwest Kerry to a global audience. Now, further locations around the Irish coast will experience similar exposure, providing untold benefits to the tourism and film sectors.”
Star Wars: Episode VIII is set for worldwide release on December 15th, 2017.
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