Tourism Ireland have just released a 'behind the scenes' film where Star Wars director JJ Abrams explains why they chose to film on Skellig Michael, just off the coast of Kerry.
Firstly, I'll try to avoid spoilers but seriously if you haven't seen 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' yet then what is wrong with you!? Go see it now, quit your job, catch a matinee! Anyway... as I'm sure most people are aware, JJ Abrams and crew were given special permission to film a scene for The Force Awakens on Skellig Michael which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located off the coast of Kerry, along the Wild Atlantic Way.
In the video below the man himself and other crew members discuss how they became aware of the Skellig islands and why they had to film there. They cite the beauty of the islands and how they had to find somewhere "from another time and place". If you have seen the film you know that it looks spectacular on screen and forms part of a short yet pivotal and climactic scene. The result of this brief filming is going to be a huge tourism boost for the region as one of Ireland's best kept secrets is thrust into a truly international spotlight as The Force Awakens shatters Box Office records both domestically in the USA and worldwide.
Take a look at the video here:
Via: Tourism Ireland's dedicated Skellig Islands / Star Wars page on their international tourism site, Ireland.com
