May The Fourth Festival
(Wild Atlantic Way)
May 3-5
Co. Kerry & Co. Donegal
Wildatlanticway.com/may-the-4th
Marking that most momentous of days in the Star Wars lovers’ calendar, the ‘May the 4th Be With You Festival’ makes its much-anticipated return to both ends of the Wild Atlantic Way this summer. Two of Star Wars’ most recent instalments were filmed in Ireland, so what better approach to celebrating the Star Wars legacy than a trip to the marvellous coastal towns of Kerry or Donegal?
From 3rd-5th May, a brilliant cornucopia of events for all-ages takes place. Down south, in Portmagee, fans can visit the home base for cast and crew when they shot on the historic Skellig Island; go on a Star Wars Adventure Trail; do a Skellig Island Eco Tours boat tour; or get a spot of Jedi Training in Ballyferriter; meanwhile, in atmospheric Malin Head, on the Inishowen Peninsula, you can see brilliant fireworks displays, at the most northerly tip of Ireland; go Star-gazing in the Planetarium; join the Jedi Cadets Academy (well, if you’re under 8!) – and so much more.

• While You’re in the Area
Kerry – (Portmagee / Valencia): Take the kids to the Skellig Chocolate Factory (the chocolate is superb); drop in to The Skellig Experience; and take a boat trip to Skellig Michael, and climb to the monastic site 200 metres above the sea.
In Portmagee, The Fisherman’s Bar & Skellig Restaurant serves great seafood – and an excellent pint. Passing through Killorglin, stop at Zest Café for delicious home-made food.
Donegal: A walk on Five Finger Strand in Malin Head is essential: the views are breath-taking. Check out the Inishowen Maritime Museum in Greencastle; while there, enjoy lunch or dinner in Kealy’s Seafood Bar. Make sure to swing by Buncrana – take a stroll in Swan Park or have a swim at Lisfannon Strand. The “most Northerly bakery and coffee shop” Banba’s Crown on Malin Head is a must-try. McGrory’s Hotel in Culdaff is a great spot from which to explore the area.

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