The Wild Atlantic Way was already one of Ireland's most well-known tourist draws.
But then Luke Skywalker came to town.
Now the world is falling further head-over-heels in love for this spectacular coastal trail in Ireland after seeing it featured in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
And Mark Hamill was so enamored with his experience on the Wild Atlantic Way that he has appeared in a humorous video promoting the region produced by Visit Ireland. In the short film, he divulges to travelers how they too can "escape the Dark Side".
The clip funnily features many noises and filming nuances that Star Wars fans will be more than familiar with, like screen-wipe transitions, robotic sound effects and even the unmistakable sound of Chewbacca's signature snarl.
You can check out the video by clicking here.
This isn't the Wild Atlantic Way's first go at being a "galaxy far, far away", as the island of Skellig Michael made an appearance in the final moments of the 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The craggy UNESCO-listed island plays a much larger role in this latest film, however, as it is the precise place where Rey (Daisy Ridley) finally tracks down the exiled Luke Skywalker.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Blazing Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way[/READMORE]
Long before they arrived though, this pointy rock off the coast of County Kerry had been a favorite of very adventurous travelers.
I think it's safe to say with those numbers are about to swell.
Thinking of joining their ranks? Since it is continually being thrashed by the harsh elements of the Atlantic Ocean, Skellig Michael is only accessible by organized boat tour. These vessels only operate seasonally-summer and autumn-and journeys are always "weather permitting."
The number of people visiting the island is limited, so it is definitely necessary to book in advance.
While you won't run into Rey & Luke on the island, you will spot scores of seabirds. Fascinatingly, remote Skellig Michael was once home to a mysterious ancient monastery, and while the island has been abandoned for approximately 1,000 years, the "beehive huts" that were built by the monks still stand.
[READMORE]READ MORE: How to See Ireland's Most Unique Tourism Destinations [/READMORE]
These huts are featured in the movie-even though they were re-created in another equally stunning location on the mainland called Sybil Head.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi isn't the only recent production to choose the untamed beauty of the British Isles as a backdrop.
Game of Thrones has almost single-handedly put Northern Ireland on the tourist map-with fans causing so much hubbub that one famous road had to be closed to traffic. Harry Potter repeatedly showed off the sweeping landscapes and breathtaking train journeys of Scotland as well.
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