Nestled along Ireland’s rugged western coastline, the unassuming village of Portmagee is transforming—quite literally—into a portal to a galaxy far, far away. This picturesque hamlet on the Skellig Coast of Co. Kerry, along with neighboring Valentia Island, will soon host an ambitious celebration of sci-fi and fantasy that’s generating buzz among Star Wars enthusiasts worldwide.
The festival’s timing is no coincidence, aligning perfectly with May 4th—the unofficial Star Wars Day that fans recognize with the punny greeting, “May the Fourth be with you.” It’s a natural fit for a region whose dramatic landscapes served as a backdrop for recent Star Wars films, with the iconic Skellig Islands standing in as Luke Skywalker’s Jedi sanctuary.
What makes this gathering unique isn’t just its spectacular setting (though the craggy coastline and misty horizons certainly provide an otherworldly ambiance), but its blend of local culture with galactic fantasy. The festival runs from 2 May – 4 May 2025 and offers an immersive experience for sci-fi lovers of all ages. Visitors can explore live screenings in Portmagee and Valentia Island, peruse local arts and crafts with distinctly cosmic twists, or don costumes for Comic-Con style showcases that feel perfectly at home against this fairy-tale backdrop.
The festival culminates in an awards ceremony celebrating independent filmmaking—complete with a four-course dinner and after-party that brings together locals and visitors from across the universe (or at least, across the globe). It’s imagination served with a side of Irish hospitality.
For those unable to make the hyperspace jump to Ireland, interactive online components guarantee the festival’s reach extends well beyond Kerry’s shores. Digital screenings and virtual activities will connect Star Wars devotees worldwide to this remote corner of Earth that somehow feels like another planet. The event proudly stands as the only sci-fi festival in Ireland, offering a unique platform for both established and emerging filmmakers.
Dunmanway
Following the success of last year’s Feel the Force festival, they are delighted to announce the return of the festival for 2025. This year’s theme is Feel the Force Vs Superheroes & Villains, and it promises to be bigger and better! Visit Dunmanway over the June bank holiday weekend, 31 May- 1 June 2025.
Local businesses—from family-run B&Bs to cozy pubs—are preparing for an invasion of a different sort, as the festival promises economic opportunities alongside cultural exchange.
For a community accustomed to the ebb and flow of seasonal tourism, this celebration brings welcome energy—proof that sometimes, even the smallest villages can contain entire galaxies of possibility.
