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May the fourth be with you! ‘Star Wars Day’ highlights Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way
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YESTERDAY (May 4) is commonly known as “Star Wars Day” – a special day of celebration for fans of the science fiction franchise everywhere. Tourism Ireland took advantage of this unofficial Star Wars holiday, giving an extra promotional push to its recently launched ‘behind-the-scenes’ Star Wars film.
Using #MayThe4thBeWithYou, Tourism Ireland joined the online conversation to promote its specially commissioned film via Twitter and Facebook in ten different countries – including Britain, the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand. May 4th is the date chosen by fans to celebrate Star Wars because of the easy pun on the famous catchphrase “May the Force be with you” (“May the Fourth be with you”) to declare their love of the franchise.
Over the 24-hour period, Tourism Ireland targeted Star Wars fans through its social media channels – reminding them of the film’s connection with Kerry and Ireland – with messages like:
· Luke speaks! Hear what he said about that Irish island from #StarWars The Force Awakens
· Happy #StarWars Day! Get behind the scenes in Ireland with Luke, Rey and more
· May the 4th be with YOU! Go behind the scenes of #StarWars in Ireland with Luke and more!
Tourism Ireland commissioned LucasFilm to create its special “behind-the-scenes” film during the filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Skellig Michael in 2014. In the film, Star Wars actors, director JJ Abrams and other crew members discuss why they chose this special location for filming. It has already been viewed on YouTube and Facebook more than two million times.
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been breaking box office records everywhere and Tourism Ireland continues to capitalise on all of the positive exposure, highlighting the Star Wars connection with Ireland and bringing the magnificent scenery of Skellig Michael and the Wild Atlantic Way to the attention of millions of people around the world.”
View the behind-the-scenes film below...
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Pictured above: Harrison Ford attends the Star Wars: The Force Awakens fan event at Sydney Opera House. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Walt Disney Studios
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Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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