A Sci Fi Festival on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way: May the 4th Festival Returns to Kerry
May The 4th Film Festival 2025 in County Kerry
Ireland’s only dedicated sci‑fi film festival returns to the spectacular Skellig Coast this May Bank Holiday weekend, 1 - 4 May 2026, bringing a blend of independent cinema, fan‑favourite experiences and coastal adventure to one of Ireland’s most cinematic landscapes.
Based in the colourful fishing village of Portmagee and on nearby Valentia Island, the May the 4th Sci‑Fi Film Festival invites international visitors to explore the dramatic scenery made famous on screen. The wider Skellig Coast region is renowned for its rugged Atlantic views, rich heritage and unforgettable vistas towards Skellig Michael, the UNESCO‑listed island featured in epic Star Wars films, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The larger of the two islands, Skellig Michael is located 13km off the Kerry coastline and is home to an ancient 6th century monastery at its summit, which can only be reached by climbing hundreds of stone steps, hand-carved into the rock.
At the heart of the festival is a curated programme of over 50 independent sci‑fi and fantasy film screenings, complemented by a lively Comic‑Con‑style experience at the Portmagee Domes — a striking, futuristic venue on the waterfront that also houses a whiskey distillery. The Domes will host premieres, fan events and immersive activities during the festival, including a 360‑degree Star Wars‑inspired virtual reality experience. Across the weekend, visitors can also enjoy a Star Wars parade, stormtrooper walkabouts and a lightsabre battle, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the village.
Other highlights include filmmaker networking sessions and a ticketed Gala Awards Dinner at The Royal Hotel on Valentia Island. With most events free to attend, the festival is an easy and memorable addition to a spring itinerary along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Cromwell Point Lighthouse, Valentia Island, Co Kerry
Blending world‑class scenery with creative programming and a warm local welcome, the May the 4th Sci‑Fi Film Festival offers a unique reason to visit Ireland in May — and an ideal base for discovering Kerry’s food, culture and outdoor adventures. Beyond the festival, the wider Skellig Coast offers even more for visitors to explore.
The Skellig Coast sits within Kerry’s and is home to many standout visitor experiences including the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre and the Valentia Island Lighthouse. For a different perspective on the landscape, Aqua Terra Boat Tours runs guided trips along the Skellig Coast, giving visitors the chance to experience its wildlife, sea cliffs and maritime heritage from the water.