"Sceilg Mhichil (Skellig Michael) is one of our most dramatic and beautiful islands and it is very easy to understand why its stunning scenery has caught the attention of the makers of one of the world's biggest film franchises," said government official Heather Humphreys in a statement. "The return of Star Wars to Sceilg Mhichil is another win for Ireland and the Irish film industry, which is a growing and dynamic sector of our economy."

Humphreys added: "Specialist staff from my Department have been in discussions with Lucasfilm since March of this year in relation to a limited amount of filming, expected to last two to four days."

Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII to follow this December's Star Wars: The Force Awakens in using the location. J.J. Abrams's revival of the space opera franchise filmed there last year. The agreement, initially reported by RTE, will allow's Star Wars: Episode VIII to follow this December's Star Wars: The Force Awakens in using the location.'s revival of the space opera franchise filmed there last year.