A large structure that forms part of the set in Donegal

It's not often good weather hampers anything in Ireland, but it looks like Sunday's sun played havoc with filming Star Wars episode 8 in Donegal.

Filmmakers were hoping for some atmospheric (and characteristic) rain and gloom at Malin Head on Sunday but instead got blue skies and nary a cloud nor drop of moisture.

The Examiner reports that up to 20 water tankers were drafted in to provide the rain required for the scenes being shot at the Wild Atlantic Way hotspot.

Cast members including Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver were snapped arriving at Belfast International Airport on Friday head of the shoot.

Expand Close Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) pictured as Star Wars cast members arrive at Belfast International Airport on Friday Morning. They are due to film Star Wars Episode VIII at Malin Head in Co Donegal. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker / Facebook

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Whatsapp Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) pictured as Star Wars cast members arrive at Belfast International Airport on Friday Morning. They are due to film Star Wars Episode VIII at Malin Head in Co Donegal. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Locals spotted the Millennium Falcon, which sparked a lot of interest with locals and fans, many of whom have been travelling to Donegal to try to catch a glimpse.

The production is reportedly heading south to Cork Airport today ahead of fliming in locations in West Cork and Kerry over the next 10 days.

Sorry I couldn't stay longer @SunnyMalinHead! Forgot 2 order a #GuinnessToGo but sadly I have 2 work in the morning https://t.co/Ytu7XCQ0Rb — Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) May 16, 2016

The production is scheduled to shoot first at Brow Head in West Cork before filming at the Ceann Sibeal headland in Kerry.

Both areas come under no-fly zone directives from the Irish Aviation Authority to stop drones flying overhead.

Hamill waved to fans at Belfast Airport and has been replying to tweets from fans on Twitter all weekend.

Last year Skellig Michael - a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Ring of Kerry on the west coast - featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and was centre stage in the first teaser trailer of episode eight which will release next year.

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Online Editors