Star Wars will use Ireland as a filming location once again.

Lucasfilm, the American film production company responsible for Star Wars, have announced that the next instalment of the Sta Wars saga will be partly shot in the west of Ireland, as was the last one, The Force Awakens.

In a statement today, the Vice President of Physical Production at Lucasfilm said they are “thrilled to return to Ireland to film several sequences for the next chapter in the Star Wars saga.”

“The beauty of Skellig Michael in the final scene of The Force Awakens was stunning”, she continued, “ and we know the new locations along the Wild Atlantic Way will prove to be equally as beautiful in Star Wars: Episode VIII. We want to thank the people of Ireland for their warm welcome and continued support. Ireland has become an important part of Star Wars history.”

The Irish Film Board also issued a statement on the news.

“Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board is delighted to welcome the production of Star Wars Episode VIII to some of our most spectacular locations along the Wild Atlantic Way”, said Chief Executive James Hickey.

“The Irish film industry has experienced much success this year on the back of major international awards and nominations for Irish films Room and Brooklyn. We believe that having Star Wars Episode VIII film on location in Ireland will also help to build on this success, creating further opportunities and growth for the Irish film industry, resulting in increased levels of job creation, incoming tourists and foreign direct investment to Ireland."

Star Wars Episode VIII is being directed by Rian Johnson (‘Looper’) and sees actors Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver and Mark Hamill return along with new additions Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern.

Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson is also returning as the villainous General Hux.