Tourism Ireland anticipating boost from Ireland's association with Star Wars

Tourism bosses are hoping the new Star Wars movie filmed in Ireland will turn into a major draw for international visitors.

'Star Wars - The Force Awakens' spent several days recording scenes on Skellig Micheal off the coast of Kerry.

Environmentalists criticised the use of the world heritage site, which is home to native seabirds, but a report by the National Parks and Wildlife Service claimed there had been no adverse impact.

The movie is due to open here before Christmas and the trailer has already clocked up more than 130 million views.

Tourism Ireland's CEO Niall Gibbons says he is happy Ireland will be linked to the Star Wars brand.

He said: "It's the most anticipated film in history, as we know some of it has been filmed on Skellig Micheal, but the opportunity to associate the Ireland brand with the Star Wars brand is something that is going to be good for all of us.

"We've seen previous successes with the HBO and Game of Thrones, particularly in Northern Ireland where we achieved over €30m of advertising value from a very small investment.

"So we are particularly excited to be associated with one of the biggest brands from a film perspective."