Director J.J. Abrams shot some of his movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens here in Ireland, and the intergalactic franchise has returned to these shores for the next sequel.

After a lot of back and forth between the film companies, the Irish Tourism Board and several online outlets, finally LucasFilm's hand was forced when Entertainment Weekly reported that The Force Awakens was filming reshoots off the coast of Kerry.

Instead, LucasFilm have confirmed that they will be heading back to Skellig Michael over the course of September to shoot scenes for Episode VIII on the protected archaeological and wildlife sites on the island, filming in and around a small monastery that has been abandoned since the 12th Century.

Star Wars: Episode VIII is set for release on May 26th 2017, but before then we'll be greeted by The Force Awakens, which will arrive in Irish cinemas on December 17th this year, a day ahead of the U.S.