A road in Ireland has been renamed the R2D2 in tribute to one of Star Wars’ most famous characters.
New signs were unveiled on what was the R242 near Malin Head in Co Donegal to mark the location where scenes from the most recent instalment of the franchise, The Last Jedi, were filmed.
The name change on a road that runs through the scenic Inishowen peninsula has been approved by Donegal County Council.
It was initially agreed on a temporary basis but the switch is now set to become permanent.
“It is so simple, because we had the R242 and just the one letter change and you’ve captured Star Wars and one of the famous characters in Star Wars – R2D2,” he said.
The signage has been erected ahead of Inishowen’s first May The Fourth festival next month.
. @Failte_Ireland has unveiled with Minister @McHughJoeTD programme of events for #Maythe4thBeWithYou #festival on the @wildatlanticway in #Donegal’s #Inishowen #Peninsula to celebrate the day when fans across the globe commemorate the #StarWars Universe. https://t.co/RCMDWoJYDz pic.twitter.com/aZSSzxL7Rb
— Fáilte Ireland (@Failte_Ireland) April 15, 2019
Star Wars events are held around the world on May 4 – due to the date sounding like the phrase synonymous with the movies, May The Force Be With You.
The three day event in Inishowen will celebrate the area’s links with the franchise.
The rocky island of Skellig Michael off the coast of Co Kerry provided backdrops for the Last Jedi and the Force Awakens.
Kerry already started its own May The Fourth festival last year.
Star Wars superfans Adrian Hanna and his son Jack, from Downpatrick, Co Down, who are members of re-enactment group the 501 Legion Ireland Garrison, brought their home-made R2D2 droid as the special guest.
Irish education minister Joe McHugh, a TD for Co Donegal, formally cut the ribbon at the ceremony.
“Now we have the possibility of having an annual event here and it’s very much community focused as well.”
Tourism promotion body, Failte Ireland, has announced details of the festival programme on Inishowen.
It includes a Star Wars themed 3km Fun Run, Yoda Yoga on the beach and outdoor drive-in movie screenings.
