Discover Ireland’s Premier
May the 4th
Sci-Fi Film Festival
The May The 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival was launched in 2023 as a natural evolution of the May The 4th celebrations that had taken place across the Skellig Coast since 2019. Born from the excitement and global attention sparked by the filming of the Star Wars franchise on the iconic Skellig Islands.
As interest grew, transforming the event into a dedicated Sci-Fi and Fantasy film festival, the only one of its kind in Ireland, felt like the perfect next step. Local organisers wanted to keep the spark of creativity ignited by these films alive, embracing the community’s newfound connection to imaginative storytelling.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Skellig Coast and supported by warm, welcoming locals, the festival offers independent filmmakers an inspiring setting to experience, celebrate, and showcase the very best in Sci-Fi and Fantasy films.
It is a point of pride for this historic area, where the first transatlantic cable was laid and global communications began, to now also serve as a home for the Jedi universe and as a creative hub for filmmakers from around the world. Here, stories cross galaxies, genres, and generations.
Festival
Essentials 2026
Join us for three extraordinary days from May 2-4, 2026 (Friday through Sunday) in the picturesque village of Portmagee, County Kerry. The festival unfolds across multiple venues, with the iconic Portmagee Domes hosting our vibrant Comic-Con experience and the Community Centre serving as our main cinema hub. The weekend culminates in our spectacular Gala Awards Ceremony at The Royal Hotel on Valentia Island, where we celebrate excellence in independent sci-fi filmmaking against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
What to Expect
- 75+ Independent Films from around the world
- Comic-Con with vendors, cosplay, and special guests
- Gala Awards Ceremony at The Royal Hotel, Valentia
- Stormtrooper Patrols and character meet & greets
- Family Activities including LEGO Corner and Face Painting
- 360° Star Wars Video experience in Cinema Dome
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about tickets, travel, accommodation, and making the most of your festival experience. From practical details about parking and venue access to tips on the best local restaurants and when to book your stay, our comprehensive FAQ section has you covered.
Meet the Team
Get to know the passionate people who bring this sci-fi spectacular to life every year, from our founding directors John Murphy and David Byrne to our dedicated crew and army of volunteers. Learn about the vision, hard work, and love of cinema that drives our festival forward.
Previous Events
Browse through our collection of photos and videos from past festivals—witness the incredible costumes, packed screenings, celebrity appearances, and those magical moments when fiction becomes reality. See why attendees return year after year to be part of something extraordinary.
Become a Volunteer
Join our festival family and be part of the magic behind the scenes! We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with everything from guest services to event coordination. It’s a fantastic way to experience the festival from a unique perspective while making lifelong friends.
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