A SCENIC stretch of road in Co Donegal has been renamed R2D2 in honour of the iconic Star Wars character.
Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray ‘used the force’ to propose Donegal County Council rename the R242 to R2D2 in reference to the beloved droid.
Murray works closely with tourism organisation Explore Inishowen and saw the name change as the perfect way to promote the region's ties to the franchise.
A variety of locations along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way featured in recent Star Wars outings The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens.
A pair of unusual hitchhikers spotted in Co Donegal today as the R4D2 at Malin was renamed the R2D2 in honour of the famous Star Wars droid. The name change was unveiled ahead of Inishowen’s inaugural ’May The Fourth’ festival to celebrate the area’s appearance in the Last Jedi. pic.twitter.com/m3sf7MgwFn
— David Young (@DavidYoungPA) April 15, 2019
The most notable of these was the rocky island of Skellig Michael off the coast of Co Kerry, which provided the setting for Luke Skywalker’s hideaway home in both films.
In a surprise turn of events previously reserved for “a galaxy far, far away” the Council approved the proposal.
Sci-fi fantasy has now become reality with the new R2D2 road sign unveiled ahead of nearby Inishowen’s inaugural ’May The Fourth’ festival.
The road name alteration was originally conceived as temporary change but Donegal County Council has since switched it make it a permanent one.
Scenes from today’s ceremony on Inishowen as the R242 was renamed the R2D2 - @McHughJoeTD cuts the ribbon while councillor @jackm440 - who first proposed idea - says “hopefully for a long time tourists will come to get their photo with the R2D2 sign & see the beautiful location”. pic.twitter.com/Q0X34XJdto
— David Young (@DavidYoungPA) April 15, 2019
The 'May the 4th Be With You Festival' will see events take place across county Kerry village, Portmagee and Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula from May 3rd to 5th.
"I suppose when you look at 'Games of Thrones' in Co Antrim... the benefits that they've reaped over there. 'Star Wars' is every bit as big as 'Games of Thrones' - so there's reason that we can't do the same as Inishowen.
“It's not imposing, it doesn't blight the landscape, it's not a permanent structure - it simply is one number being changed to a letter".
The Force is strong with this one.
