Star Wars at McGrory's  

 

In the Autumn of 2015 we were asked to reserve the entire hotel for two months, for a film project “Space Bears“! The only special request were that our award wining gastropub might stay open a little later each evening. Innocents that we are, we did not initially connect this with Star Wars. By Spring 2016, the word was out that Star Wars Episode VIII was being part filmed in Malin Head. Our movie world guests arrived and we happily accommodated the very hard working film crew who enjoyed our signature Inishowen chowder, Greencastle fish and chips and tasty Donegal steak. They to reported the weather was too good for their filming! The Malin Head shoot drew to a conclusion, this demanded a traditional blow out night to celebrate a magical experience: the Donegal Star Wars Wrap Party! The cast and crew had been dispersed around the peninsula and wanted the right venue for the final night’s farewell to Donegal party. The Star Wars crew and master climber Bren Whelan (who had a key role on the film location as safety specialist for Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill), alerted the Last Jedi Director Rian Johnson to the charms of McGrory’s Hotel and he, Daisy Ridley, and the cast and crew descended on a secrecy sworn McGrory’s. The Star Wars gang took over the Front Bar and participated in a typically boisterous Donegal hooley. Local band Tasty provides stellar musical accompaniment, even regaling the party with the classic Star Wars theme much to Rian Johnson and co’s amusement. Daisy Ridley and her colleagues danced into the wee small hours - leaving a cheery thank you note for the band members. signed: “yours forcefully, Daisy Ridley” and we also have a piece of the actual Millennium Falcon! which is now on display in the Front Bar.