Mark HamillTwitter
Star Wars fans will be out in force on March 17th: Iconic actor Mark Hamill will be returning to Ireland to join in the St. Patrick's Day festivities with President Michael D. Higgins.
Ireland`s Minister for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciaran Cannon, revealed the news that Hamill will be the first International Guest of Honor at the St. Patrick`s Day Festival in Dublin.
He noted that he was "delighted" to host the actor, particularly due to his Irish heritage.
"I am especially delighted to learn that he is a distant son of the Irish diaspora, with links to both Kilkenny and Donegal," Cannon stated.
Mark Hamill, famous internationally for his career defining role as Luke Skywalker, also took to Twitter to share the news.
And I am delighted to return to the beautiful Emerald Isle to spend St. Patrick's Day with the people of Ireland at the Festival & meet your President! Also a rare opportunity to indulge in a mug of delicious green milk. 🇮🇪☘️ https://t.co/aePeuiQgDd
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) March 12, 2018
"The fact that an actor of such international renown would lend his name to the most important event in our national calendar is, I believe, both a tribute to the regard in which the Irish are held across the globe and also to how Irish heritage is of innate significance to people," Minister Cannon stated.
mark hamill coming to dublin for st patricks day is actually making me consider going to the parade
— oyanne (@heyholtzmann) March 12, 2018
OH MY GODDDDDDD MARK HAMILL IS COMING TO DUBLIN FOR ST PATRICKS DAY AND IS GONNA BE IN THE PARADE!!!!!!!!
— 𝔠𝔥𝔩𝔬𝔢 (@jedimasterdaisy) March 12, 2018
@HamillHimself Sir iv just found out you will be in Ireland for St.Patricks day, if you fancy a pint of the best black stuff and a bag of tayto, me and my mates will look after you. Guinness and chats are a cert. #MarkHamill
— joey smith (@Joeysmith2013J) March 12, 2018
"It proves too that our national festival is a unifying force for the diaspora across the world, whether they are Irish born or of Irish ancestry," he concluded.
Along with rubbing shoulders with President Michael D. Higgins, Hamill will also join actor Liam Cunningham, who is leading the parade this year.
Hamill has made no secret of his love for Ireland. He previously promoted the Wild Atlantic Way in a Tourism Ireland`s Star Wars campaign.
Read More: Mark Hamill lends his voice to promote the 'force of Ireland'
Read More: Star Wars' Mark Hamill thought Irish island was "out of this world"
It's been a big month for the 66-year-old actor. Just last week, the California native received his star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Someone get that mug of green milk ready!