Tourism Ireland has curated a list of the top spots for stargazing in the country, as it reports a recent spike in public interest in space, fuelled by major US missions.
On the Wild Atlantic Way, Mayo Dark Sky Park is known as one of the best places in the world to stargaze, it says. If possible, have clients attend the annual autumn Dark Sky Festival 30 Oct–01 Nov, which boasts a program of guided stargazing sessions, talks from experts, planetarium shows, and walking tours. See HERE.
Also highlighted is Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, which can be explored via guided tours with Kerry Dark Sky Tourism. Tourism Ireland recommends the After Dark Archaeology tour, which takes in prehistoric sites and explores the mythology surrounding them. Find it HERE.
Combining stargazing and history is Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery in County Meath, home to a group of Neolithic passage tombs, at least two of which were built to align with sunrise at the spring and autumn equinoxes. Tourism Ireland recommends exploring via the guided tour from Loughcrew Megalithic Centre. Check it out HERE.
Family-friendly and an all-weather option is the Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, an internationally renowned centre for astronomical research and education. Highlights here include a 360-degree digital theatre, an interactive indoor exhibition area and an outdoor Astropark. Find details HERE.
There’s also Birr Castle Demesne & Historic Science Centre, the castle is home to what was once the world’s largest telescope, while the science centre boasts seven galleries exploring early photography, engineering, and astronomy. See HERE.
