Mayo Dark Skies at the heart of Irish Astronomy Week 2026

From Saturday, March 20 to Saturday, March 28, the eyes of the nation will turn skyward as Irish Astronomy Week 2026 unfolds under the theme “Connecting Communities through the Cosmos,” with a particular significance for Mayo.

With more than 80 events planned across the four provinces, the annual celebration of Ireland’s night skies continues to grow in scale and ambition.

Not only is Mayo home to the internationally recognised Mayo International Dark Sky Park — one of the few gold-tier dark sky parks in the world — but the national movement itself is coordinated from Claremorris by its founder, Ronan Newman.

What began in 2022 as a passion project for Newman, who has been fascinated by the cosmos since the age of eight, has since become a key fixture in Ireland’s cultural and scientific calendar.

A county steeped in the Cosmos

Mayo’s naturally dark skies offer a rare window into the universe, largely untouched by the levels of light pollution seen across much of Europe. Throughout the week, events across the county aim to bridge the gap between complex astrophysics and the simple wonder of looking up at a star-filled sky.

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The local programme includes a diverse mix of talks, community gatherings, guided walks and family-friendly experiences.

The week begins on Friday, March 20 at 7pm at the SOLAS Visitor Centre, where Ronan Newman will present “Northern Lights over Mayo: Chasing the Aurora on Ireland’s Atlantic Edge.” The talk will explore the science and spectacle of aurora sightings along Mayo’s coastline.

Community interest in astronomy continues to grow, reflected in the reformation of the Louisburgh Astronomy Club, which will host a meeting in the town hall on Monday, March 23. Organisers say it offers a welcoming space for beginners and seasoned stargazers alike.

On Tuesday, March 24 at 6pm, Newman continues his county tour with “Mayo after Dark: In Pursuit of the Aurora Borealis” at Claremorris Library, focusing on aurora chasing in South Mayo.

Throughout the week, guided night sky walks will take place within the Mayo International Dark Sky Park, giving participants an immersive experience beneath some of the darkest skies in Ireland. Advance booking is required.

Photography enthusiasts are also catered for. On Saturday, March 28 at 2pm, Achill Library will host “Where Land Meets Stars: Photographing Achill’s Night Sky,” led by acclaimed landscape photographer Davy Patton, who will share techniques for capturing Achill’s dramatic coastal skies after dark.

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Families can round off the week at Ballycroy Community Centre on Saturday, March 28, where the “Pale Blue Dot” mobile planetarium will deliver interactive shows throughout the afternoon, hosted by the Mayo Dark Sky Park team.

Protecting a natural heritage

While the week celebrates the beauty of the cosmos, organisers stress its deeper purpose — raising awareness about the importance of protecting Ireland’s dark sky heritage.

As urban expansion and artificial lighting continue to grow, clear views of the Milky Way and aurora displays are becoming increasingly rare. Irish Astronomy Week encourages communities to consider how simple measures, such as reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting, can help preserve this shared natural resource.

Residents across Mayo are being encouraged to step outside at least once during the week, switch off outdoor lights, and take a moment to look up.

Have access to full details of events in Mayo and nationwide here.

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