Mayo Dark Sky Park to celebrate 10 years with ‘Wild and Dark’ festival

A major celebration is planned this May as Mayo Dark Sky Park marks its 10th anniversary with a special “Wild and Dark” weekend of events.

Taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend from May 2 to 4, 2026, the festival will span locations in Westport and Ballycroy, celebrating a decade since the park was awarded Gold Tier International Dark Sky status.

A headline event will be held at Westport Cinema on Saturday, May 2. The event will feature renowned space communicator Dr Niamh Shaw, who will deliver a talk on Artemis II mission - a key step in humanity’s planned return to the Moon.

Drawing on her experience covering global space missions, Dr Shaw will explore the significance of Artemis II and highlight the importance of preserving dark skies on Earth for scientific discovery.

The cinema event will also include a look back at the park’s achievements over the past decade, alongside the launch of a new website and promotional video for the Mayo Dark Sky Festival.

Celebrations will then move to Ballycroy, with a packed programme of family-friendly events at the local visitor and community centres. Activities will include planetarium shows, science talks, creative workshops, music, dance and interactive performances.

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A highlight of the weekend will be the unveiling of a new “Community Constellations for Dark Skies” icon, presented by Youthreach Ballina during a special reception on Sunday.

Located within Wild Nephin National Park, Mayo Dark Sky Park has become an internationally recognised leader in dark sky protection and sustainable tourism over the past decade.

Mayo Dark Sky Park Development Officer Georgia MacMillan said the milestone reflects years of collaboration and community effort.

“In ten years, Mayo Dark Sky Park has become an internationally recognised leader in dark sky protection,” she said. “This weekend belongs to the volunteers, community groups and stakeholders whose work continues to protect our night skies.”

All events across the weekend are free to attend, with booking required for the Westport cinema event.

The anniversary celebration will highlight Mayo’s growing reputation as a destination for eco-tourism, science engagement and cultural experiences rooted in its unique natural landscape.

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