30 Oct - 1 Nov 2026
Experience the Skies: Mayo Dark Sky Festival
Three nights under the stars — with astronomy, culture, music & nature in Newport, Mulranny & Ballycroy.
Celebrating 10 Years of Mayo Dark Sky Festival
The Mayo Dark Sky Festival is a three-day celebration of our pristine night skies and proud winner of the Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach’s Award for Best Festival 2025. From Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, join us in Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy for stargazing, expert talks, guided walks, planetarium shows, live music and inspiring night-sky experiences for all ages.
The Mayo Dark Sky Festival is a three-day celebration of Ireland’s pristine night skies. From Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, join us across Newport, Mulranny & Ballycroy to explore astronomy, biodiversity, culture, and the magic of darkness.
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2026 Festival Programme
Discover the full line-up for the Mayo Dark Sky Festival 2026, taking place from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November across Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy. This year’s programme celebrates the theme of connection — between sky and earth, science and art, community and cosmos.
Whether you’re here for the astronomy, the music, or simply the magic of the night, you’ll find something inspiring in every corner of the festival.
This year’s programme celebrates the theme of connection — between sky and earth, science and art, community and cosmos.
Meet Our Speakers and Creators
From astronomers and ecologists to sound artists and storytellers, our lineup includes voices exploring the intersection of science, nature and culture. Browse their profiles below to discover who will guide your journey into the night.
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Dame Jocelyn Bell-Burnell
Pioneering astrophysicist whose remarkable career has changed both astronomy and the world of science.
Michael Chambers
Bringing the stories, wildlife and hidden history of the Nephin Beg Mountains to life.
Darragh Ennis
Irish entomologist, neuroscientist, professional quizzer, and television personality
Seamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta
Connemara musicians celebrated for their distinctive arrangements and close harmonies
Bettymaya Foott
Bringing together lighting design, conservation and a lifelong love of dark skies
Marjolijn van Heemstra
Bringing a cosmic perspective to how we see our planet and the night.
Declan Holmes
Helping bring science to life while championing sustainable lighting in Mayo.
Stephen Kershaw
Founder of KTec Telescopes, making astronomy and astrophotography accessible to everyone
Jack L
One of Ireland’s most distinctive and compelling performers, renowned for ability to make every song entirely his own.
Kate MacAney
Bat conservationist and lifelong advocate for Ireland’s nocturnal wildlife and the dark skies they depend upon.
Ella McSweeney
Award-winning journalist exploring food, farming, science and the environment.
Tom Meskell
Creating spectacular lantern sculptures that bring people together through art and light.
Marina Mulligan
Conservation biologist exploring the connections between wildlife, people, place and dark skies.
James O’Neill
Researching the hidden lives of Woodcock and Red Grouse in the Irish landscape.
Andrea Parisi
Listening to our landscapes to better understand and protect their wildlife.
Richard Sabin
Marine mammal expert uncovering the remarkable stories hidden within museum collections.
Dr. Niall Smith
Co-founder of Blackrock Castle Observatory and a leading voice in Irish space science.
Plan Your Visit
Maps & Links
Everything you need to navigate, explore, and plan your perfect Mayo visit.
Shuttle Bus Service
Scheduled free shuttle routes will connect Newport, Mulranny & Ballycroy.
Explore Mayo
Uncover Mayo’s wild landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Mayo’s Dark Sky Communities
Learn more about Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy, host villages for the Mayo Dark Sky Festival.
Stargazing
Locations, guidance, and tips for safe and enjoyable stargazing experiences in and around Mayo Dark Sky Park.
Real experiences under the stars
This was a wonderful festival. Everyone involved was extremely helpful and the price was so reasonable. I enjoyed all the events I went to and the lantern walk and concert were awesome.
Margaret O’Connor
Mayo Dark Sky Festival is a must do on my annual calendar. From the first one I attended in 2017, to the one just gone, I’ve never come away without learning something or meeting new people. What really stands out for me is the warmth of the community. Organizers, experts, and local volunteers create an atmosphere that’s welcoming, educational, and genuinely fun. It’s my annual pilgrimage to Mayo!
Adrian Nolan
As a lone attendee I really appreciated the kindness and friendliness. Wild Nephin is a very long drive for me but it was stunning. After the long drive on Friday it was great to hop on the courtesy bus – which was also great craic! Thanks for a fantastic festival
Annette Skade
I enjoyed the festival very much. My main interest is in the astronomy end but I like the way you broaden it to include music and art.
Angela O’Connell
This is a such a well run and inclusive festival. The attention to detail is brilliant. Thank you to everyone involved in the organising and managing of this festival as it is genuinely a highlight of our year. See you in 2026 for the 10 year anniversary. Can’t wait already.
Paula Douglas
Lovely mix of free and paid for events. Very family friendly and excellent value for money.
Michelle Finnerty
Great community event that was able to address the interests of the entire family and was fun and sociable
Kevin
What I appreciated was how art, music, photos, poetry was all connected with getting across the need to appreciate DarkSkies and to incorporate that vibe in teaching the necessity of the Dark Sky and preventing light pollution.”
Patricia Kinney
Your Journey Under the Stars Awaits
The Mayo Dark Sky Festival is more than an event — it’s an invitation to pause, look up, and reconnect with the universe above.
Recent News
Happy Birthday Mayo Dark Sky Park!
This May Bank Holiday weekend we'd like to invite you to celebrate Mayo Dark Sky Park's 10th birthday by attending one of the many events we are hosting!
Mayo Dark Sky Festival Speaker Leads Breakthrough Planet Discovery
Galway astronomer Chloe Lawlor discovers young gas giant WISPIT 2c, revealing new insights into planetary formation and evolution.
Mayo Dark Sky Festival Wins 2025 Tourism Award
The festival received the Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach’s Award for Best Tourism Festival, recognising a decade of community collaboration celebrating Mayo’s dark skies.
