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!

In May 2016, a Gold Tier standard of International Dark Sky Park was awarded to Mayo Dark Sky Park at Wild Nephin National Park.

This May Bank Holiday weekend we’d like to invite you to celebrate this momentous achievement by attending one of the many celebratory events we are hosting!

Kicking off on Saturday the 2nd May in The W Cinema Westport at 2.30pm, where Irish engineer and Space Reporter, Dr. Niamh Shaw will present her talk “Reflections on Artemis II”

This is a free event but booking is required, simply follow the link below!

On Sunday the 3rd May, join us in the Ballycroy Visitor Centre from 11am where Dr. Shaw will give another talk on “Space and Sustainability”

Our resident artist, Louise Beer, will have her film pieces on display throughout the day.

And finally, also in the Visitor Centre, we will have our Special Launch Event for our Community Constellations project at 4pm followed by our official Birthday Reception

On Monday the 4th May, the team in Ballycroy will once again be welcoming you in at 11am for a talk “Art in the Park” followed by Louise Beer’s talk “Earth, a Cosmic Spectacle” at 1pm.

Throughout Sunday and Monday, our Planetarium, The Pale Blue Dot, will also be active, with Rok Nezic from the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium doing shows at 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 15:00, and 15:30 both days!

All events are family friendly and free to attend! Hope to see you all there!

Other Blog Posts

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.

Festival Highlights

A photo gallery from the Mayo Dark Sky Festival and an invitation to share your feedback ahead of the 2026 anniversary festival.

Festival Finale

Over 250 people joined the lantern parade across Newport Viaduct before gathering for a powerful closing performance by Kíla at St Patrick’s Church.

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