2016 Festival
The first ever Mayo Dark Sky Festival was held in Newport County Mayo in October 2016. Over 300 delegates enjoyed the three days of talks, workshops and observing sessions. Speakers like Leo Enright, Nick James, Eamonn Ansbro and Norah Patten wowed their audiences on topics such as “One thousand years of Great Comets and Great Disappointments” and “Europe at Mars – Red hot news from the Red Planet”.
The festival also included lots of family friendly activities, including planetarium shows, science workshops and model rocket workshops.
Each night, visitors and locals alike got an opportunity to do some stargarzing at two great viewing spots – Letterkeen Bothy in the heart of the Dark Sky Park itself, and Burrishoole Abbey closer to home.
What a great weekend - we can't wait to do it all over again 27-29 October 2017!
(with thanks to Jason Bird and Ronan Newman for many of these photos)
