International Dark Sky Week, which takes place from 2 to 8 April is, as its name suggests, a global affair, organised annually by the International Dark Sky Association. This year our programme features culture, nature and of course astronomy with 3 flagship events and something for all the family to enjoy;
Dé Céadaoin, 3 Aibreán – Ionad Cuairteoirí Bhaile Chruaich |Pháirc Náisiúnta Néifinne Fiáine
Réalteolaíocht do Thosaitheoirí. (1pm & 8pm)
Cuirfear an t-imeacht seo i láthair le meascán de Ghaeilge agus de Bhéarla. Taispeánfar duit conas na réada réalteolaíochta mór le rá a aimsiú sa spéir. Tá fáilte roimh dhaoine de gach aois.
Wednesday 3rd April – Ballycroy visitor Centre – Wild Nephin National Park
Astronomy for Beginners (1pm & 8pm)
This show will be delivered with a mix of Irish and English and will show how to find famous objects in the sky. All ages welcomed.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JbW6vLZRQKiXrKs57
Thursday 4th April – Hotel Newport – Mayo
The Amazing Swift – Reversing the Decline – Talk by Lynda Huxley of Swift Conservation Ireland
The Swift population in Ireland has seen a dramatic decline in last 30 years. Over the past 12 years the voluntary group, Swift Conservation Mayo, has been establishing nest box projects throughout the county and we are now seeing an increase in our breeding population.
The extent of this recovery will be measured in 2024 through a county-wide survey.
Lynda’s presentation will explore the life of the Amazing Swifts and will explain the conservation strategy and how everyone can help. As a dark sky project we were delighted to work with Swift Conservation Mayo to deliver dark sky friendly initiative at Saint Patrick’s Church in Newport – a hugely important nesting site, previously under threat from light pollution.
Saturday 6th April – Ballycroy visitor Centre – Wild Nephin National Park
Visual Astronomy Under Dark Skies
Visual Astronomy Under Dark Skies with Ronan Newman at 8pm
Join Ronan Newman for an experience of astronomy under dark skies. Ronan is the founder of Irish Astronomy Week and a passionate astronomer. Based in county Mayo he is a regular observer of the night skies and brings buckets of knowledge and enthusiasm to share with all you budding astronomers, stargazers and moon gazers!
General / Mayo Dark Sky Park info:
Georgia MacMillan
Mayo Dark Sky Park Development Officer/IRC Employment Based PhD Scholar
in partnership with NPWS and NUI Galway