We were thrilled and delighted when Éanna Ní Lahmna, renowned botanist and broadcaster, confirmed she would be speaking at our festival 2-4 November. Éanna will be talking about nocturnal animals. Some of these animals have adapted to be supremely able to manage - such as owls and bats who function much better in the dark. Some of these are out at night because it too dangerous for them during the day from us humans - animals such as foxes, badgers,deer, hedgehogs. Then there

On Saturday 18th August at 12 noon, Derek Dempsey, Chairman of Newport Astronomy Club, will be unlocking the night sky on the Silver Screen in Westport Cinema. Introducing newcomers to the basic concepts in astronomy, Derek will show you how to identify the starry constellations over a familiar Mayo landscape. In addition during this event: Festival Director, Fiona Hopkins, will be giving you a sneak preview of our fantastic NEW programme for Mayo Dark Sky Festival 2-4 Nov

Well, our speakers for the 2018 festival are coming together nicely, and we're delighted with the range of people coming along 2-4 November. A great mix of ages, topics and expertise. Keep a close eye on the website for regular updates on the festival as we will be confirming new speakers and events all the time! (Find out more about them on our SPEAKERS page) #news #2018

Nice mention of our Dark Sky Festival... #news #press

Thanks to Fáilte Ireland for listing our Mayo Dark Sky Festival on their beautiful Wild Atlantic Way website! #news #press

We have set the date for our 2018 festival! Keep the 2nd to 4th of November free and watch this space as we plan our best festival yet! (or better still join our mailing list) We'll keep you posted as we sign up speakers and organise events in Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy for third MAYO DARK SKY FESTIVAL (in the meantime please excuse our website which will still show details of the 2017 festival) #news

Just a small selection of photos from this year's festival! #news

As weather conditions show no sign of improving, we will cancel tonight's stargazing session at Burrishoole Abbey If weather improves tomorrow we will reschedule for then - keep an eye on this website and our facebook page #news

Online booking for all talks and workshops closed at 9pm this evening. It will still be possible to attend most talks in Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy as we did not make all seats available online, so come along to any talks you wish to attend and we will do our very best to accommodate you! The exception is the Gala Dinner for which we simply cannot accept bookings at the door as we have to give final numbers to the hotel on Friday morning, so we are keeping that event ope

For those of you still considering your options, we would strongly recommend that you pre-book your tickets before travelling to the festival. Online booking will close TOMORROW EVENING THURSDAY 26th OCTOBER at 9pm Booking online means you can … Pay for your tickets by credit card – we have no mechanism for handling credit or debit card sales at the venues Guarantee your place at events with limited capacity (some events already fully booked out) Book tickets for multiple ven