Why Ireland is a Great Destination for Stargazing
Stargazing is one of the finest experiences one can have, and luckily for all of us Ireland is one of the clearest skies in Europe for stargazing due to its low light pollution and designated dark-sky areas. Across the island there are several remote locations where the night sky appears in its full glory, free from the interference of urban lighting. Autumn and Winter are traditionally the best months for getting out and looking up as the skies are at their clearest, while the nights are longer.
Irish Astronomy Week
With this in mind, Irish Astronomy Week is just around the corner and for those eager to deepen their stargazing knowledge, these 7 days provide a distinct opportunity to get out and engage in something new! We’ve compiled some of the highlights here, including
“Celtic Rock: Chasing Asteroids from Ireland” – Takes place on the 6th of March in Saint Colman’s Church, Gort, Co. Galway. Speaker Dave McDonald takes you through a whistlestop tour of the solar system and puts asteroids into context, McDonald himself discovered an asteroid in 2008, only the second ever to discovered from Ireland!
“Capturing the Cosmos – Exploring the Night Sky through Astrophotography” – 8th March 2025 at Drogheda Library, Co. Louth – Marty McCormack is one of the countries leading deep sky astrophotographers and will lead an amazing exploration of deep space photography.
“The Ocean Moons of our Solar System” –6th March 2025 in Bunclody, Co. Wexford will be led by John Hackett, Chairperson of the South East Astronomy Club.
What’s happening a bit closer to home in the Rebel County? You’ve got a few options but one of the highlights has to be “Out of the Darkness” taking place at the Cobh Library on March 1st, this is an astrophotography talk given by Cian Ryan and is a totally free event.
For a full list of events, visit the Irish Astronomy Week Facebook page.
Adventures at The Lagoon
Before you head out on a night of stargazing, you could take a day trip to The Lagoon Activity Centre nestled in the heart of West Cork, a perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life before you engage in a night of stargazing!
Want to enjoy the tranquil waters and scenic surroundings of the Lagoon in Rosscarberry? Why not check out our kayaks and paddleboards, meaning you can drink in the beauty of nature at your own pace. If you’re looking for something a little more high octane, we’ve got a fantastic water obstacle course available too!
The Lagoon Activity Centre provides the perfect prelude to an evening of astronomical wonders.
Best Practices for Beginner Stargazers
If you are new to stargazing, we’d recommend starting with binoculars instead of a telescope. They are more affordable, easier to use and provide a wide field of view for locating celestial objects. Once you’re comfortable navigating the night sky, consider investing in a telescope for a closer look at planets and galaxies.
From here you should start to familiarise yourself with key formations like Orion, the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia. Being able to spot each exact formation will make each stargazing session more exciting.
Astronomy apps like SkyView, Star Walk and Stellarium can enhance your experience. These apps provide interactive star maps and real-time navigation, helping beginners easily locate celestial objects. They are a great tool for both planning and exploring the night sky.
Checking weather conditions beforehand is crucial. Clear skies with minimal cloud coverage and low light pollution provide the best visibility. Choose rural areas, nature reserves or dark-sky locations for an immersive stargazing experience. Proper planning ensures a successful and enjoyable night under the stars.
Top Stargazing Spots in Ireland
After a day at The Lagoon, venture to these top stargazing locations:
Ballydehob, Co. Cork – A charming village with minimal light pollution, offering excellent sky views.
Mizen Head, Co. Cork – Ireland’s most southwesterly point, boasting a remote and dark sky environment.
Lough Hyne, Co. Cork – A marine lake surrounded by hills, providing a naturally dark location perfect for stargazing.
For more stargazing spots, check out this guide.
Plan Your Stargazing Adventure
Experience the best of Ireland’s outdoors by spending a day at The Lagoon Activity Center and searching for stars in the sky in the evening. Adventure now and explore the night sky like never before!
