Stargazing in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland offers enormous stargazing potential with low levels of light pollution away from the larger urban areas. One highlight is arguably the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Davagh Forest, a fabulous facility in a region awarded Dark Sky Park status from the International Dark-Sky Association. The region also has numerous dark sky discovery sites and several active astronomy clubs and societies, all of whom are enthusiastic in public outreach.



Stargazing events in Northern Ireland

  • Irish Astronomical Association monthly meeting

    Wednesday 20th March 2024 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm

    Queen's University - Belfast, Belfast, BT9 6BD

    More info
  • Junior AstronOMy Club (Christmas Special)

    Monday 25th March 2024 from 13:00pm to 14:00pm

    OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Cookstown, BT79 8JH

    More info
  • AstronOMy Club at OM Dark Sky Observatory

    Friday 29th March 2024 from 19:30pm to 20:30pm

    OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Cookstown, BT79 8JH

    More info
  • Junior AstronOMy Club

    Sunday 31st March 2024 from 13:00pm to 14:00pm

    OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Cookstown, BT79 8JH

    More info
  • Irish Astronomical Association monthly meeting

    Wednesday 3rd April 2024 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm

    Queen's University - Belfast, Belfast, BT9 6BD

    More info
  • Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society lecture meeting

    Monday 8th April 2024 from 20:00pm to 21:30pm

    Ballyclare High School, Ballyclare, BT39 9HJ

    More info
  • Irish Astronomical Association monthly meeting

    Wednesday 17th April 2024 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm

    Queen's University - Belfast, Belfast, BT9 6BD

    More info
  • AstronOMy Club at OM Dark Sky Observatory

    Friday 26th April 2024 from 19:30pm to 20:30pm

    OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Cookstown, BT79 8JH

    More info
  • Junior AstronOMy Club

    Sunday 28th April 2024 from 13:00pm to 14:00pm

    OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Cookstown, BT79 8JH

    More info
  • Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society lecture meeting

    Wednesday 15th May 2024 from 20:00pm to 21:30pm

    Ballyclare High School, Ballyclare, BT39 9HJ

    More info

Stargazing locations in Northern Ireland

  • Altarichard Forest Car Park

    Altarichard Road, Magherahoney, County Antrim

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

    College Hill, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DB

    Observatory, Planetarium

    More info
  • Beaghmore Stone Circles

    Blackrock Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9PB

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Benone Beach

    Sea Coast Road, Downhill, County Londonderry, BT51 4SD

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Burr Point – Ballyhalbert

    Ballyhalbert, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 1BT

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Carrick-a-Rede – National Trust

    Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6LS

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Divis and Black Mountain National Trust Car Park

    Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Killylane Reservoir

    Shanes Hill Road, Kilwaughter, County Antrim, BT40

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Murlough Bay Car Park – County Antrim

    Murlough Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6RG

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

    Davagh Forest, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT79 8JH

    Dark Sky Discovery Site, Observatory

    More info

Stargazing accommodation in Northern Ireland

  • Manor View Bed & Breakfast – Cookstown

    Cookstown, Kildress, County Tyrone, BT80 9RS

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Sperrinview Glamping

    71 Blackrock Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9PA

    Stay & Gaze

    More info