Astro-tourism is all about travelling to see unpolluted views of the cosmos and as a result, Ireland has become a bucket list destination for stargazing
When life feels overwhelming, there is nothing better than looking up to the stars and realising how vast the universe is and how tiny our lives are in comparison. And as more people learn about the magic to be found in the night sky, it’s no surprise that astro-tourism has become one of the biggest travel trends for 2025.
This is good news for those of us living in Ireland. Not only has our small island produced some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, it’s also home to places that showcase the brightest stars from stunning dark sky reserves.
If you’ve always loved the idea of stargazing but never got around to it, March is a fantastic month to fully embrace this hobby as it is set to be packed with astro activity. Throughout the month, there will be a lunar eclipse on 14 March as the moon enters the earth’s shadow, and a partial solar eclipse on 29 March, which will block out 30-40% of the late morning sun (from approximately 10am-12pm).
Stargazing in Northern Ireland
One of the best places to be for world-class views of the these breathtaking events is Northern Ireland, thanks to its remote landscapes and northern latitudes. Here are a few options to get you started, depending on where you live:
Observatory in Co Armagh
In Armagh, you’ll find one of Ireland’s leading centres for astronomical research, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, where you can sit back, relax and experience the wonders of the universe in the planetarium’s digital full dome theatre, or walk around its 14-acre Astropark.
The landscaped grounds feature two trails, ‘Cosmo, Lost in Space’ which takes children on an AR eco-journey and the ‘Astropark Journey’ trail which allows people to discover more about Armagh’s rich astronomical research, how to use the human sundial and find objects in the Observatory building.
Where to see the stars in Co Tyrone
In Tyrone, astro tourists are invited to take a journey through time and space at Northern Ireland’s international Dark Sky Park – OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. With one of the darkest skies in Northern Ireland, this centre in Davagh Forest provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the night sky through holographic installations, virtual reality headsets and bespoke evening audio-visual shows.
For an experience with a difference, try the luxurious pods at Sperrin View Glamping that allow you to stargaze from the comfort of your bed, or take in incredible views at Finn Lough in Co Fermanagh and Cromore Retreat in Co Antrim.
Professor Alan Fitzsimmons of Queens University is an expert in the field of asteroid and cometary science and says Northern Ireland has some amazing star-gazing locations. “Away from its larger urban areas, Northern Ireland has very low levels of light pollution, numerous dark sky discovery sites and several fantastic active astronomy clubs and societies,” he said.
“It’s the perfect place to witness the great planetary alignment and both the lunar and solar eclipse that are set to take place this month.”
Stargazing in Ireland
In the Republic of Ireland there are several great options to enjoy the night sky. Particularly counties Kerry and Mayo, which came second and fourth, respectively, in the top 10 of Europe’s Best Stargazing Spots in a recent study. Our dark sky parks and reserve have also achieved gold tier status from the International Dark Sky Association.
Mayo Dark Sky Park
On a clear night in Mayo, you can see thousands of shining stars, along with other planets, The Milky Way and even meteor showers with the naked eye.
Nestled between the remote Nephin Mountain Range and the wild Atlantic coastline, the Mayo Dark Sky Park extends across an area of 150 square km. Its borders encompass the lands of Wild Nephin National Park and Ballycroy National Park which becomes the Dark Sky Park at night. There are three signature viewing sites for you to choose from. The darkest accessible site is the Brogan Carroll Bothy, which is located on the eastern side of the park. This remote and stunning location offers visitors a range of walking loops from the Letterkeen trail head car park. Click here for more information on how to visit.
Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve
For an unforgettable stargazing experience, it doesn’t get much better than the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. Thanks to the exceptional lack of light pollution, this location gives you the opportunity to see star constellations as your ancestors would have.
The reserve is a public access area covering most of South Kerry (700 square km including Caherdaniel, Dromid, Waterville, The Glen, Ballinskelligs, Kells/Foilmore, Portmagee, Cahersiveen and Valentia Island) so you are free to stargaze at your leisure without constraint and do not need to hire a guide. However, if you would like a guide, there are stargazing experiences available, most of which last about 90 minutes. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth noting that this Dark Sky Reserve is on the Atlantic Seaboard so stargazing weather is not predictable more than about 24 hours in advance. Click here for more information or to book a guided service.
