Since 2016, Mayo has celebrated its internationally recognised unpolluted skies with a 3 day annual festival. Hosted by the towns of Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy, which surround Mayo Dark Sky Park, this is a family friendly festival that offers talks, walks, exhibitions, workshops and musical performances, all based on themes of science, culture and biodiversity. Children go free to all events.

Something we all took for granted in our childhoods - viewing a starlit sky and our Milky Way galaxy - is now a rarity, but the west coast of Ireland is one place where you can still experience the magic of a natural dark sky.

The 2024 festival will include a seashore safari, free planetarium shows, and even a talk on the science of Star Trek!