Find out more about Mayo's Dark Skies

Mayo International Dark Sky Park is right on our doorstep - in fact, Newport is the gateway town to the darkest public viewing area in Ireland (Letterkeen Bothy in Wild Nephin National Park)

Anyone interested in finding out more about our natural unpolluted skies should take full advantage of the week of FREE events planned as Mayo's contribution to International Dark Sky Week.

Events take place all week from 22 to 30 April at 8pm each evening, in venues including BALLYCROY, Inishturk, Geesala, Castlebar, Achill, Westport House, MULRANNY ARTS CENTRE, Clare Island and HOTEL NEWPORT.

Derek Dempsey, founder of Newport Astronomy Club, will give two inter-related talks during the week -

• AN INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY, Thursday 28 April 8pm in Mulranny Arts Centre

• A TOUR OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM, Saturday 30 April 8pm in Hotel Newport

All talks are free, but you should register in advance on https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/friends-of-mayo-dark-skies-10915187184