Mayo Dark Sky Festival – Theme: Arts & Culture

Dark Sky Festival Collage

Astrophotography is the focus of our gallery exhibit at Ballycroy Visitor Centre, and we are delighted to welcome the return of Chasseurs de Nuits with the Award winning collection of works from the Photo Nightscape Competition. Chasseur de Nuits exhibition is kindly sponsored by the Embassy of France and joins the existing exhibition of talented astrophotographers Aisling McGuire and Josh Matthews. Aisling and Josh will be hosting a dedicated workshop in Ballycroy on Saturday 5th November.

We have plenty of live music over the weekend, our official opening evening (now sold out) will be accompanied by Patrick Dexter’s beautiful Cello and our closing event in Newport will feature the music of Dathanna after the Lantern Walk. Plus there’s live music and entertainment after dinner at our gala dinner on Saturday night in Mulranny Park Hotel.

Live illustration will capture many of the events at various locations with the skills and amazing artistry of Rae Goddard from Paraphrase.studio London.

If that wasn’t enough, Miracle Puppets will present a Silk Puppet workshop and Puppet Show on Sunday afternoon in Mulranny (places limited).

As design is a key part of our cultural rethink on lighting, we are thrilled to welcome award winning lighting designer Kerem Asfuroglu back to Newport to share the latest information on his beautiful designs for Newport’s after dark appearance and the Dark Sky Masterplan. Do take the opportunity to catch up with him in Newport on Sunday afternoon. ​

If all of that makes you hungry, then be sure to book yourself a place at the Gala Dinner on Saturday night (Mulranny Park Hotel). With some special guest speakers, after dinner entertainment and delightful G-Astronomy, it will be an evening not to be missed. 

Mayo Dark Sky Festival 2022 Poster
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