First Cape Clear Dark Skies Weekend takes place 24th – 26th of May

When and where is it on?

Cape Clear Dark Skies Weekend runs from Friday 24th of May to Sunday 26th of May inclusive on Cape Clear Island. Cape Clear Island is Ireland’s southernmost inhabited Gaeltacht island, 3 miles long by 1 mile wide, and lies 8 miles off the coast of West Cork.

How many years has it been going?

This will be the first event for Cape Clear Dark Skies, with an aim to register the island as an official Dark Skies Community and make it an annual event on the Cape Clear Calendar.

What was the inspiration to start it?

Cape Clear is a remote gaeltacht island, being eight miles off the coast of West Cork, and three miles east of the famous Fastnet Rock Lighthouse.  It is renowned for its wild romantic scenery, its sparkling harbours, its cliffs, bogs and lake which all contribute to its unspoilt charm. The proximity of the island to the continental shelf makes it the foremost centre for bird watching in Ireland. Whales, leatherback turtles, sunfish, dolphins and sharks can be spotted in the waters surrounding the island every year. The peaceful and relaxing nature of the island contributes to a heightened awareness of nature to those that visit the island. Due to its unique location it is not affected as much as other areas by light pollution, and so is an ideal location for any beginning or avid star gazer to come and enjoy the delights of the night sky!

What exciting things can people look forward to?

The weekend will give those attending a range of activities to choose from. The night time activities will include Star Walks. These will inform those who attend on how to identify planets and stars with the naked eye in the night sky. People will learn about new discoveries in space, the International Space Station, the planets, stars, moon and the importance of the night sky on the tradition and culture of Gaeltacht areas. People will be enabled to learn about nocturnal animals and mythology and the stars during these late evening walks. Those with an interest in learning about night photography will also have the opportunity to join with other photographers for a late night guided photography session.

The day time will allow the visitors to choose from a range of activities that will be available; Bird Ringing (attachment of a small, individually numbered metal or plastic tags to the leg or wing of a wild bird to enable individual identification), Ecology walks, History walks in both English and Irish, the Heritage Centre and the amazing StarDome from Blackrock Observatory

Who will be speaking?

Speakers at the event will include:

Dr Niall Smith- Head of Research in CIT and Head of Blackrock Castle Observatory

Dr Paddy Sleeman – Researcher School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences UCC

Dr Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh- Lecturer Department of Modern Irish UCC

Dr. Geoff Oliver Ecologist and Island Wildlife expert

Steve Wing Cape Clear Bird Warden

Aedin Cosgrove Co Artistic Director, PanPan Theatre

Cian Walsh, Nightskies photography expert

What tips would you give to people attending to get the most out of it?

It would be beneficial for those attending to inform themselves about what is available on the island before arriving. See more on the website here.

A list of accommodation that is available on the island can be found on the webpage for the event

It is important for those who are attending to arrive early on the Friday and get settled in. The ferry timetable is available here

Attendance at the initial meeting on Friday night is important so that people will be informed about what is available and where it is available during the weekend.

It is also important to like or follow the Facebook page and Twitter page to keep up to date with any updates on the weekend.

How can people book tickets?

Tickets are available online for a reduced price of 15€  at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/cape-clear-dark-skies-tickets-61111372761

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