About Astronomy Ireland
Astronomy Ireland is the National Astronomy Club of Ireland (both North and South)
Astronomy Ireland is the largest national astronomy club in the world relative to population and we publish a full-colour 48-page magazine that is posted directly to members every month. Founded in 1990, in 20 years Astronomy Ireland has grown to over 12,000 members in 2010. Our aim is to promote astronomy, space interest and education in Ireland. We achieve this aim by holding talks, lectures, observing sessions and other events nationwide, and through our magazine, Astronomy & Space. The magazine includes, amongst other things, news, letters, book reviews, reader's photo gallery and details on what to see in the sky during the month. Membership also entitles you to concession rate admittance to our public lectures. In addition, members can attend telescope nights on clear Friday and Saturday evenings. You do not need to own a telescope to be a member, everybody is welcome to join. We also run Astronomy Classes for Beginners twice per year in various locations throughout the country. Members are also entitled to a discount on the course fee.
In addition, we also produce and present a weekly Astronomy news radio show on 103.2 Dublin City FM. This goes out live every Tuesday evening at 8.00pm and is also available for download anywhere in the world. Our nationwide public Watches are also popular so keep checking this website and the newsletter that members receive with their magazine for details of the next event.
Other activities include organised trips to Armagh planetarium. The club, like many others, relies heavily on the work of volunteers for its continued success and survival and our main fundraising event of the year is our Barbeque Under The Stars or Star-B-Q held in the dark skies of Co. Wicklow.
If you are not already a member we would love to welcome you on board. We also welcome your suggestions and feedback on the website and on our efforts to promote astronomy and science throughout the whole country.
Telescopes, books and accessories can be bought from the Astronomy Shop (including Ireland's biggest telescope showrooms). There is also a telephone news service updated weekly - in Ireland, phone 1550-111-442, or in the U.K. or Northern Ireland, phone 09001 88 1950.
