Final countdown as star-gazers’ dream project gets ready to open

An out-of-this-world project is nearing completion and will make Northern Ireland a world-class destination for constellation and planet seekers from around the globe, it has been predicted.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Aug 2020, 12:49 BST
Edwin Poots with manager of the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory Kirsty Gordon.Edwin Poots with manager of the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory Kirsty Gordon.
Edwin Poots with manager of the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory Kirsty Gordon.

Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots visited the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory – a jointly funded project between the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Mid Ulster Council.

The observatory is located deep in the Davagh Forest, where there is so little light pollution, it boasts one of the darkest skies in Ireland – making the stars and planets more visible when the conditions are right.

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Mr Poots said: “This is an exciting and truly unique project that will attract star-gazers from all over the world to seek out constellations and planets in super high-quality and using the latest technology. My Department allocated £500,000 towards the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, through the Rural Tourism Scheme which provides funding to invest tourism products that act as a key driver for encouraging rural tourism and out of state visitors.

“This project will appeal to the curious mind and those who want to explore what lies beyond the stars and what the eye can see. The centre-piece of the observatory is a star-gazing telescope which, during special events, will provide the opportunity to view the night sky without light pollution.

“When opened the centre will increase visitor numbers to the Sperrins and bring an economic boost for the area.”

Davagh Forest lies approximately 10 miles north of Cookstown and covers 1,500 hectares. It is sited close to the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Chair of the Council, Cathal Mallaghan, welcomed Minister Poots to the facility. He said: “Funding through the Rural Tourism Scheme has contributed enormously to the Council’s investment in creating what can only be described as a unique facility which showcases the amazingly dark skies at Davagh.

“I was pleased to welcome the Minister to OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory for a preview tour ahead of our opening this autumn and to experience first-hand what his Department’s financial support has helped to realise.”

The Davagh projects have been developed by Mid Ulster District Council through a Licence Agreement with Forest Service.

The Council vision for Davagh Forest is to develop a flagship visitor attraction within the Sperrins area which will attract visitors from within Northern Ireland and out of state which will contribute to the economic growth of the area.

Related topics:Edwin PootsNorthern IrelandCathal Mallaghan